Washington Nationals: No surprises in first roster moves of offseason

As the handful of playoff teams continue to work their way to the Fall Classic, the Washington Nationals have made their first few roster moves in what will be an atypical offseason for the rebuilding ball club.

With several familiar veteran names gone from the 40-man roster, the Nationals cleared some more space by removing three pitchers who do not have a future with the team. While they may get signed to minor league contracts and work their way back up to a roster which will surely be in flux, these arms should not figure in the serious plans, rebuild or not.

Nationals outright three players from the 40 man roster.

A much maligned Nationals bullpen will surely see some fresh faces once the 2022 regular season kicks off. However, they will also have a plethora of familiar faces in camp once spring training gets under way in March. Three players who are not guaranteed anything are Steven Fuentes, Sean Nolin, and Alberto Baldanado.

The three players were kicked off the Nationals 40-man roster in a move many had to see coming.

Prior to pitching with the Nats this year, Nolin hadn’t appeared in the big leagues since 2015. Thrust into action because of injuries, Nolin put too many guys on base and didn’t miss many bats.

Baldanado was a bit of a surprise addition when rosters expanded to 28 in September. A career minor leaguer who had a decent showing at Triple-A Rochester, Baldanado started the season hot, though soon cooled. Victimized by the long ball, Baldanado ended the year with an 8.44 ERA.

Fuentes is a pitcher who has struggled to stay healthy and is coming off arguably his worst year in professional baseball. Eight years in the Nats organization capped by an 0-5 record and 19.96 ERA at Triple-A this year. Time was not on Fuentes’ side and he ultimately met his demise.

None of these moves is shocking and there should be a handful more on the horizon. The roster currently sits at 37, though there will be more trimming to come.