Stephen Strasburg has retired after reaching a financial agreement with the Washington Nationals. The team has not formally announced the move for the 2019 World Series MVP, but MLB logged the retirement on Saturday.
The former ace has not pitched since 2022, when he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, a rare medical condition that compresses the nerves. Since the Nationals 2019 championship parade, Strasburg has pitched just 31 innings.
“It was a privilege to watch him grow as a player and a person throughout his illustrious career. He gave us so many memories that will live in our hearts forever. No one can dispute the indelible impact he had on our organization,” team owner Mark Lerner said in a statement. “He put us on the map as World Champions and changed the face of our franchise. Thank you, Stephen — for everything — and congratulations on a tremendous career.”
Financial disputes between Strasburg and the Nationals delayed his retirement. The 2009 No. 1 pick signed a seven-year, $215 million contract in 2019. The deal was fully guaranteed, but Washington hoped to spread out payments over time, according to multiple reports.
“As a young kid, all I dreamt about was winning a World Series. Thanks to the many coaches, teammates, and medical staff, my boyhood dream came true in 2019,” Strasburg wrote on Sunday. “Despite this being a personal goal of mine, I’ve come to realize how truly important and special that moment was for so many fans in the DMV. Your unwavering support through all the ups and downs will always mean the world to me.”
Though his career was plagued with injuries, Strasburg was a dominant force on the mound as the Nationals became regular postseason contenders in the 2010s. During the 2019 postseason, he recorded a 1.98 ERA in 36 innings as the Nationals took him their first World Series trophy.
“Stephen Strasburg is and always will be an important part of the Washington Nationals franchise. We support him in any decision he makes and will ensure that he receives what is due to him,” Nationals team owner Mark Lerner said in August when Strasburg’s retirement first hit the media.
“From his Major League debut in 2010 through leading us to a title as the World Series MVP in 2019, the impact he’s had on our ball club is undeniable,” general manager Mike Rizzo said. “He will go down as one of the best players in Washington Nationals history, and it was my honor to be part of that journey. We’re thankful for all he’s done for our organization and wish him and his family the absolute best.”
Strasburg posted a 113-62 record with a 3.24 ERA in 247 career regular-season starts. The San Diego State product made three All-Star teams and led the National League in strikeouts in 2014.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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