The Washington Nationals reached a record deal with their #1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg just minutes before Monday’s midnight signing deadline.

“It feels awesome. I got a little nervous there for a while that it might not happen, but I feel very blessed,” Strasburg said. “I’m not sure of the plan right now. They said they’d bring me up for the media. They said to take my time to get ready. It’s an amazing feeling. I really wasn’t sure if it was going to happen, but I’m glad it did.”

The contract is a 4-year deal worth more than $15.1 million. That’s the most money ever guaranteed to a drafted player. The previous record was held by pitcher Mark Prior who received a $10.5 million, 5-year deal back in 2001 after he was selected 2nd overall behind Joe Mauer.