Yesterday, a wide range of players became available due to the deadline for MLB teams to offer contracts to salary arbitration eligible. Among them are a few the Nationals should consider adding to the team this Winter. Kyle Finnegan and Tanner Rainey were the Nats players who weren't offered a contract by last night's deadline. A conversation sparked among Nats fans about why Finnegan wasn't moved at the 2024 trade deadline. As for Rainey, he ended a career-long tenure with the club and was one of the last remaining members of the 2019 World Series team. Now, let's dive into three non-tendered free agents the Nats should consider adding to the team.
Jordan Romano
Go ahead and disregard last season's statistics for Romano. He dealt with injuries and was limited to just 15 appearances. In 2022 and 2023, Romano posted 36 saves and struck out 72 and 73 batters, respectively. The former Toronto Blue Jays closer has been rock solid the previous four seasons. His ERA from 2020-2023 is as follows: 1.23, 2.14, 2.11, and 2.90. He posted at least 59 appearances from 2021-2023 and had at least a 2.0 WAR in all three seasons.
His projected salary was $7.75 million according to mlb.com, but a return to the Blue Jays isn't out of the question. The Nats would have to offer Romano a deal in the range of 2 years and 10-12 million per season. Romano's track record should incline the Nats to take a flier on the 31-year-old closer.
Brent Honeywell Jr.
Brent Honeywell Jr., a former top prospect with the Tampa Bay Rays, found his confidence last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 34.1 innings pitched, Honeywell Jr. had a 2.62 ERA and walked just nine batters. The right-hander has had an injury-riddled career but is on track to become a late bloomer. In 2023, Brent pitched for the Padres and White Sox and combined for a 4.82 ERA in 52.1 innings pitched. It was his first action since his Major League debut in 2021 due to many elbow injuries. He was 26 at the start of his debut for Tampa Bay.
The Nats have a chance for a feel-good story with Honeywell Jr. He showed he can be a reliable arm in a Major League bullpen. Brent was the odd man out in L.A. but could be in the central fold in D.C. He'd be inexpensive on the Nats' salary books. It seems like a no-brainer.
Brendan Rodgers
The third pick in the 2015 MLB draft was non-tendered last night by the Rockies. Brendan Rodgers, who had one of the best seasons of his career in 2024, should be on the Washington Nationals roster in 2025. The 28-year-old hit 13 homers and drove in 54 runs last season with 29 doubles and a .267 batting average. Would Rodgers be asked to start? That is not necessarily the case; Rodgers could be the next man up behind CJ Abrams and Luis Garcia, but he could also play third base. No, he hasn't registered an inning at third base in his career, but natural shortstops are athletes. Rodgers could adapt to the position and be serviceable.
Non-tendering Rodgers is a surprise for Rockies fans and an opportunity GM Mike Rizzo should capitalize on. Rodgers was due for about $6 million, which is low for a player of his caliber. Brendan could slide in as the Nats' starting third baseman or utility player.