Federal Baseball
An Unofficial Washington Nationals Support Group.
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Examining the state of the Washington Nationals 40-man roster entering the offseason
The Washington Nationals face a jam-packed 40‑man roster as the 2026 offseason begins, with no free agents to clear space. Manager Paul Toboni must decide which of the five players on the 60‑day IL—Mitchell Parker, Ken Waldichuk, PJ Poulin, Matt Waldron and Drew Millas—stay, and which pitchers like Zak Kent, Kyle Nicolas, Paxton Schultz, Jared Simpson and Gus Varland will be DFA’d. Rule‑5 protections add pressure, especially for prospects Travis Sykora and Jarlin Susana, while catcher Cayden Wallace and third‑baseman Maxwell Romero vie for roster spots. Non‑tender choices also loom for Jake Irvin and several arbitration‑eligible arms, meaning double‑digit moves are likely before the Dec. 2 CBA deadline.
Luke Williams has the potential to be a breakout prospect for the Washington Nationals in 2027
Washington Nationals third‑round pick Luke Williams, a 6‑foot, 180‑lb high‑school shortstop from Pennsylvania, boasts elite speed, arm strength (70 rating) and rare bat‑speed for his size. Scouts see him as a potential center‑field freak athlete with serious power upside, though his hitting tool and limited exposure to top high‑school pitching raise questions. After an ankle injury kept him off showcase events, he has shown deep‑ball power in exhibition games. If he refines his approach, he could break into top‑100 prospect talks; if not, his development may be a slow burn.
Will Jake Irvin be on the Washington Nationals in 2027?
Jake Irvin, the Nationals’ durable right‑hander who debuted in 2023, faces a crucial arbitration decision as he approaches his 30th season. After an impressive first half of 2024, Irvin’s ERA ballooned above 5.00 in 2025‑26, and he struggled with home runs and an inconsistent sinker, though his curveball (.161 batting avg, 34% whiff) and fastball (.242 avg, 23.6% whiff) improved, yielding a career‑best 9.28 K/9 over 106.2 innings. At an expected $3.4 million contract, the Nats must choose between keeping him as a starter, moving him to the bullpen, or cutting ties. The article weighs his talent against performance and roster depth, suggesting a reliever role may be his best fit.
Former Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo getting interviewed by the Astros
Former Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, fired in July 2025, is now being interviewed for the Houston Astros’ open general manager position, according to a Bob Nightengale report on October 26, 2026. Rizzo, who built the 2019 World Series champion Nats and captured four NL East titles, faces scrutiny over recent drafting missteps and a perceived reluctance to embrace analytics. The Astros, a financially robust club sharing a Spring Training site with Washington, could benefit from Rizzo’s trade acumen if he adapts to modern tools. He competes with several candidates, and his interview is slated for today.
Three under the radar free agent pitchers I like for the Washington Nationals
Federal Baseball highlights three under‑the‑radar free‑agent pitchers the Washington Nationals could target: left‑hander David Peterson, Kris Bubic, and Kyle Hart. Peterson, a 31‑year‑old who posted a 2.73 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 66 innings after a June trade to the Cubs, could be signed for roughly $33 million over three years. Bubic, a 29‑year‑old with a 2.98 ERA and 227 strikeouts over 217 innings but a recent forearm/shoulder injury, may be a low‑cost, high‑upside 1+1 deal ($10‑15 M). Both offer solid secondary stuff and ground‑ball tendencies, though Peterson relies on defense and Bubic on health. The piece argues these pitchers provide affordable, potentially playoff‑ready arms for the Nats’ left‑handed need.
