After struggling with thoracic outlet disorder that surgery couldn’t fix, Stephen Strasburg faced a new challenge in collecting the unpaid portion of a $245 million contract with the Washington Nationals. Despite being the team’s World Series MVP in 2019, Strasburg failed to provide a return on their investment after signing the seven-year deal. The Nationals offered the same contract to Anthony Rendon, but ultimately let him go to the Los Angeles Angels due to financial constraints. Strasburg, on the other hand, has reached a settlement with the team that will allow him to retire with the remaining $100 million of his contract.
Since the start of his lucrative contract in 2020, Strasburg struggled on the mound, making only eight starts before undergoing an unsuccessful surgery in 2021. His workload in his last season in 2022 was limited to just 4 2/3 innings. The Nationals had planned a retirement ceremony for Strasburg in 2023, but postponed it due to the ongoing dispute between the player and the team. Owner Mark Lerner expected Strasburg to honor his contract by attending spring training in February, but he did not show up. Despite his struggles in recent years, Strasburg’s contribution to the Nationals, including leading them to a World Series victory in 2019, cannot be overlooked.
Throughout his 13-year career with the Nationals, Strasburg amassed an impressive record of 113-62 with a 3.24 ERA. A three-time All-Star, he led the National League in strikeouts, starts, innings pitched, and victories at least once each. His partnership with Max Scherzer in the Washington rotation was formidable, but injuries ultimately led to the team deciding to trade high-salaried veterans, including Strasburg and Trea Turner, for younger, less expensive players with potential for the future. Despite their struggles in recent years, the Nationals have been unable to replicate their previous success, finishing at the bottom of their division for the past three seasons.
The settlement between Strasburg and the Nationals allows him to retire with the remaining $100 million of his contract, ensuring financial security for the former ace. The end of this chapter in Strasburg’s career marks the closing of a challenging period filled with injuries and contractual disputes. Despite his struggles in recent years, Strasburg’s impact on the Nationals, including leading them to their only World Series victory, will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. As Strasburg moves on to retirement, the Nationals will look to rebuild and find success with a younger roster and renewed focus on the future.
