As it is well known, the Nationals have had ups and downs over the past few seasons. With the team in a re-building phase, they have aimed towards their farm system to shape a new winning identity. With that mindset comes turnover in the roster over recent years. Though the team has not suffered any notable bad losses to the roster, we do look to former Nationals from 2024 who are performing quite well.
Jesse Winker
Jesse Winker has bounced around the league quite a bit, but he has always had a reputation of being a fiery competitor. This landed him with the Nationals to begin the 2024 season, making them his fourth team in as many seasons. As the season went on, his minor league contract was easily a big league revitalization and he carried respectable numbers throughout the season. In a pivot to acquire more young talent, Mike Rizzo made an expected move, trading Winker to the Mets in exchange for right handed pitching prospect, Tyler Stuart.
It seems that Winker's personality has since gelled very well with New York as he played a vital role in their postseason run and remained a quality utility piece this season. Thus far this season, Winker owns an OPS of .739 across 24 games and as a utility piece for the team, one would say that is quite respectable given his role. Jesse Winker is by no means missed, given the Nationals future outlook, but it seems the move has benefited both him and the Mets organization.
Patrick Corbin
Patrick Corbin is a seasoned veteran as he is now in his 14th season in the majors. That being said, he had been chasing his good 2019 season ever since. In his past 4 seasons, he has failed to post any better than a 5.20 ERA and that made it glaringly obvious that it was time to move on. Though he could have mulled retirement, the Texas Rangers picked him up on a 1-year, $1.1M deal, and he has actually performed quite well.
The former National currently sits with a 3.71 ERA while also carrying the best LOB% in his career at 83%. You have to give credit where credit is due, and Corbin has surely revived himself with above average numbers down in the big state of Texas. Funny enough, Corbin will make his return to DC tonight, and will face the Nationals for the first time in many years.
Victor Robles
A career-long National, Robles' career came to a halt in early 2024. Following a stellar 2023 season, Robles got off to a very rocky start which in part lead to his designation for assignment, making space for Lane Thomas. Subsequently, Robles was released 2 months into the season and picked up by the Mariners. This proved to be a great move for Robles in which he remains in Seattle after signing a 2-year $9.75 Million deal.
Robles has started off well this season as he bats .273 across 10 games. He is not an everyday starter, but he has still provided quality batting in his limited playing time. If Victor is asked to field more playing time, his numbers may suggest that he is ready to go. This is not too bad of a role for almost $10 million.
What other Nationals do you miss seeing on the field? Do you think the team should have kept anyone in the past couple seasons? Let's have a conversation on X - @jetbets