Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has officially retired from Major League Baseball, as confirmed by his retirement listing on the MLB transaction page. The 2019 World Series MVP cited ongoing injuries as the reason for his decision to step away from the game.
Strasburg's career, marred by injuries, culminated in his retirement after pitching just 31 1/3 innings over eight starts since leading the Nationals to their only World Series title in 2019. Despite signing a lucrative seven-year, $245 million contract in December 2019, Strasburg's playing time was limited due to health issues, including surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
During his 13-season career, Strasburg amassed a record of 113-62 with a 3.24 ERA and made three All-Star appearances. His standout performance in the 2019 postseason, where he went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA, solidified his legacy as one of the best players in Nationals history.
Strasburg's impact on the team was acknowledged by Nationals owner Mark Lerner and general manager Mike Rizzo, who praised his contributions both on and off the field. The 35-year-old pitcher, known for his dominant pitching style, was a cornerstone of the Nationals franchise since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft.
Despite facing setbacks early in his career, including Tommy John surgery and subsequent injuries, Strasburg's resilience and dedication to the game earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike. His memorable debut in 2010, where he struck out 14 batters, marked the beginning of a remarkable career that saw him achieve numerous milestones.
In his retirement statement, Strasburg expressed gratitude to his coaches, teammates, medical staff, and loyal fans for their unwavering support throughout his baseball journey. While acknowledging the disappointment of not being able to pitch more games, Strasburg emphasized the pride he felt in representing the Nationals and the city of Washington, D.C.
As Strasburg bids farewell to professional baseball, his legacy as a talented pitcher and a respected figure in the sport will endure, leaving behind a lasting impact on the Washington Nationals organization and the baseball community at large.
