CLEVELAND, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Stephen Strasburg, the first player selected in this year's major league draft, led a slew of first-round picks who signed pro contracts.
The Washington Nationals reached a contract with Strasburg that various media reports pegged at more than $15 million for four years. The club didn't say how much it will pay the pitcher but if accurate, the amount would break the record $10.5 million the Chicago Cubs paid pitcher Mark Prior in 2001.
Strasburg, a 20-year-old who throws 100 mph-plus, went 13-1 with a 1.32 earned-run average in 15 starts this year for San Diego State. He struck out 195 batters, walked just 19 and was named the nation's top collegiate player.
Other first-round picks signed to major league deals ahead of the Monday night deadline included University of North Carolina first baseman-outfielder Dustin Ackley with Seattle, North Carolina right-hander Alex White with Cleveland, Missouri right-hander Kyle Gibson with Minnesota, Southern California shortstop Grant Green with Oakland, Georgia high school right-hander Zack Wheeler with San Francisco, California prep left-hander Tyler Matzek with Colorado and St. Louis left-hander Jacob Turner with Detroit.
