Editors Note: Throughout Spring Training, the Nats Report will of course provide you with daily updates on the latest developments with the Washington Nationals.

In today's reporter's notebook, I am going to talk about the latest on the Stephen Strasburg situation and the Nationals and Astros being part of history on February 24.

Strasburg a No-Show at Spring Training So Far…

The Stephen Strasburg situation is becoming increasingly contentious, and decisive action is necessary. For those just joining the saga, let's recap how we arrived at this point.

At the close of the 2019 season, the Nationals inked a staggering deal to retain Strasburg. Specifically, he signed a seven-year, $245,000,000 contract with the Washington Nationals. This comprised a guaranteed sum of $245,000,000, with an annual average salary of $35,000,000. In the current season, Strasburg is set to receive a base salary of $35,000,000, totaling his overall salary at the same figure. His adjusted salary with the Nationals stands at $23,571,429.

Since a brief appearance in 2022, where he underwent rehab stints in Fredericksburg and Rochester, Strasburg hasn't taken the mound for the Nationals. Strasburg was activated from the IL on June 9, 2022, and made one start (in which he gave up seven earned runs in 4+¹⁄₃ innings of work) before returning to the IL five days later with a stress reaction in the ribs.  On July 14, Strasburg was transferred to the 60-day IL, where he remained for the rest of the season.

In the fall of 2023, rumors swirled about Strasburg's retirement, with plans for a retirement announcement at Nationals Park. However, these plans unraveled due to financial disagreements, leading to a strained relationship between Strasburg and the team.

According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN, GM and President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo anticipates Strasburg's participation in this year's Spring Training. Rizzo stated, "Yeah, he's invited like every other guy on our 40-man roster... He's got until Feb. 24 to be here, and, yeah, I expect him to be here." As of today, Strasburg has yet to make an appearance at Spring Training.

One might wonder why Strasburg should attend Spring Training if it's clear he won't be pitching. The team, however, expects him to contribute in other capacities. Rizzo emphasized, "I'm not going to get into what our expectations of him are fully, but yeah, be around. You're a legacy part of this franchise. Be here, be accessible to young players." Rizzo highlighted Strasburg's experience with Tommy John surgery, making him an invaluable resource for younger players like Cade Cavalli.

Despite the political intricacies surrounding the situation, Strasburg, who dedicated himself to the team and endured injury for its sake, continues to draw a substantial salary. With over $100 million still owed on his $245 million contract, and three years left on the deal, the financial implications are significant. Retiring prematurely would mean forfeiting the remaining salary, providing a potential explanation for his reluctance to retire.

While expectations for Strasburg's return to Major League pitching are virtually nonexistent, reports suggest that even routine arm activities induce extreme pain. Yet, Strasburg has not made any official statements about his condition, leaving room for speculation.

It might be time for the Nationals and Strasburg to amicably resolve their differences for the benefit of both the team and the player. Until then, the Nationals appear to anticipate Strasburg's presence at Spring Training, given his ongoing payroll status. It's viewed as the right course of action, aligning with expectations in both the real world and the realm of baseball employment.

Nationals and Astros to be part of history

A pretty cool story to start the 2024 season, and the Nationals and Astros will be part of it. According to reports, on February 24th, the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals will play a historic spring training contest. That's the day that Jen Pawol will serve as an umpire, becoming the first woman to be assigned to a Major League spring training game since 2007.

She is only the third woman to umpire in spring training, after Pam Postema and Ria Cortesio.

New Numbers, and Who is This? Taking a look at the Nationals Jersey Assignments

A fun little story about the notable jersey numbers for the teams newcomers and some of the top prospects that are going to be appearing at this years spring training.

Number changes

Cade Cavalli: #9 (Switches from #54)

Jake Irvin: #27 (Switches from #74)

Top Prospects Spring Training Assigned Numbers

Dylan Crews: #3

Trey Lipscomb: #38

James Wood: #50

Brady House: #55

New Nationals

Jesse Winker: #6

Nick Senzel: #13

Joey Gallo: #24

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