As we begin discussing offseason storylines, we will look back on the season and accept that it was not up to par. There were surely bright spots on the squad, but there also became a lot of turnover and underperforming assets on this Nationals team. This offseason is going to be filled with some roster decision to be made. Some players would be great returns while other will be gladly said goodbye to.
2 Players We Wish Would Stay in 2026
Josh Bell
This is surely a controversial choice as Bell was highly criticized earlier in the season. The fact that he surged in the way that he did in the second half is quite frankly, impressive. We all knew what Bell was capable of and it was finally seen in the second half. After July 15th, Bell rattled off a nice stat-line of a .267 BA with 27 RBIs and 11 homers. At age 32, Bell could very well provide an experienced bat to a lineup that will be likely very young next year.
Bell commanded just $6 Million in 2025. His value surely has not skyrocketed. He may be in demand by multiple teams but if the Nationals could get him as a cheap, experienced DH, I would actually contemplate bringing him back. How the tables turn...
Nasim Nunez
The Nationals do not have a ton of attractive players set to leave this team. That is actually a good thing, but that is not the only phase of this conversation. The team has seen many young pieces in the majors and you have to anticipate that a few of them will return to the minor leagues to begin the season. One of those names will be Nasim Nunez.
Nunez does not blow anyone away, but he had been very serviceable down the stretch. Nunez had a positive offensive rating and a very quality 3.4 defensive rating, per Fangraphs. Nunez could be a very solid depth piece to the infield depth. He plays both 2nd base and shortstop, aiding CJ Abrams, Luis Garcia, and whoever else may compete with Garcia, if not Nunez. To top it all off, Nunez is a switch hitter able to leverage his bat against any given pitcher.
2 Nationals Players We Will Be Glad Are Gone
Paul DeJong
The Nationals brought in DeJong with high hopes, and left with none. DeJong batted just .228 this year with an OPS of .642. It surely did not help DeJong that he suffered an orbital fracture early in the season, but he still lacked much to be desired upon his return. At age 32, this team has no room for DeJong with their youth inbound. He will be gone this season as a free agent and I am sure that no one will miss him very much.
Trevor Williams
Fans do not like Mr. Williams. He had been atrocious for this team in 2025. Luckily for us, Brad Lord stepped into the starting role mid-season and never looked back. Williams started 17 games for this team and all he had to show was a brutal ERA of 6.21. He has not pitched a game since July 2nd and will not be seen again. Williams is back to free agency and at best, he may get a cheap bullpen deal. It would really baffle me if Williams became a starter anywhere again.