Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg officially retires after 13 seasons in Washington... with the 2019 World Series MVP saying he 'left it all out there for the only team I've known'

Stephen Strasburg, one of the most dominant pitching aces of his era, has officially announced his retirement from playing baseball.

Strasburg spent his entire career with the Washington Nationals - and reached a settlement with the team allowing him to retire.

He then confirmed the news in his own statement: ' Today, I am announcing my retirement from the game I love. 

'I realized after repeated attempts to return to pitching, injuries no longer allow me to perform at a Major League level.

'As a young kid, all I dreamt about was winning a World Series. Thanks to the many coaches, teammates, and medical staff, my boyhood dream came true in 2019.

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has officially retired from baseball

He spent his entire career with Washington, but hadn't pitched since June of 2022

Strasburg was named World Series MVP in 2019 when the Nationals beat the Astros

'Despite this being a personal goal of mine, I've come to realize how truly important and special that moment was for no many fans in the DMV. Your unwavering support through all the ups and downs will always mean the world to me.

'I'd also like to thank the late Ted Lerner and family for giving me the chance to wear the curly W all these years. 

'Although I will always wish there were more games to be pitched, I find comfort knowing I left it all out there for the only team I've known. 

'My family and I are truly fortunate and blessed to have experienced this baseball journey in the Nation's Capitol. As always, Go Nats! #37.'

In a separate statement, team owner Mark Lerner wrote, 'Stephen Strasburg is and always will be an important part of the Washington Nationals franchise. We support him in any decision he makes and will ensure that he receives what is due to him.'

The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, Strasburg finishes his career with 247 games played and a career 3.24 ERA.

He made three All-Star games and won a Silver Slugger Award in 2012. Strasburg's biggest accomplishment was winning the 2019 World Series in seven games over the Houston Astros - a performance that won him the MVP Award for that year's Fall Classic.

Strasburg hasn't pitched since June of 2022. He had been dealing with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (a compression of the nerves in the chest cavity) and got a rib and two neck muscles removed to relieve his pain.