Adrian Morejon is the bullpen addition the Washington Nationals desperately need
The Washington Nationals’ shaky 2026 bullpen could be solved by signing 27‑year‑old left‑hander Adrian Morejon, one of the top free‑agent relievers. Morejon posted a sub‑3.00 ERA over 86 innings for the Padres, logged 103 strikeouts in 82.2 innings, and tied for the league lead with 42 shutdowns while averaging 99.4 MPH fastballs. Spotrac values him at three years, $35 million, roughly $11 million per season, and his advanced metrics rank in the 90th percentile across the board. Adding him could give Washington a reliable closer and lift a bullpen that struggled all year.
Where are the starters from the Washington Nationals World Series winning team now?
Seven years after the Washington Nationals clinched their first World Series in Game 7 (Oct. 30, 2019), none of the starters remain on the roster. Catcher Yan Gomes has retired and now coaches Brazil’s national team. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman, the franchise’s iconic draft pick, retired in 2021 and stays involved as a public face and occasional broadcaster. Second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera hung up his cleats after a brief stint in the Venezuelan league and is now managing the Guerreros de Oaxaca in Mexico. Shortstop Trea Turner is the only Game‑7 starter still active, continuing his MLB career. The piece tracks each player’s post‑Nats path, from coaching roles to retirement.
What To Make Of The Washington Nationals Catching Unit
The Washington Nationals transformed their catching corps from dead‑last in fWAR (‑1.3) in 2025 to 17th in 2026 thanks to new coaching. Keibert Ruiz rebounded dramatically, posting a .280/.316/.443 line, 10 homers, 105 wRC+ and a 1.9 fWAR, while improving his defensive metrics to a positive catching run total. Backup Harry Ford struggled in his first big‑league stint (‑.190, 87 wRC+), but pairs well with Ruiz in a platoon. Power‑hitting prospect Maxwell Romero Jr. delivered 23 homers in Double‑A/Triple‑A and could challenge for a roster spot, whereas Drew Millas and Caleb Lomavita provide only depth. The article weighs each catcher’s 2027 role as the Nats plan their offseason.
These three Washington Nationals relievers could break out in 2027
The Washington Nationals’ 2026 bullpen set a record for blown saves, but three young arms could spark a turnaround in 2027. Rookie Riley Cornelio posted a 3.68 ERA with a 34.5% whiff rate and an 85 mph slider, yet his 18.1% walk rate hampers reliability. Yovanny Cruz, acquired in the Luis Garcia trade, flashes 100 mph fastballs and a 118‑stuff slider but posted a 5.06 ERA and inconsistent fastball movement; his new sinker may improve ground‑ball rates. Reliever Luis Perales is also mentioned as a potential breakout candidate. The author argues at least one of these flamethrowers could break out if they tighten control.
Miguel Sime Jr. exceeded expectations in his first season in the Washington Nationals system
Washington Nationals prospect Miguel Sime Jr. exceeded expectations in his first professional season after being drafted in the 4th round of 2025. The 19‑year‑old refined a once‑raw slider during spring training, turning it into his primary weapon and posting a 2.15 ERA with 14.87 K/9 (third‑best in MiLB) over 46 innings at High‑A Wilmington. His strikeout rate stayed around 40% despite a 19.9% walk rate, and he dazzled at the 2026 All‑Star Futures Game with elite velocity and movement. While control remains a concern, the Nats see him as a high‑upside arm with potential to start in Double‑A next year.
Top prospect Travis Sykora is a wild card for the Washington Nationals in 2027
Top prospect Travis Sykora, the Nationals' most promising right‑hander, is on track to return from Tommy John surgery in 2027. Before his July 2025 injury he posted a 2.14 ERA with 208 K in 130.1 innings, dominating High‑A with a 1.21 ERA and 44% strike‑out rate. He briefly faced Double‑A hitters (4.2 innings, 9 K, 6 BB) showing both his swing‑and‑miss stuff—mid‑upper 90s fastball, splitter and slider—and a need to refine control. Sykora is Rule 5‑eligible, so the Nationals must add him to the 40‑man roster this off‑season, risking minor‑league lockout inactivity. If cleared, he could start Double‑A in 2027 and become a wild‑card impact arm for Washington.
