Over the last few days, the Washington Nationals have made two rounds of cuts. Admittedly, I'm not sure that anything unexpected has happened in this regard. But still, the battles for the final handful or fewer roster spots are becoming increasingly clear.
We saw some top prospects sent to minor league camp on Monday, including infielders Darren Baker, Yohandy Morales and Cayden Wallace and outfielder Daylen Lile. Then on Wednesday, there was similar activity.
The Nationals have made the following roster moves:
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) March 19, 2025
Reassigned to Minor League camp:
RHP Clay Helvey
3B Brady House
OF Stone Garrett
OF Andrew Pinckney
Optioned to Triple-A Rochester:
OF Robert Hassell III
INF Trey Lipscomb
Let's be honest. While there are some fan favorites in these two groups of players, and some guys who have interesting upside and big league futures, I think we knew what was coming. It would have been a pretty big surprise if any of these players cracked the Opening Day roster.
In fact, the only so-called surprise was the Nationals returning pitcher and Rule 5 draft selection Evan Reifert to the Tampa Bay Rays. The 25-year-old right-hander had substantial command struggles this spring, walking 12 batters in 6.1 innings. And yet, if we really think about it, was that even a surprise?
Probably should’ve been a tell when the Rays didn’t protect him. They don’t let pitchers they can get something out of get away, and they’re better at developing them. https://t.co/NGkFLe47FO
— Stephen Newman (@stephen_newman1) March 18, 2025
Here's what we know. The following players are still in major league camp for Washington:
- Starting Pitchers (9): Brad Lord, Cade Cavalli, MacKenzie Gore, DJ Herz, Jake Irvin, Shinnosuke Ogasawara, Mitchell Parker, Michael Soroka, Trevor Williams
- Relief Pitchers (10): Zach Brzykcy, Jose A. Ferrer, Kyle Finnegan, Derek Law, Jorge Lopez, Colin Poche, Orlando Ribalta, Jackson Rutledge, Eduardo Salazar, Lucas Sims
- Catchers (4): Riley Adams, Andrew Knizner, Drew Millas, Keibert Ruiz
- Infielders (10): CJ Abrams, Josh Bell, Andres Chaparro, Paul DeJong, Luis Garcia Jr., Nathaniel Lowe, Nasim Nunez, Amed Rosario, Jose Tena, Juan Yepez
- Outfielders (4): Alex Call, Dylan Crews, James Wood, Jacob Young
Cavalli and Brzykcy both seem destined for the injured list, and Knizner and Millas seem camp bodies at this point to account for the expanded group of pitchers.
The top four starting pitchers appear to be locked, led by Gore, who will get the Opening Day nod. Irvin, Williams and Soroka in some order are also safe. And the race for the final spot can confidently be handicapped, with Parker in the lead, Herz behind him as a Triple-A candidate who could crack the top 26 in the bullpen, and Ogasawara presumably heading to Rochester.
Rutledge is in the very early stages of transitioning to the bullpen, so it's safe to assume he also begins the season in Triple-A, although he's making a compelling case for a chance to contribute early. Brad Lord is another possibility, although he seems more likely to start with the Red Wings as well. The remaining eight pitchers could very easily be the Opening Day bullpen. The only possibilities otherwise seem to be Herz getting a spot over inexperienced arms like Ribalta and Salazar, or a surprise cut among the struggling veteran group of Lopez (who may be due for a resurgent season), Poche and Sims.
Adams and Ruiz will be the big league catching duo, and the outfield crop can also be written in Sharpie. That means three remaining infielders will have to be on the short end of the stick.
We can safely say Lowe, Garcia, Abrams and DeJong will be everyday starters on the dirt. We also know Bell will be the go-to designated hitter, and Rosario is most likely the heavy favorite to win a utility bench role.
That leaves us almost exactly where we were when we discussed this situation a week ago. Baker, House and Lipscomb are gone now, but that was expected. So, will the final spot go to Chaparro, Nunez, Tena or Yepez?
In some respect, this question can be answers based on two criteria. First, do the Nationals want to carry a slugger who can back up Lowe and Bell, while also serving as a top pinch-hitting candidate, or would they prefer someone who can fill in at multiple positions and perhaps be a pinch-running option? Then secondarily, how much should they weigh spring training production?
Hot take incoming —
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 19, 2025
I’m a big Nasim Nunez guy. He’s the best defensive infielder on the Nats. He’s also their fastest player. Top of the chart glove and speed. If he could hit a little bit he could be a helpful every day guy.
Spent offseason hitting with James Wood and his…
I still favor Nunez, but there clearly are counterarguments. Chaparro has seen similar success this spring, and Tena can fill a somewhat similar role to Nunez. On top of that, sporadic usage for Nunez instead of everyday play time in Triple-A may stunt his development.
Do you agree? Who do you think will win the final roster spots? Let me know who your favorites are @stephen_newman1 on X.