A news conference to officially announce Stephen Strasburg’s retirement, set for Saturday, has been canceled as the Washington Nationals and veteran pitcher continue to negotiate the exit terms of his huge contract, multiple outlets reported Thursday.
After leading the Nationals to the 2019 World Series championship, Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million deal before the next season. However, because of injuries, he made just eight starts and threw 31 1/3 innings while going 1-4 with a 6.89 ERA under the new contract.
He announced his retirement on Aug. 24.
The Athletic reported Thursday that the Nationals pitched the idea of retirement to Strasburg and offered to pay the full amount of his contract, citing sources. Now, per the report, the team is trying to modify the terms of the deal.
Strasburg, 35, had surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in 2021, had a stress reaction in his ribs last season and was shut down in spring training this year with what was characterized as severe nerve damage. He has not pitched in a game since June 9, 2022.
Strasburg was reduced to two starts in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season when nerve issues first surfaced in his right hand. His 2021 surgery included the removal of a rib as well as a procedure to relieve discomfort in some neck muscles.
A former No. 1 overall draft pick by the Nationals in 2009 out of San Diego State, Strasburg lived up to the potential by going 113-62 with a 3.24 ERA in 247 starts, all with Washington. He was an All-Star in 2012, 2016 and 2017.
In the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros, Strasburg went 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA and was named Most Valuable Player. He forced a deciding Game 7 by giving up two runs over 8 1/3 innings in a 7-2 victory in Game 6.