Stephen Strasburg’s Career-Altering Injury Leaves Nationals in a Financial Pinch: Navigating the Pitcher’s Retirement and Contract Obligations

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg was placed on the 60-day injured list before their game against Cincinnati. In June 2022, Strasburg, the 2019 World Series MVP, suffered career-altering injuries and has been sidelined ever since. Despite having three seasons left on a seven-year, $245 million contract, Strasburg contemplated retirement in late August without holding a news conference. The Nationals indicated in September that they anticipated his return at spring training, although Strasburg did not report to their training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Strasburg’s presence on the roster primarily impacts a protected spot for the Rule 5 draft in December. He is owed $35 million annually, with a portion of the amount deferred at a 1% interest rate. The deferred payments are scheduled to be made in equal installments on July 1 in 2027, 2028, and 2029, with an additional interest payment due on December 31, 2029. Negotiating a retirement agreement might involve restructuring the money owed to Strasburg.

In addition to Strasburg’s situation, the Nationals made other roster moves by selecting the contracts of Matt Barnes, Derek Law, Eddie Rosario, and Jesse Winker from Triple-A Rochester. Barnes, Rosario, and Winker will each earn $2 million salaries while in the major leagues, while Law will receive $1.5 million. Meanwhile, Cade Cavalli (recovering from Tommy John surgery), Mason Thompson (suffering from a left lat strain), and Jose Ferrer (suffering from a left lat strain) were placed on the 60-day injured list. Outfielder Stone Garrett (currently recovering from left ankle reconstruction surgery) was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 25.

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