Sep 27, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws during the first inning inning against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
8. Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals
Strasburg is something of an enigma this season. His health will forever be a concern and it’s unknown if he’ll even still be a member of the Nationals when the 2015 season gets underway.
What’s more important is whether or not he can “bounce back” from a frustrating season in which he finished with a 3.14 ERA and led all pitchers with 242 strikeouts. Strasburg has not lived up to the immense hype around him when he was first drafted by the Nationals, but he certainly hasn’t underperformed.
At 26 years old and another year removed from Tommy John surgery, he should only improve in 2015. For what team that improvement might come is more intriguing. Speculation is abound with rumors and potential fits for the right-handed fireballer. With Max Scherzer now in time, there is likely an odd man out in Washington and because of his age, talent, injury history and potential, Strasburg seems to be the favorite to get shipped out.