Washington Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg Makes Unprecedented Request for Contract Negotiations, Leaves Team on Injured List

Stephen Strasburg, a pitcher for the Washington Nationals, was placed on the 60-day injured list prior to their game against Cincinnati. Despite having three seasons remaining on a seven-year, $245 million contract, Strasburg considered retirement in late August without holding a news conference.

The Nationals had anticipated his return at spring training, but Strasburg did not report to their training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. His presence on the roster primarily impacts a protected spot for the Rule 5 draft in December. Strasburg is owed $35 million annually, with a portion of the amount deferred at a 1% interest rate. The deferred payments are scheduled to be made in equal installments on July 1 in 2027, 2028, and 2029, with an additional interest payment due on December 31, 2029.

In addition to Strasburg’s situation, the Nationals made other roster moves by selecting the contracts of Matt Barnes, Derek Law, Eddie Rosario, and Jesse Winker from Triple-A Rochester. Barnes will earn $3 million annually while he is in the major leagues; Rosario and Winkler will each earn $4 million annually while they are in the major leagues; and Law will receive $3 million annually while he is in the major leagues. Meanwhile, Cade Cavalli (recovering from Tommy John surgery), Mason Thompson (suffering from a left lat strain), Jose Ferrer (suffering from a left lat strain), and Stone Garrett (currently recovering from left ankle reconstruction surgery) were placed on the 60-day injured list.