Strasburg reverses retirement over remaining contract payments…team unilaterally cancels retirement ceremony
Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg’s plans to retire have been derailed.
Citing unnamed sources, USA Today reported on Monday (Aug. 8) that Strasburg’s retirement plans have been canceled after 14 days.
Strasburg had previously agreed with his team, the Nationals, to hold a retirement ceremony at Nationals Park on Saturday local time. The Nationals had even planned to have his jersey retired in 2024.
But those plans were abruptly canceled. The Nationals abruptly reversed their position.
Strasburg is currently in the fourth year of a seven-year, $245 million contract. He is still owed another $150 million in salary, which will be paid in installments through 2029.
Strasburg helped win the World Series in 2019, but has struggled with injuries since signing the deal.
He has pitched just 31 1/3 innings in eight games since signing the deal. His last start came on June 9, 2022, when he allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Miami Marlins.
In 2021, he underwent surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome, but his condition did not improve. Due to his ongoing injuries, he eventually opted to retire from active duty.
In the process, the Nationals reportedly agreed to pick up the remainder of his contract. Prince Fielder, who previously opted to retire under similar circumstances, was also guaranteed the remainder of his contract.
However, according to USA Today, the Nationals informed the player that they were unilaterally terminating the agreement without explanation.
No reason was given, but it can be assumed that the issue of residual payments was the biggest sticking point.
In a recent interview with local media, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said, “He signed a seven-year contract, and he still has 3.5 years left. He’s on a seven-year deal, he’s got 3.5 years left on it, and he’s going to be paid the rest of the way until he makes a decision about his future.”바카라사이트
The biggest reason Fielder’s situation is different is insurance. The Rangers had insurance on Fielder’s contract, so they formally placed him on the 60-day disabled list and received a paycheck from the insurance company for a while.
In Strasburg’s case, however, they reportedly don’t have insurance. It is believed that the Nationals would like to waive at least part of his remaining contract if he retires.
