Washington Nationals: What Would The 2022 Opening Day Roster Look Like Right Now?

Before the MLB lockout, the Washington Nationals had yet to make many roster moves, instead deciding to stay relatively quiet. The Nationals have a promising young core, but still have plenty of holes and question marks to attend to. If the team is unable to make any more moves before Opening Day, what would the roster look like?

What would the Washington Nationals 2022 Opening Day roster look like right now?

Starting Rotation

A shell of its former self, the starting rotation is full of question marks. For now Patrick Corbin and Josiah Gray are locks for the rotation. Josh Rogers, who made six starts with the Nats to end the 2021 season should also be penciled in. Paolo Espino, Joan Adon, and Erick Fedde will all be left battling for a spot. If Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross are healthy by Opening Day, both will be back in the rotation. A name to keep an eye on is Cade Cavalli. The Nationals’ top pitching prospect is a longshot, but an impressive Spring Training could see him vault into the rotation.

Bullpen

Before the lockout, Washington had yet to fix what was one of the worst bullpens in 2021. The majority of that group returns, with Tanner Rainey, Kyle Finnegan, Mason Thompson, Patrick Murphy, Austin Voth, and Andrés Machado leading the way. Will Harris should be healthy by the time the season starts.  Battling for the last few spots are Gabe Klobosits, Same Clay, and Alberto Baldonado. Keep in mind, Seth Romero, Joan Adon, and whoever else doesn’t make it into the rotation will also be vying for a spot in the bullpen.

Infield

Washington’s infield is pretty much finalized. Josh Bell, Luis García, Carter Kieboom, Keibert Ruiz,  and either César Hernández will be the starting five, while Riley Adams and Alcides Escobar are the team’s main bench bats. Complicating things is that Ryan Zimmerman has yet to make it official if he is returning or retiring. If the NL implements the DH, Adams would be the likely starter, leading Tres Barrera to become the backup catcher.

Outfield

Juan Soto is the heart and soul of the Nationals and entrenched in right. Victor Robles, Lane Thomas, Andrew Stevenson, and Yadiel Hernández are all fighting for a spot, with Washington unlikely to carry five outfielders. Another name to keep an eye on is Donovan Casey who was acquired in the Scherzer/Turner trade. He appeared in 12 games with the Nationals triple-A team slashing .347/.353/.612.

Projected Opening Day 26 Man Roster

Juan Soto, OF

Lane Thomas, OF

Victor Robles, OF

Yadiel Hernández, OF

Josh Bell 1B,

Luis García, 2B/SS

César Hernández, 2B

Alcides Escobar, SS

Carter Kieboom, 3B

Keibert Ruiz, C

Tres Barrera, C

Riley Adams, DH/C/1B

Patrick Corbin, SP

*Stephen Strasburg, SP

Josh Rogers, SP

Josiah Gray, SP

*Joe Ross, SP

Tanner Rainey, RP

Kyle Finnegan, RP

Mason Thompson, RP

Patrick Murphy, RP

Austin Voth,RP

Andrés Machado, RP

*Will Harris, RP

Gabe Klobosits, RP

Joan Adon, SP/RP

*Expexting that player will be healthy on Opening Day

-If Ryan Zimmerman does return for another season, pencil him into the 26 man roster over Klobosits.