Last-minute deal

With only 77 seconds remaining before the midnight signing deadline for 2009 draft choices, the Washington Nationals 15 years ago today agree to a deal with top overall pick Stephen Strasburg.

The deal pays the pitcher a first-contract record of $15.1 million over four years.

Strasburg, seen here in a 2019 United Press International photo, has since gone on to earn $250 million in his All-Star, if injury-riddled, career.

He has another $105 million guaranteed to him by the Nationals through the 2026 season, although injuries limit him to only 32 innings since leading Washington to the 2019 World Series title.

Alas, the injuries finally force Strasburg to retire earlier this season.

Strasburg’s final line: 113 victories in 13 seasons with 1,723 strikeouts in 1,470 innings, three All-Star Game selections and a sparkling 5-0 record in the 2019 postseason that culminates with Washington winning the World Series.