Strasburg’s Absence on Disabled List Raises Financial, Draft Implications for Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has been placed on the 60-day disabled list before the game against Cincinnati. Despite having three seasons remaining on his seven-year, $245 million contract, Strasburg considered retiring at the end of August without holding a press conference. However, the Nationals indicated in September that they expected him to return in spring training.

The presence of Strasburg on the roster primarily affects the protected spot for the Rule 5 draft in December. He is owed $35 million a year, and part of the amount is deferred at 1% interest. Deferred payments are scheduled to be made in equal installments on July 1, 2027, 2028 and 2029, with an additional interest payment on December 31, 2029. Negotiating a retirement agreement may involve restructuring money owed to Strasbourg.

In addition to the Strasburg 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 while in the major leagues, Rosario will receive $4 million and Winkler will get $3 million each season he’s with the team. Law will receive $1.5 million during his time with Washington. Meanwhile, Cade Cavalli (recovering from Tommy John surgery), Mason Thompson (strained left lat) and Jose Ferrer (strained left lat) were placed on the 60-day disabled list as well as outfielder Stone Garrett who is currently recovering from left ankle reconstruction surgery was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 25.