The Washington Nationals recently passed the 90-loss mark, and with just two series left in the season, most fans are looking forward to the completion of 2025. It's been a disappointing season for the Nats for a few reasons. The expectation was for this team to take a step in the direction of competing in the National League, but it has instead struggled to win 60 games. The roster has struggled in all facets of the game, and a few players are making their final appearances in a Nats uniform this week. Let's discuss the players who've overstayed their welcome in Washington, D.C.
Mason Thompson
It's tough to give up on a reliever with pitches as nasty as Mason Thompson, but the results have been abysmal in his career with the Nats. Acquired in 2021 from the San Diego Padres, Thompson has flashed potential but battled injuries in recent seasons. In 2023, he recorded a career high of 54 innings pitched, but would undergo Tommy John Surgery soon after. In his return from injury in 2025, he's posted an 11.81 ERA in 14 games with 12 walks. In most outings, Thompson has struggled with the command of his pitches.
While Thompson is on the roster to finish the season, I wouldn't be surprised to see the right-hander begin the 2026 season in AAA. He'll have every chance to occupy a spot in the Nats' bullpen through Spring Training, but it could be a tough road ahead for Thompson. 2026 will be his age-28 season, but relievers tend to have a longer shelf life, so don't expect the Nats to give up on Thompson soon.
Paul DeJong
Signed this past offseason to provide a veteran presence in the clubhouse for the Nats, Paul DeJong didn't precisely fit the mold this season. While not entirely his fault, DeJong missed a large portion of the season after being hit by a pitch in the face. Paul has played just 54 games for the Nats and has hit .234/.273/.659 with six home runs and 23 RBI.
If DeJong were available all season, he wouldn't have outstanding statistics, but his impact would have been felt in the clubhouse. A veteran presence is essential for players like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and MacKenzie Gore. I wouldn't anticipate DeJong to return to D.C. next season, but expect a veteran hitter to be signed.
Jacob Young
This could be unpopular given the two extraordinary plays Jacob Young made against the Mets on Sunday afternoon, but it's time we end the experiment. I'm not even sure what to call it anymore. The production that Young provides in the field doesn't outweigh his complete ineffectiveness at the plate, as Young is hitting .234/.298/.580 with one home run and 29 RBI in 2025 with 15 stolen bases and having been caught ten times.
At this point, Young has become a borderline ineffective baserunner, which is unacceptable given the amount of speed he has. I don't see Young getting substantially better at the plate; he's posted a .626 OPS in 888 career at-bats. Jacob Young taking at-bats from youngsters like Daylen Lile and Robert Hassell III is legitimately malpractice.
In 2026, Young will need to be either the starting center fielder for AAA Rochester or the fourth outfielder on the Nats bench, serving as a late-inning defensive replacement or pinch runner. Young would provide tremendous value in that role because his defensive ability is elite. It's time for the Washington Nationals to accept Jacob Young for what he is: a fourth outfielder.