The Washington Nationals were set initially to honor All-Star pitcher Stephen Strasburg on Saturday, September 9, but those plans have been nixed.
The planned retirement press conference for Strasburg has reportedly been reset to another date, according to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic.
"The plan was to honor him and retire his number but the Nationals have changed course," the scribe wrote.
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The one-time World Series champion was forced to retire last month due to complications from thoracic outlet syndrome, the Washington Post reported. Despite this health issue, Strasburg still managed to take the mound for the Nationals, a reason why he is considered a legend.
It appears the reason behind the rescheduling of the retirement press conference of Stephen Strasburg stems from the 2019 World Series MVP's contract.
The 35-year-old Strasburg agreed to a seven-year contract worth $245 million in 2019. The All-Star pitcher is due $35 million annually through 2026, with $11.5 million deferred.
Further, Strasburg will receive $26.6 million in 2027, 2028, and 2029 in his owed deferred payments, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Now, it seems the Nationals want to change the terms of that deal. It was also the probable reason why Strasburg's retirement press conference was canceled.
"It was the Nationals who approached Strasburg about retiring and paying him the full amount of his contract, sources briefed on the matter say. The team wants to change the terms," Ghiroli tweeted.
Strasburg's plans remain unchanged, and the retirement ceremonies to honor him for his efforts are still expected to happen, Bleacher Report reported.
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