Breaking News: Stephen Strasburg Declines to Return from Injury, Nationals Look to the Future in Roster Moves

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg was placed on the 60-day injured list before their game against Cincinnati. In late August, Strasburg, the 2019 World Series MVP, considered retirement without holding a news conference. Despite having three seasons left on a seven-year, $245 million contract, he has been sidelined since June 2022 due to career-altering injuries.

The Nationals indicated in September that they 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. 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, while Law will receive $1.8 million. Meanwhile, Cade Cavalli and Jose Ferrer were placed on the 60-day injured list recovering from Tommy John surgery and a left lat strain respectively. Outfielder Stone Garrett was also placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 25 after undergoing left ankle reconstruction surgery.

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