Former No. 1 draft pick and 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg announced his retirement from Major League Baseball (MLB), as confirmed by the league’s official transactions page. Despite battling numerous injuries throughout his career, Strasburg was a dominant force in baseball from 2012 to 2019, boasting impressive stats, including a 113–62 record, 3.24 ERA, and 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings over 13 seasons.
In the 2019 season, Strasburg showcased his talent by pitching a league-high 209 innings with an 18–6 record and a 3.32 ERA in 33 starts. His standout performances continued in the playoffs and World Series, where he played a crucial role in guiding the Washington Nationals to their first franchise title, notably pitching a stellar Game 6 to secure the World Series and earn MVP honors.
Following his remarkable postseason run, Strasburg signed a lucrative seven-year, $245 million deal with the Nationals in December 2019. However, his time under the contract was marred by injuries, limiting him to just eight games. He underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in 2021 and struggled with neck and shoulder issues in 2022, ultimately leading to his retirement.
Despite his shortened tenure under the contract, Strasburg leaves behind a legacy as the Nationals’ all-time leader in strikeouts, having amassed 1,723 strikeouts over his career. His contributions to the Nationals’ success and his impressive performances on the mound solidify his place in baseball history.
