MLB: Washington hires top-free agent

The Washington Nationals have engaged Starting Pitcher Patrick Corbin. The lefty signs for six years and $140 million. Corbin played for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year.

According to media reports, the deal contains no opt-out clauses, and part of the salary will only be paid out after the contract has expired. It is not yet known whether Corbins Deal contains any No-Trade-Protections. The left-hander was considered the best starting pitcher on the free agent market.

Corbin had his best season in the MLB so far in 2018. He reached 200 innings for the first time since 2013 and came on a 3.15 ERA with 246 strikeouts and a 137 ERA+ (all career highs).

Corbin was the second pick in the draft 2009 from the Los Angeles Angels and was sent to the Diamondbacks in July 2010 as part of the trade from Dan Haren to Anaheim. He made his MLB debut in 2012 and, following an elbow injury in early 2014, had to undergo Tommy John Surgery, which cost him the entire 2014 season and the first half of 2015.

According to reports, the Nationals prevailed against the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, among others, both of whom are said not to have gone beyond five-year offers.

This article was published without prior review by Major League Baseball.