Nationals' Strasburg, Corbin Ranked as Worst MLB Signings

Despite helping the team win the 2019 World Series, the Nationals' big-money deals for the pitchers have been labeled as the worst in MLB history.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a fractured, geometric representation of a baseball pitcher in motion, with overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange hues, conveying the complex challenges the Nationals have faced with their star pitchers.The Nationals' high-priced pitching contracts have become a source of frustration, as the team struggles to return to championship form.Washington Today

The Washington Nationals' big-money contracts for pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin have been ranked as the worst signings in Major League Baseball history, according to ESPN's Bradford Doolittle. Strasburg's seven-year, $245 million deal and Corbin's six-year, $140 million contract were instrumental in the Nationals' 2019 World Series championship, but both players have struggled with injuries and poor performance since then.

Why it matters

The Nationals have struggled mightily since their 2019 title, missing the playoffs every year, and their two biggest free agent signings have been major disappointments. This highlights the risks and challenges teams face when investing heavily in pitchers, even those who have proven track records of success.

The details

Strasburg, who had a 2.51 ERA and 14 strikeouts in two World Series starts, has made only eight starts between 2020 and 2022 due to injuries. Corbin, who had a 3.60 ERA in three World Series appearances, has led the league in losses twice (2021: 16 and 2022: 19) and the National League once (2023: 15) in the three seasons since the championship.

  • Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Nationals in 2019.
  • Corbin signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Nationals in 2018.
  • The Nationals won the 2019 World Series.

The players

Stephen Strasburg

A right-handed pitcher who was instrumental in the Nationals' 2019 World Series championship, but has struggled with injuries since then.

Patrick Corbin

A left-handed pitcher who also played a key role in the Nationals' 2019 World Series win, but has since led the league in losses multiple times.

Max Scherzer

A right-handed pitcher who was considered the best signing in Nationals history, winning two Cy Young awards and making six All-Star teams during his time with the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Nationals will need to reevaluate their pitching staff and strategy as they look to return to contention in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

The Nationals' big-money signings of Strasburg and Corbin, while instrumental in their 2019 World Series victory, have proven to be disastrous investments in the long run, highlighting the risks and challenges teams face when investing heavily in pitchers.