The retirement of Stephen Strasburg is now official. Dating back to last September, it was expected that he would retire. A press conference was scheduled, but the Nats changed their mind. This time around, it was a simple clerical move with Strasburg’s retirement being listed on the MLB Transactions page.

Strasburg hasn’t pitched since June 9, 2022. Following his seven-year, $245 Million contract extension which he signed in 2019, Strasburg had only thrown 31 1/3 innings in just eight starts. As part of his retirement deal, the remainder of his contract will be restructured and deferred.

“I realized after repeated attempts to return to pitching, injuries no longer allow me to perform at a Major League level,” Strasburg said in a statement announcing his retirement. “Although I will always wish there were more games to be pitched, I find comfort knowing I left it all out there for the only team I’ve ever known.”

The former No. 1 Overall Pick owns a 3.24 ERA with a 113-62 record. He was also the 2019 World Series MVP, cementing his legacy as arguably one of the greatest pitchers in the 2010s.

“From his Major league debut in 2010 through leading us to a title as the World Series MVP in 2019, the impact he’s had on our ball club is undeniable,” general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement. “He will go down as one of the best players in Washington Nationals history and it was my honor to be part of that journey.”

Coming out of high school, Stephen Strasburg was touted as a generational talent with a fastball that could hit 100 MPH. Injuries have plagued him for most of his career.

“It was a privilege to watch him grow as a player and a person throughout his illustrious career,” Nationals owner Mark Lerner said in a statement. “He gave us so many memories that will live in our hearts forever. No one can dispute the indelible impact he had on our organization. He put us on the map as World Champions and changed the face of our franchise.”

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