Nationals owner Mark Lerner disputes reports about Stephen Strasburg's planned retirement

Washington Nationals owner Mark D. Lerner is disputing reports about pitcher Stephen Strasburg’s planned retirement.

Strasburg was set to retire during a press conference at Nationals Park on Saturday – with his seven-year, $245 million contract intact – but the 35-year-old veteran was informed by the team on Thursday that their agreement was off, according to two people with direct knowledge of the talks. The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity due the sensitivity of the situation.

According to Lerner, however, discussions between the Nationals and Strasburg never resulted in a deal and he says the media has "mischaracterized these events."

"It is regrettable that private discussions have been made public through anonymous sources attempting to negotiate through the media," Lerner said Friday in a statement. "While we have been following the process required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, behind-the-scenes preparations for a press conference had begun internally. However, no such event was ever confirmed by the team or promoted publicly."

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Strasburg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft, signed a seven-year, $245 million contract to return to the Nationals in December 2019 after being named the 2019 World Series MVP, winning his two starts against the Houston Astros with a 2.51 ERA.

He would still be owed $105 million under the original agreement, with deferred payments through 2029, according to two people with direct knowledge, but the Nationals reportedly told Strasburg’s agent Scott Boras that the deal was canceled with no explanation.

"It is our hope that ongoing conversations remain private out of respect for the individuals involved. Until then, we look forward to seeing Stephen when we report to Spring Training," Lerner said.

Strasburg has a 113-62 record with a 3.24 ERA over 13 seasons. He last pitched for the Nationals in June 2022 after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in 2021, one of many injuries that's plagued his career.

"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 ensure that he receives what is due to him," Lerner said.

Contributing: Bob Nightengale