While the Washington Nationals have not exactly been super busy so far this offseason on the free agency front when it comes to signing big league talent, that doesn't mean that other teams have not been. In fact, as it stands right now, the Nationals have made just 1 signing of a free agent to a major league contract, and that was lefty Foster Griffin.
Although the Nationals might not be making a lot more signings in free agency in what has been deemed a weaker class, what former Nationals are still potentially available in free agency?
Lucas Giolito
The first former National I wanted to touch on is none other than Lucas Giolito, who spent the least amount of time on the major league roster with the Nationals out of all the names here. After coming off a lot of injury troubles and not pitching in 2024, Giolito was stellar in 2025.
He got off to a rocky start with his most recent team, the Boston Red Sox, but ended up with a 3.41 ERA and 1.290 WHIP to go along with a 10-4 record in 26 starts. Talent has never been a question, but health always has for Giolito. It will be interesting to see how his market continues to develop.
Erick Fedde
The next former National had a brutal 2025 season that saw him pitch for multiple teams due to continued poor performance. Erick Fedde threw a complete game shutout against the Nationals in his return to DC back on May 9th of this year, and then proceeded to fall off a cliff to the point of being DFA'd by the St. Louis Cardinals.
He then would end up pitching for the Atlanta Braves for a handful of starts before ending the season with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he worked almost exclusively out of the bullpen. At this point, it appears unlikely he will get a big league contract, and it will be interesting to see who decides to pick him up.
Patrick Corbin
Patrick Corbin had an interesting 2025 season as a member of the Texas Rangers. After being one of the worst starting pitchers in baseball throughout the majority of his contract with the Nationals, Corbin actually posted somewhat respectable numbers for most of this season.
He would end up making 30 starts and pitched to a 4.41 ERA and 1.365 WHIP, which likely will at least get him some looks for a big league deal heading into next season. I think he will have to settle for a minor league deal, but perhaps he can get a big league chance as an innings eater for a subpar team.
Max Scherzer
Finally, the name every Nationals fan should love the most on this list that also still happens to be available is none other than Max Scherzer. The ageless wonder continues to defy father time, although his overall numbers in 2025 before the Postseason were not up to his usual standard.
His market is going to be very interesting, as honestly at this point of his career, his best usage might be as a potential reliever or late-inning option. Scherzer's pride might not let him do anything but take the ball every fifth day, but it remains to be seen what sort of interest he might actually generate. Perhaps a swan song with the Nationals could be in the cards?
Where do you think these former Nationals will end up? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.