Nationals hold MLB's worst contract heading into 2024

According to a list compiled by Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the Washington Nationals are on the hook for the single-worst contract in all of the MLB as they’re set to pay Stephen Strasburg's $23.6 million.

“He hasn’t officially retired yet, but assuming he never makes it back to an MLB mound because of complications from thoracic outlet syndrome, Washington will have spent $245 million for 31.2 innings with a 6.89 ERA,” Miller reported.

Strasburg was one of the most highly touted pitching prospects ever when Washington drafted him in 2009 and while he had some stellar seasons — including multiple All-Star games, Cy Young votes and a World Series MVP award — frequent injuries have kept him from living up to his full potential.

Coming off of career highs with 209 innings pitched and 18 wins in the 2019 season, Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Nationals. But injuries have all but ended his career, leaving the Nationals paying $35 million in each of the next three seasons to a player who can’t suit up.

“The Nationals do need to pay him about $151 million over the next six years,” Miller added.

After winning the World Series in 2019, the Nationals have seen a steep decline, in large part thanks to the disappointing returns from deals with Strasburg, Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin. Going into 2024, the team is poised to wait out the duration of those payments with a roster of young and promising players.

Emerging stars like 26-year-old Josiah Gray and 23-year-old CJ Abrams will have the chance to develop while leading prospects like Dylan Crews and James Wood could get some valuable big-league experience.

“The Nats are using this time wisely, and it’s better to look at interesting minor league veterans than washed-up 35-year-olds for the spots you don’t have better prospects to fill,” FanGraphs noted.

After Strasburg, the next-worst MLB contracts for the 2024 season on Miller’s list are:

2. Anthony Rendon, $38 million from the Los Angeles Angels

3. Kris Bryant, $28 million from the Colorado Rockies

4. Giancarlo Stanton, $32 million from the New York Yankees

5. Javier Báez, $25 million from the Detroit Tigers