Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg officially retires after 13 seasons in Washington… and the 2019 World Series MVP said he “left everything for the only team I’ve ever known”

Stephen Strasburg, one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, has officially announced his retirement from baseball.

Strasburg spent his entire career with the Washington Nationals and reached an agreement with the team that allowed him to retire.

He later confirmed the news in his own statement: ‘Today I announce my retirement from the game I love.

‘I realized after repeated attempts to pitch again, that injuries no longer allow me to perform at the Major League level.

‘When I was a kid, all I dreamed of was winning a World Series. Thanks to the many coaches, teammates and medical staff, my childhood dream came true in 2019.

‘Even though this is my personal goal, I have realized how truly important and special that moment was for many fans at the DMV. Your unwavering support through all the ups and downs will always mean the world to me.

‘I would also like to thank the late Ted Lerner and his family for giving me the opportunity to wear the Curly W all these years.

“While I’ll always wish there were more games to pitch, it’s comforting to know that I left it all for the only team I’ve ever known.”

‘My family and I are truly fortunate and blessed to have experienced this baseball journey at the Nation’s Capitol. As always, Let’s go Nationals! #37.’

In a separate statement, team owner Mark Lerner wrote: “Stephen Strasburg is and always will be an important part of the Washington Nationals franchise. We support him in any decision he makes and will make sure he gets what he gets.” owes.’

The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, Strasburg finishes his career with 247 games played and a 3.24 ERA.

He made three All-Star Games and won a Silver Slugger Award in 2012. Strasburg’s greatest achievement was winning the 2019 World Series in seven games over the Houston Astros, a performance that earned him the Fall Classic MVP Award that year. .

Strasburg hasn’t pitched since June 2022. He had been dealing with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (a compression of the nerves in the chest cavity) and had a rib and two neck muscles removed to relieve his pain.