At one point, Stephen Strasburg held the record for the most lucrative contract ever awarded to a pitcher before it was broken by Gerrit Cole a few days later.
In December 2019, Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Washington Nationals, breaking the record previously held by David Price ($217 million), after winning 2019 World Series MVP with the Nats.
The deal is now in the conversation for the worst contract ever.
Since the deal, Strasburg has made just eight it starts when you have dealt with multiple long-term injuries. And that number doesn’t seem to be increasing anytime soon.
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Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg takes batting practice live in a drizzle during the team’s spring baseball training on March 15, 2022, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
In July 2021, it was revealed that Strasburg had thoracic outlet syndrome and has since had one major league start.
Now, The Washington Post reports that the right-hander has «severe nerve damage.»
The Post says Strasburg had «pain, tingling and numbness» in late April, which canceled another comeback attempt, which is similar to what he’s faced for a long time.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg stands on the mound after giving up a two-run home run to Matt Carpenter of the St. Louis Cardinals on April 13, 2021 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
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«He had tried to move up in levels three different times last winter, progressing to multiple bullpen sessions. But after throwing a bullpen in late January, he felt discomfort on his right side and was unable to continue,» the Post reported.
«The surgery, which he underwent in 2021, removed a rib and two muscles in his neck. As recently as last summer, Strasburg couldn’t stand on his feet for long before his right hand went numb. He often had to lie down and press your hand against your chest to be a warped version of comfortable.»
Prior to the deal, Strasburg, the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, pitched to a career 3.17 ERA and was named an All-Star three times. He finished third in the 2017 National League Cy Young Award voting and fifth two years later.
Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park on June 9, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Kelly Gavin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Strasburg signed a seven-year, $175 million extension before the 2016 season, but was able to opt out after 2019 or 2020. Given his performance in 2019, it was a no-brainer to opt out.
Strasburg’s deal remains the second-richest for a pitcher.