Strasburg’s Injury Impacts Nationals’ Roster Moves, Future Payroll

The Washington Nationals have announced that pitcher Stephen Strasburg will be placed on the 60-day injured list before their game against Cincinnati. Strasburg, the 2019 World Series MVP, has been sidelined since June 2022 due to career-altering injuries. Despite having three seasons left on a seven-year, $245 million contract, Strasburg contemplated retirement in late August without holding a news conference. The Nationals indicated in September that they anticipated his return at spring training, although Strasburg did not report to their training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The presence of Strasburg on the roster primarily impacts a protected spot for the Rule 5 draft in December. He 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. Negotiating a retirement agreement might involve restructuring the money owed to Strasburg.

Meanwhile, 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 and Rosario will each earn $3 million salaries while in the major leagues this season, while Law and Winkler will each receive $4 million salaries. In addition to these moves, several other players were placed on the injured list: Cade Cavalli was placed on the 60-day injured list after undergoing Tommy John surgery; Mason Thompson was also placed on the injured list after suffering from Tommy John surgery; and Jose Ferrer was placed on the injured list after suffering from a left lat strain. Outfielder Stone Garrett was also placed on the injured list retroactive to March 25 after undergoing left ankle reconstruction surgery.

Overall, these roster moves by the Nationals indicate that they are preparing for another successful season despite Strasburg’s absence from their lineup.