As the offseason is in the early stages for the Washington Nationals, figuring out things to talk about consistently can be a bit of an issue. However, with so much uncertainty around the sport heading into next season, it can always be fun to take a look back from a historical standpoint, particularly with some of the team greats.
The likelihood of any of the former Nationals being elected to Cooperstown is basically zero. There are several former Nationals players who have had a huge impact on the team. Some for several years, some for a season or less. This article will tell you every former Nationals player who is eligible as well as a short blurb about their time as a National.
Ryan Zimmerman
"Mr. National" has the best shot at being elected to Cooperstown among the former more longer-tenured Nationals on the ballot, but he is almost guaranteed to fall off the ballot for not reaching the 5% vote threshold required to remain, according to the official BBWAA election rules.
Ryan Zimmerman, of course, I could write pages about him, but for the purposes of this article, I will say he is probably the most impactful player the Nationals ever had, and ever will have, both on the field and in the community. During his time with the Nationals, he was the team's longest-tenured player and the first Nationals player to have his number retired. A forever World Series champion with his lifelong team.
Jordan Zimmermann
The first Nationals pitcher to pitch a no-hitter since the team moved from Montréal in 2005, on the last day of the 2014 season. I attended the game with my dad, and the famous ending came when Steven Souza Jr. made an incredible diving catch for the final out, sealing the deal and etching both Zimmermann and Souza Jr. into the history books.
Wilson Ramos
The "Buffalo" played parts of seven seasons for the Washington Nationals and caught Jordan Zimmermann's no-no. Ramos was a fan-favorite player, All-Star bat and often the team's everyday catcher behind the plate.
Jon Lester
Out of all of the former Nationals slated to be on the BBWAA ballot for 2027, Jon Lester has the best shot at staying on the ballot by getting more than 5% of the vote, which I think he will--but not for his time on the Nationals, as he only pitched in 16 games for the team in 2021. He is a three-time World Series champion and a former NLCS MVP, which definitely boosts his odds of getting decent support on the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot.
Starlin Castro
Starlin Castro had a solid career, finishing with 103 games for the Washington Nationals between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He was a four-time All-Star, but his odds of getting any substantial Hall of Fame support are basically zero.
Jonathan Lucroy
Although he was a two-time All-Star, Jonathan Lucroy is unlikely to receive Hall of Fame support. He spent little time with the Nationals, playing only five games for the team in 2021.
Asdrúbal Cabrera
A member of the 2019 World Series championship team, Asdrúbal Cabrera spent parts of three seasons with the Washington Nationals, playing 139 games.
Alex Avila
The longtime Detroit Tiger, Alex Avila spent only part of one season with the Nationals, where he ended his career. He did not make a huge impact in his 34 games played for the team in 2021.
Will Harris
The former World Series champion from the 2017 Houston Astros, Will Harris, ended his career pitching for the Washington Nationals in 28 games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
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