Stephen Strasburg pitches for the Nationals in the 2019 World Series. Photo by Matt Slocum via the Associated Press
Washington Nationals pitcher and franchise legend Stephen Strasburg has announced his retirement from baseball.
The 35-year-old righty was dominant for the Nationals in the late 2010s, which culminated in the franchise’s first World Series title in 2019. Since then, however, it has been nothing short of downhill. Since he earned his ring, he has made just eight starts and has not pitched since June 9 of last year.
“When healthy, he was one of the most dominant starting pitchers in the game,” said former teammate Ryan Zimmerman. “You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who worked harder than he did. He deserves to be celebrated because he was a pretty special player. You could argue that he lived up to, or even exceeded, what was expected of a No. 1 pick.”
Strasburg, who was the Number 1 overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, is still in the middle of a massive contract. Following the 2019 season, he signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Nationals, a contract which has taken several turns for the worse.
And because the contract was not insured, the Nationals are still on the hook for the remaining money. Strasburg will be paid $35 million annually through 2026, and then $26 million annually through 2029.
In 2020, Strasburg underwent season-ending surgery to correct tingling and numbness in his hand attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome. Following that surgery, in 2021, he underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. This requires the removal of two neck muscles and a rib. He made multiple efforts to return, but sadly could never make it back on the field aside from one start.
“It’s been tough, I’m sure, for him and his family and the guys in this clubhouse miss him. We wish nothing but the best for him and what’s to come,” fellow Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin said. “He’s a big reason why we’re here and a big reason why we have a championship ring.”
Strasburg’s final line for his career: a 113-62 record, featuring a 3.24 ERA over 247 starts, and a franchise-leading 1,723 strikeouts. It is a shame his career is coming to an end due to so many injuries. The three-time All-Star will forever have his place cemented in baseball lore.
