After struggling to pitch due to thoracic outlet disorder, Stephen Strasburg has finally reached a settlement with the Washington Nationals that will allow him to collect the remaining $100 million on his $245 million contract. The one-time World Series MVP signed the deal after leading the team to their only championship in 2019 but was unable to provide a return on their investment due to ongoing injury issues. The Nationals had offered a similar contract to Anthony Rendon, but could not afford to extend both players, leading to Rendon signing with the Los Angeles Angels.
Since signing his record-breaking contract in 2020, Strasburg has struggled with injuries, making only eight more starts before undergoing unsuccessful surgery in 2021. His workload in his last season in 2022 consisted of only 4 2/3 innings, leading the Nationals to plan and then postpone a retirement ceremony for him in 2023. Despite owner Mark Lerner’s expectations for Strasburg to honor the contract by attending spring training, the pitcher never showed up, prompting the settlement agreement.
Strasburg, a three-time All-Star and first overall pick in the 2009 draft, spent his entire 13-season career with the Nationals, leading the team to their World Series victory in 2019. Alongside Max Scherzer, he formed a formidable duo at the top of the rotation before injuries sidelined him and led to the team trading away high-salaried veterans for younger players. The Nationals have struggled in recent seasons, finishing last in the division each of the past three years, including a club-record 107 losses in 2022.
Despite his struggles in recent years, Strasburg leaves behind a legacy as one of the Nationals’ most successful pitchers, leading the National League in various categories throughout his career. The settlement with the team allows him to retire in peace and collect on the remainder of his contract, providing closure to a turbulent chapter in his career. As he moves on from the Nationals, Strasburg leaves behind a lasting impact on the team and its fans, with memories of his dominant performances on the mound during their championship run in 2019.
