The third base position is one of the most intriguing storylines of the Washington Nationals' offseason. Who's going to start? The Nationals haven't added a top free agent at the third base position, so an in-house option seems reasonable for filling the void. The Nats have struggled to field the position since the departure of Anthony Rendon in free agency to the Los Angeles Angels. Rendon has played sparingly since his departure, but the Nationals have started 18 players at third base since Tony-two-bags left the team. The Opening Day nod this season will likely come down to a positional battle in Spring Training, but between who?
The Nationals 40-man roster will be in Florida for Spring Training in just a few days, and there are a few options for third base. Jose Tena, Ahmed Rosario, Trey Lipscomb, and Andres Chaparro are all listed on the Nats' depth chart, per mlb.com. We'll say MLB.com chose the four options for this article. While the Nats can still sign another option, it's becoming increasingly unlikely as Opening Day looms large. Let's mull the Nats' options.
Jose Tena
Likely the odds-on favorite to win the Opening Day job, Tena still has much to prove at third base. Offensively, Tena showed lots of promise in 2024. The 23-year-old hit .274 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 41 games with Washington in his first cup of coffee in the big leagues. The Dominican Republic native has to work on his approach, as his strikeout-to-walk ratio was 39/7. Tena's most challenging task lies at third base, where he struggled mightily last season. He committed ten errors in just 37 games at third base, an alarmingly high number. While some of those can be chopped up to inexperience, Tena sometimes struggled to make the routine play.
An offseason of preparation at third base will suit the left-handed slugger well. The Nationals have something in the form of Jose Tena. It's a matter of finding where he fits in the lineup. His primary position is second base, but taking Luis Garcia Jr. out of the lineup would be managerial malpractice from Davey Martinez.
Amed Rosario
Signed this offseason to fulfill a veteran presence on the bench, Rosario fits that mold nicely. The 29-year-old had two very productive seasons with Cleveland after being acquired in the Francisco Lindor trade, hitting .282 and .283 in 2021 and 2022. Rosario hit 11 home runs in those two seasons while playing solid defense at shortstop. Ahmed played four different positions in 2024 with three other teams. The veteran is likely looking for stability after being traded a few times last season.
At this point in his career, Rosario is not a starting-caliber player. He wasn't signed to be one, either, and should fill his role on the bench well in the 2025 season. When the starting third baseman needs a day off, expect Rosario to be in the Nats' lineup.
Trey Lipscomb
24-year-old Trey Lispcomb struggled with the bat in his first stint in the big leagues, hitting .200 across 61 games and 190 at-bats in the 2024 season. It's not the last we've seen of Lipscomb, but I do not see him making the Opening Day roster. He would be better suited to be the starting third baseman of the Rochester Red Wings (Nationals' AAA affiliate). Trey needs consistent at-bats every day to further his bat-to-ball skills. Out of his 44 hits, just four went for extra bases last season, so improving his bat in all aspects is required. As mentioned, it is not the last we've seen of Trey Lipscomb at the big-league level. He has too many skills to stay in the Minor Leagues.
Andres Chaparro
A wild-card entry, Andres Chaparro, can throw a wrench in the Nationals' plans due to his bat. In 33 games last season, Chaparro went deep four times and had 12 doubles. Sixteen of his 26 hits went for extra bases. Consistency at the plate was the issue for Andres, as he hit just .215. He also did not appear in a game at third base for the Nats in 2024. So why is he considered an option for third base? Coincidentally, Chaparro has been playing third base for his Winter League team in Venezuela. Could the Nationals have another project on their hands? Converting a power hitter to the hot corner has been done before and has a chance to happen once again. Spring Training will tell you what Chaparro has learned about the position.