New #, Who This? Taking a look at the Nationals jersey number assignments.

Current Nationals with new numbers: 

Cade Cavalli: #9 (Switches from #54) 

Jake Irvin: #27 (Switches from #74) 

Former 1st round pick Cade Cavalli missed all the 2023 season when he had the chance to wear #24. Cavalli now switches his number for the 3rd time, this time to #9, last worn by 3B Jeimer Candelario in 2023, and 2019 World Series champion Brian Dozier. Cavalli has reported to Spring Training but is expected to miss at least the first month or so due to Tommy John. Jake Irvin also upgrades to #27 after a rookie season with an average rookie number in #74. Most Rookies who are not expected to stay very long will receive higher jersey numbers. Since Irvin will likely be in the rotation after a great rookie year, Irvin was able to upgrade to a lower number, formerly worn by RHP Jordan Zimmermann from 2009-2015.  

Top Prospects Spring Training Assigned Numbers: 

Dylan Crews: #3 

Trey Lipscomb: #38 

James Wood: #50 

Brady House: #55 

Most minor leaguers break camp with numbers in the high 80s and beyond. It is notable to see that the top 4 minor leaguers who received invites have all been assigned low numbers, particularly one single digit assignment. Top prospect Dylan Crews will wear #3, formerly worn by 2019 World Series Champion Michael A. Taylor, which many fans predicted would be his number when breaking into the league, as Crews also wore #3 at LSU. Trey Lipscomb receives #38, and James Wood & Brady House both receive numbers in the 50s (#50 and #55). Compared to last spring, James Wood wore #97 and Brady House wore #93. Crews' assignment is particularly eye catching as it seems the Nationals are preparing that jersey to belong to Crews sooner rather than later.

New Nationals with New Numbers: 

Jesse Winker: #6 

Nick Senzel: #13 

Joey Gallo: #24 

The new guys in town, all on 1-year, or minor-league deals, received some high-praise Nationals numbers ahead of the season. The newest addition Jesse Winker receives #6, formerly worn by 3B Anthony Rendon, and looks to break camp with the ballclub as a bench bat or platoon OF in a smaller ballpark, where Winker’s power numbers thrive. 3B Nick Senzel will wear #13 and likely be the team’s starting corner infielder in 2024. #13 has been worn by World Series Champion Asdrubal Cabrera and former 3B coach Bob Henley with the ‘98 Expos. A lot of history of #13 at the hot Nationals corner. Finally, 1B/DH Joey Gallo will wear #24, formerly of RHP Cade Cavalli (Technically in 2023), and first baseman Nick Johnson from 2004-2009.  

To most, Jersey numbers are not that big of a deal, but seeing fans rocking their favorite player’s number and jersey at the stadium is a part of the game. Players feel a connection and sense of success when they see little kids wearing their numbers. It is only a matter of time till some of these numbers (Most likely #3) flood the stadium and seats for the Nationals. Especially if they make the Opening Day Roster.