Patrick Corbin’s Remarkable 2019 Contribution
Patrick Corbin emerged as a key figure for the Nationals following his move from the Diamondbacks after the 2018 season. His performance during the regular season, which featured a 5.0 WAR over 202 innings with a 14-7 record, solidified his role as a dependable contributor. Notably, his three shutout innings in Game 7 of the World Series were instrumental in securing the championship, marking his peak contribution to the team.
A Contract That Lost Its Luster
The initial promise of a six-year, $140 million deal soon faded as subsequent seasons produced a different narrative. Over the following five years, Corbin became a frequent target for opposing batters, leading the National League in losses, hits allowed, and earned runs permitted on multiple occasions. In 2021, he surrendered 37 home runs, the most in Major League Baseball that season. Despite his championship heroics in 2019, the later struggles transformed his contract into a financial burden that the organization was eager to remove.
Stephen Strasburg’s Once Stellar, Now Diminished Legacy
Following Corbin’s decline, another prominent figure from the 2019 World Series era entered a similar spotlight due to a massive contract. Stephen Strasburg, who played a pivotal role throughout the postseason with an impressive 1.98 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 36.1 innings, was rewarded with a seven-year, $245 million deal—one of the largest in baseball history. His postseason heroics, however, proved to be his last significant chapter on the mound.
The Toll of Injuries and Contract Uncertainty
After that exceptional postseason performance, Strasburg made only eight additional appearances, pitching just 31.1 innings over subsequent seasons. A heavy workload and persistent injuries eventually took their toll, culminating in a career-ending diagnosis of severe nerve damage. His final appearance dates back to June 9, 2022, and with his retirement becoming official last April, Strasburg now stands as the highest-paid player on the roster, set to earn $65.62 million in the upcoming season. The contract, once a testament to his value, has become a cautionary tale underscoring the unpredictable nature of athletic careers.