The Washington Nationals haven’t been competitive since they won the 2019 World Series.
They faced too many decisions regarding their roster because of money; and as a result, lots of stars and talented contributors left the franchise in the last three seasons.
One player the franchise decided to retain, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, has really struggled with injuries of all kinds in recent seasons.
Basically, the Nationals chose Strasburg over third baseman Anthony Rendon: both ended up signing seven-year, $245 million contracts; one with the Nats, and the other one with the Los Angeles Angels.
After pitching in one game, Strasburg just hit the injured list again, this time with rib discomfort.
But his manager, Davey Martinez, is defending the Nats’ decision to bring him back rather than Rendon or any other potential target back then.
“Nobody Could Have Predicted What Was Going To Happen”
“Amid Stephen Strasburg’s return to the IL, manager Davey Martinez defended the Nationals’ decision to sign the 2019 World Series MVP to his seven-year, $245 million contract,” NBC Sports Nationals tweeted, with some quotes by the skipper.
“For me, he deserved that contract. He really did. You look what he did, if it wasn’t for him, we don’t win a World championship. Nobody could’ve predicted what was going to happen,” he stated.
Amid Stephen Strasburg's return to the IL, manager Davey Martinez defended the Nationals' decision to sign the 2019 World Series MVP to his seven-year, $245 million contract. pic.twitter.com/wWePmUyN9U
— NBC Sports Nationals (@NBCSNationals) June 14, 2022
In reality, Martinez is right: Strasburg was the World Series MVP, with two star-level outings against an offensive powerhouse like the Houston Astros.
Rendon was stellar, too, but the team probably couldn’t have handed nearly $500 million to both players and then have realistic expectations to extend Juan Soto.
Strasburg is 33, so he could get healthy in time to contribute a few more years.
It’s easy to judge the Nats’ decision at this point, but it’s also easy to defend it.
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