Will the Washington Nationals make any big moves before the lockout?
With a December 2 deadline looming and a likely MLB lockout, the Washington Nationals may rush to make a big move before the work stoppage. New President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni, known for aggressive deals, could target trade candidates like CJ Abrams, William Contreras or Jeremy Pena, or pursue free‑agent signings in a pre‑lockout frenzy reminiscent of the 2021 Seager‑Semien deals. Insiders speculate the Nats will strike early to avoid missing out on talent as the market tightens. The article warns that a lockout could shorten the season to around 100 games, raising the stakes for any pre‑lockout roster overhaul.
Blake Butera retains his entire coaching staff for his second season as Washington Nationals manager
Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera keeps all 12 members of his coaching staff for 2027, though five training and strength coaches are not renewed. The hitting coaches enter the season with no pressure after delivering a top‑5 offense in 2026, while the pitching staff faces scrutiny despite improving the team ERA from 5.35 to 4.67 and recording a historic blown‑save record. Standout right‑hander Cade Cavalli posted a 3.02 ERA with 200 strikeouts, highlighting the work of pitching coach Simon Mathews. With promising arms like Cavalli, Connelly Early and Andrew Alvarez, the bullpen’s next year will test the coaches’ ability to turn talent into results.
Brandon Lowe could be Nats’ top target if they decide to make free agency splash
The Washington Nationals face an offensive void after trading Luis Garcia Jr. and Curtis Mead, with James Wood and CJ Abrams rumored to be on the move. Seeking a free‑agent power boost, the Nats could target former Pirates left‑fielder Brandon Lowe. Lowe posted career‑best numbers in 2025—a 5.4 bWAR, .260/.331/.493 slash line, 35 homers and 96 RBIs over 150 games. At 32, he offers versatility at 1B, 2B, or DH and consistently delivers 30+ HR seasons and OPS+ above 110. Spotrac values him at a four‑year, $91.2 million deal, a price the low‑payroll club may need to stay competitive if Wood or Abrams depart.
The Rays and Brewers both rely heavily on trades, which is a guide for the Washington Nationals
The Nationals can emulate the Rays and Brewers by leaning on aggressive trades to offset a small budget. Tampa’s 47.1 WAR this season includes 31.2 from acquired players like Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz and Drew Rasmussen, while Milwaukee’s playoff surge stems from deals that brought Christian Yelich, Robert Gasser and Joey Ortiz after swapping Josh Hader and Corbin Burnes. Washington’s recent deadline moves—shipping Foster Griffin, Luis Garcia Jr. and Curtis Mead—signal a long‑term rebuild modeled after Tampa and Milwaukee’s trade‑first strategy. The article breaks down each team’s acquisition mix and highlights how smart trades can turn small‑market clubs into World Series contenders.
What will Yohandy Morales’ role be for the Washington Nationals in 2027?
Yohandy Morales bursts onto the Nationals’ radar in 2026, posting a .286/25‑HR line in AAA before a September debut where he homered and posted a .255 average with four HRs and an .851 OPS in 17 big‑league games. His elite 91.7 MPH exit velocity, 62.5% hard‑hit rate and 15.6% barrel rate showcase raw power, but a 31.9% strikeout rate and zero walks raise red flags. With a high chase rate and low zone‑contact in the minors, the Nats’ data‑driven front office still lists him behind Andres Chaparro, Brady House and Abimelec Ortiz for corner infield spots heading into 2027. The article weighs his slugging upside against swing‑and‑miss concerns and speculates on a possible move to third base.
