At one point, Stephen Strasburg held the record for the most lucrative contract ever given to a pitcher before it was broken a few days later by Gerrit Cole.
In December 2019, Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million deal with the Washington Nationals, breaking the record held by David Price ($217 million), after winning the 2019 World Series MVP with the Nats .
The deal is now in talks for the worst contract in history.
Since the deal, Strasburg has made just eight starts as he has dealt with multiple long-term injuries. And that number doesn’t seem to be increasing any time soon.
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Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws live batting practice in the rain during the team’s spring training baseball practice on March 15, 2022, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, file)
In July 2021, Strasburg was revealed to have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and has since made a 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, shutting down another comeback attempt, which is similar to what he’s dealt with for a long time.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg is on the mound after giving up a two-run home run to Matt Carpenter of the St. Cardinals. Louis on April 13, 2021 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
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“He had tried to step up three different times last winter, going to multiple bullpen sessions. But after throwing a bullpen in late January, he felt discomfort in 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 last long before his right hand would fall asleep. He often had to lie down and press his hand. against his chest to be a warped version of comfortable.”
Before the deal, Strasburg, the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, posted a career 3.17 ERA and was named a three-time All-Star. He finished third in the 2017 NL 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 could opt out after 2019 or 2020. Given his performance in 2019, it was a no-brainer to opt out no.
Strasburg’s deal remains the second-richest ever for a pitcher.
