5 Most Legendary Nationals Starting Pitchers Of All Time

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals delivers the pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

2. Stephen Strasburg 2010-Present

Drafted number one overall in 2009, Stephen Strasburg changed the direction of the Nationals forever. The most hyped pitching prospect of all time, Strasburg is 113-61, with a 3.21 ERA, 1,718 strikeouts, and a 3.01 FIP.

In 12 seasons with the Nats, he’s led the NL in both strikeouts and wins once, made three All-Star teams, and was named to the 2019 All-MLB team. Most importantly, Strasburg was instrumental in the Nationals winning the 2019 World Series, posting a 1.98 ERA, with 47 strikeouts across six appearances (five starts).

Against the Astros in the World Series Strasburg put on a show, going 2-0, with a 2.41 ERA, with 14 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings. In Game 6, Strasburg took the mound with the Nats facing elimination and was able to put the team on his back. After allowing two runs in the first, he rebounded with 7 1/3 shutout innings, with seven strikeouts. His impressive performance led to him being named 2019 World Series MVP.

The franchise leader in strikeouts, Strasburg has been slowed down by injuries as of late, recording only 26 1/3 innings across the last two seasons.

1. Max Scherzer 2015-2021

The only other active player besides Strasburg on this list, Max Scherzer is the best starting pitcher in Nationals history. Despite the Nationals already having arguably the best starting rotation in the league, Scherzer was brought in to help the Nats get over the hump.

That he did, helping the Nats reach the playoffs three times, winning two division titles and a World Series title. Arriving in 2015 as a free agent on a massive seven-year $215 million contract, Scherzer went from emerging superstar to Hall of Famer.

During his time in D.C., Scherzer went 92-47, with a 2.80 ERA, 1,610 strikeouts, and a 2.92 FIP. He also racked up two NL Cy Young awards, and led the NL in strikeouts three times, and wins twice. Not to mention, he threw two no-hitters and recorded a 20 strikeout game.

Fans will never forget when he started Game 7 of the World Series after being scratched from Game 5 with neck spasms. He gutted out five innings while holding the Astros to two runs. Despite not having his A-game, Scherzer held Houston’s offense at bay long enough for Washington to take the lead and win the title.

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