Five 2026 Washington Nationals pitchers you might have forgotten about
The 2026 Washington Nationals cycled through a record 41 pitchers, and this piece spotlights five obscure arms that largely faded unnoticed. Reliever Ken Waldichuk debuted, logged five appearances before a Tommy John surgery, finishing with a 6.75 ERA. Andre Granillo, acquired from St. Louis in exchange for George Soriano, struggled mayhem‑filled, posting a 9.64 ERA in nine innings before being DFA’d and moving to Detroit. Julian Fernandez showed flashes in three April outings—one earned run in four innings—but his lack of a breaking ball led to a June DFA. The article also mentions Jackson Rutledge’s limited 2026 action after a rough 2025 season. Readers get a concise look at the Nats’ revolving door of pitchers and the outcomes of these forgotten players.
The Washington Nationals need to spend money this offseason
The Washington Nationals face a crucial offseason as they enter with the lowest MLB payroll, trailing the rest of the league by about $25 million. After an 11‑win improvement under manager Paul Toboni and pitcher Blake Butera, analysts argue the Nats could afford a $70 million spending spree and still rank only 20th in payroll, enabling them to chase starters like Kevin Gausman, Michael King or Tyler Mahle. Ownership’s historical aversion to big contracts—no free‑agent deals over $10 million since 2022—raises doubts, especially with a potential salary‑floor rule looming. The article examines past low‑budget moves, compares rivals’ spending, and asks whether the Lerner family will finally invest to break the post‑2019 slump.
Will the Washington Nationals trade Jacob Young this offseason?
The Nationals face a dilemma over center fielder Jacob Young as Yankees interest heats up. Young finished 2026 with a .252 average, .708 OPS, 10 homers, 95 wRC+, +11 OAA and 2.3 WAR, thanks to a revamped offensive approach and elite defense. While his breakout power and three years of team control make him a valuable asset, the Nats could trade him for pitching — a young arm like Elmer Rodriguez or Ben Hess, or veterans such as Will Warren or Ryan Weathers. The alternative is to promote Dylan Crews, who offers higher upside but less proven consistency. With a weak free‑agent market at center field, the article argues Young’s defensive ceiling and recent improvements warrant keeping him unless the Yankees present an irresistible offer.
Washington Nationals prospect Alejandro Rosario is finally throwing again
Last offseason, the Nats traded MacKenzie Gore in exchange for five prospects. Four of those prospects have already played, and have shown varying levels of promise. However, there was a 5th who had to miss all of last season with Tommy John Surgery. The story of Alejandro Rosario is mysterious, but he posted that he […]
The Washington Nationals Were Dangerous On The Base Paths In 2026
For Nationals fans accustomed to watching promising innings disappear on the basepaths, 2026 offered a welcome change. The Nats played aggressive baseball, but with better results. Stealing bases and taking the extra bag became meaningful strengths, giving them another way to generate offense. The improvement also deserves to be counted among the successes of manager […]
Harry Ford did not live up to expectations in his first year with the Washington Nationals
The first major trade Paul Toboni made as Nationals POBO was to acquire Harry Ford in exchange for Jose A. Ferrer. Ford was expected to emerge as the Nats catcher of the future without an elite backstop like Cal Raleigh blocking him. However, this season did not go according to plan for the 23 year […]
Daylen Lile’s impressive defensive season rewarded with an NL Gold Glove nomination
Daylen Lile had a tremendous rookie year in 2025. However, he had a really tough time on the defensive side of the ball. This offseason, Lile made a major effort to improve defensively. That hard work paid off, as Lile is one of three finalists for NL Gold Glove at the left field position. Lile […]
Erik Tolman and Jack Sinclair emerged as homegrown relief options for the Washington Nationals
If you watched any Nationals baseball in 2026, you would know that the bullpen was not good. The unit actually set records for their ineptitude, with the 2026 Nats blowing more saves than any team in history. That does not mean there were not any bright spots in the ‘pen. I am going to take […]
Andrew Alvarez pitched his way into the Washington Nationals future plans this year
Entering the 2026 season, who would you have expected to be the Nationals second best starter at the end of the year? I am sure it would have taken you a while to get to Andrew Alvarez, but here we are. The Nats pitching staff did not have a great season as a whole, but […]
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