With all the talk around who makes the big league team, it's also nice to see how stacked the minor league organizations can be when the last four years have included prospect-hunting. But what players will find themselves one step away from the big leagues in 2025? Let's take a look at what I predict the Triple-AAA Rochester roster will look like come opening day.
Starting Pitchers: LHP DJ Herz, RHP Tyler Stuart, RHP Brad Lord, RHP Joan Adon, LHP Shinnosuke Ogasawara, RHP Cade Cavalli*
With the additions of Michael Soroka and Trevor Williams this past offseason, it's an unfortunate start to the year for LHP DJ Herz, who hasn't performed the best so far this spring. Unless Herz transitions to a reliever, it's hard to see him beating out the other members of the rotation. LHP Shinnosuke Ogasawara was also expected to be a nice addition to the bullpen, but he has pitched to a 7.71 ERA this spring and doesn't feel MLB-ready just yet. RHP Joan Adon led the Red Wings in strikeouts last season and remains on the team after a long-time-coming DFA this past offseason. Top 30 prospects Tyler Stuart and Brad Lord will also start at AAA, after both moved quickly through the minors last season.
*RHP Cade Cavalli is expected to begin at AAA as well, but it is unknown when he will throw in a game. Cavalli has thrown bullpen sessions this spring but has and will not pitch in a 2025 spring training game.
Relief Pitchers: RHP Daison Acosta, RHP Hyun-il Choi, RHP Clay Helvey, RHP Ivan Armstrong, LHP Konnor Pilkington, LHP Andrew Alvarez, RHP Zach Brzycky
The Triple-AAA bullpen is an interesting one. Besides RHP Zach Brzycky, the Nationals do not feature a highly rated prospect in the bullpen category. The Nationals added plenty of veteran flyers this offseason in Armstrong, Poche, Helvey, Pilkington, and Rule-5 selection Hyun-il Choi. However, I believe that Poche could be released by the end of spring training if he continues to struggle.
Catchers: Riley Adams, Brady Lindsly
Although he has gotten off to a slow start, I think that Drew Millas will beat out Riley Adams to start the season for the first time since they were both acquired back in 2021. Former Top 30 prospect Brady Lindsly will backup Adams, with veteran catcher Andrew Knizner getting released from the organization as a whole.
First Base: Juan Yepez/Andres Chapparo
As much as I would like to actually pick one or the other, it is such a toss-up on who could make the MLB roster between Juan Yepez and Andres Chaparro. Both players are now overshadowed by the additions of Josh Bell and Nathaniel Lowe, but I do expect one to come off the bench at the MLB level. Chaparro and Yepez both hit LHP well, and both have underwhelming glove work. Both players also play 1B and 3B (Yepez has been getting reps at 3B during practice), so it really could be either or as to who begins in the majors and who begins in the minors.
Second Base: Cayden Wallace, Darren Baker
On Tuesday, the Nationals released 3-year AAA player Jack Dunn, who had gotten a lot of infield work throughout his time in DC. However, it does open the door for #11 prospect Cayden Wallace to start the season at AAA. Wallace was acquired last season from the Royals for RHP Hunter Harvey, and while he dealt with injuries last season, he is still a good prospect in the organization. Wallace is primarily a 3B, but with Brady House (#4 prospect) already at AAA as well, it would make sense for Wallace to move to 2B, where he has been playing all Spring Training.
Third Base: Brady House, Erick Mejia
There isn't much more to say about 2021 first-round pick Brady House besides "when is he getting the call-up. The Nationals' #4 prospect will serve as the everyday 3B until getting the call, with Paul DeJong and Jose Tena keeping the position warm for him in the big leagues. The Nationals did also re-sign INF Erick Mejia, who will play as House's backup.
Shortstop: Nasim Nunez, Jackson Cluff
It's hard to see SS Nasim Nunez make the roster with the lack of offense he provides, especially with CJ Abrams being back with the team. Nunez was a Rule-5 draft pick last season and had to remain with the MLB team the whole year, or he would be sent back to Miami. Nunez provides a tremendous glove, but the offense isn't there yet.
Outfielders: Stone Garrett, Andrew Pinckney, Robert Hassell III, Franchy Cordero
The Outfield depth in Washington continues to be some of the best in Baseball. Robert Hassell has been raking this spring, but it's hard to strive away from the Wood/Young/Crews outfield. If Young lacks offense, the Nationals will not hesitate to call up Hassell. Stone Garrett also cleared waivers and will remain in DC, which is much to the fans' liking. Franchy Cordero was also brought in on an MiLB deal and will likely start the season at AAA as a DH for the Red Wings.