The Washington Nationals’ plan to honor Stephen Strasburg has reportedly been put on hold.
Strasburg was set to officially announce his retirement Saturday when the Nationals host the Los Angeles Dodgers. But according to multiple reports, that announcement will have to come another day after Strasburg and the Nationals have yet to reach an agreement over the remaining money on his contract.
The former World Series MVP, who hasn’t played since June 2022 because of complications related to thoracic outlet syndrome, has three years left on the seven-year, $245 million contract he signed months after the Nationals won their first-ever championship.
If Strasburg retires, the Nationals would be off the hook for the remaining contract, but teams and players typically come to a compromise in such situations. Strasburg can still attempt to rehab, even if he’s never medically cleared to play again.
“He’s under contract, he signed a seven-year deal,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said in a radio interview this week with 106.7 The Fan, counting this year. “And … he’ll get paid for those [remaining] years of the deal until he makes a decision on what his future is going to be.”
The Athletic first reported the news that Strasburg’s retirement press conference was canceled.
The Washington Post reported that Strasburg’s plans to retire have not changed. Last month, Strasburg informed the Nationals he does not intend to not play baseball again. But the team has not publicly acknowledged the decision while his retirement terms are still being negotiated.
A three-time All-Star, Strasburg was one of baseball’s most prolific pitchers — when healthy. That caveat dogged him throughout his career as the 2010 first overall career often struggled to stay healthy. But at his peak, Strasburg thrilled with a humming fastball that could reach up to 100 mph.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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