While the Washington Nationals didn't really give the fans to be anything excited about on Saturday afternoon, getting shutout by the Texas Rangers as they were shut down for 7 innings by former New York Mets righty Jacob deGrom, there was news to be excited about outside of the organization.
That news came from a former player, an outfielder who has overcome a lot in his career, who has now found his next career endeavor after being let go from the Nationals' organization. That player is none other than Stone Garrett, who became a true fan favorite during his tenure with the club.
Garrett, who only appeared in just 91 games with the Nationals in parts of two seasons, was known for his funny outfits that he would wear to the ballpark, and also for his chiseled figure. He was a guy that always seemed to have a smile on his face, and a guy that actually performed quite well despite his limited opportunity.
In 2023, he accounted for 1.9 WAR in 89 games, and his 9 homers while driving in 40 runs with a solid .269/.343/.457 slash line, good for an .801 OPS. He was potentially making a case to be a long-term option for the Nationals until a devastating leg injury suffered at Yankees Stadium late in that season seemingly derailed everything.
He worked hard through rehab and working his way back through the minor leagues to get back to the majors, and earned a promotion in the final series of 2024, providing one of the best moments of the season for the Nationals. He homered in his first at-bat of the season, providing a true storybook moment for himself, and it was obvious just how happy everyone in the organization was to see him make it back.
Stone Garrett homers and it's 3-0 Nats in the first! pic.twitter.com/5luSmyFCCQ
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 27, 2024
However, he never quite seemed to fully regain his 2023 form after his injury, and he was released after being DFA'd earlier this season after failing to make the roster in spring training. Many fans like myself were sad to see him go, but will be hoping for the best as he begins his next chapter.
Speaking of that chapter, Garrett is headed to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), and will be joining the Kiwoom Heroes on a short-term deal. He is joining the team as an injury replacement, and will be paid $35,000 during the duration of the contract. The hope for Garrett is that him looking good in a short-term deal will lead to another chance either at getting a look with an organization stateside, or perhaps more of a long-term deal overseas.
Either way, we will be watching out for Stone Garrett, and keeping an eye on wherever it is he ends up next. We wish Stone nothing but the best moving forward, and hope he can get back to the big leagues!
What do you think of Stone Garrett's next step? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.