The Washington Nationals had a good thing going for a couple of days before things came crashing back down to earth on Wednesday afternoon. After an incredible Tuesday evening in which the team won 9-5 and had a pair of their rookies make first impressions that will not soon be forgotten, things were almost the polar opposite on Wednesday.
In the game on Wednesday, the team had just 2 hits, with 1 of them coming from James Wood, who made his return from the Injured List, and the other coming from Yohandy Morales. The rookie corner infielder has gotten off to a quick start since coming up from AAA Rochester, and perhaps another prospect from the Red Wings will be able to join the club before the end of the season.
Paul Toboni hints at potential Seaver King call-up before end of 2026
After lots of speculation that he would be part of this year's September call-ups for the Nationals, Top 100 prospect Seaver King was ultimately snubbed from being brought up to the team when rosters expanded on Tuesday. Instead, the team brought up Morales and lefty reliever Jared Simpson, who as previously mentioned have performed well so far.
However, with King continuing to dominate the pitching he facing down in AAA, many were wondering if he could still earn a call-up, and Paul Toboni himself was asked about it today while he appeared on Junks Radio for 106.7 The Fan. His answer might have hinted at a potential call-up for the Nationals' youngster.
Toboni said, "He's close. Can't tell you for sure what will happen in the next few weeks." in regards to King's potential for being brought to the big leagues. This could obviously be him trying to keep King motivated for the rest of the season, but the Nationals do also have good reason to leave him down in the minors for the remainder of the year if they are not 100% confident he is ready.
With the pending MLB lockout that is going to happen later this year and into next season, there is an existing rule that teams can't sent down a player on their 40-man roster to the minors during a lockout, which can hinder a youngster's development time. Simply put, if the Nationals don't think King will be able to contribute from Day 1 of 2027, whenever that might be, they might not want to bring him up prematurely.
It is an intresting wrinkle as King could continue to play and develop in the minor leagues next season even if there is a lockout, so Toboni and the front office have to weigh the pros and cons of starting his clock before the end of 2026. Clearly, they are actively deliberating on what the best route forward is for King, but if he keeps raking like he has been, he will force their hand no matter what.
Do you think we will get to see Seaver King in the majors with the Nationals before the end of the season? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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