Despite the odds stacked against them, the Arizona Diamondbacks made a miraculous comeback to reach the World Series last season. However, they are not favored by Vegas to make it back this year. But pitcher Zac Gallen is unfazed by these predictions and is embracing his underdog role once again in 2024.
On the other hand, Washington Nationals’ pitcher Stephen Strasburg officially retired this past weekend after a career marred by injuries. Injuries prevented him from fully returning to form, and despite occasional visits to the Nationals’ facilities, he did not report to spring training in either 2023 or 2024. As a result of his retirement, Strasburg will still receive the remaining $105 million from his original $245 million contract, with the Nationals on the hook for the entirety of the uninsured deal.
Strasburg was the top pick in the 2009 draft and had a successful career that included being named World Series MVP in 2019. However, injuries such as surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in 2021 took their toll on him and prevented him from reaching his full potential. Whether or not the Nationals will hold a retirement ceremony for Strasburg remains uncertain as he played a crucial role in their 2019 World Series win. His career will be remembered not just for his talent on the mound but also for his unfortunate injury setbacks that limited his potential.
