Washington Nationals News

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews was one of the top prospects in baseball coming into last season, but he had underwhelming rookie numbers. He's ready to turn the page and have a much better sophomore campaign, saying, "I think all of us have to forget about everything that's happened in the past. It's a clean slate right now." The former No. 2 overall pick is still a huge part of the Nationals' plans and should get a long leash as a primary outfielder in Washington this season. In his 85 games last year, he hit just .208 with 10 homers and 17 stolen bases. He has the potential for a much better average and more power if he can live up to his pedigree in the majors this season. He's slotted into a great lineup spot if he hits second between C.J. Abrams and James Wood, so there's definitely still some upside with Crews, who is available at a low ADP and has some definite "post-hype sleeper" potential to emerge this season.

The Washington Nationals have signed relief pitcher Cionel Perez to a minor-league deal on Saturday. According to Jon Heyman, Perez will earn $1.9 million salary, including $700K of incentives, assuming he makes the big-league roster. The southpaw struggled last season during his 19 appearances with the Baltimore Orioles. Before his disastrous 2025 campaign, Perez was a solid middle relief option for the O's from 2022-2024. This is a low-risk move for the Nats, who could end up getting a reliable middle reliever on a cheap one-year contract.

Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz (concussion) has been cleared from concussion restrictions after dealing with head injuries last year, according to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com. Now healthy, Ruiz enters spring training this year in a competition with No. 2 overall prospect Harry Ford, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in December, for the starting role in D.C. Riley Adams and Drew Millas will be battling for a backup role. The 27-year-old Ruiz was initially hit by a pitch in the head in late June of last year, which limited him to 68 games played. The Venezuelan backstop hit .247/.277/.318 with a career-worst .595 OPS, only two home runs, 25 RBI, and 19 runs scored in 267 plate appearances. Ruiz is hard to strike out, but when he makes contact with the baseball, it's usually weak. He might open the year as the Nats' starting catcher, but he also grades out poorly defensively, and it's only a matter of time before Ford takes over.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher DJ Herz (elbow) will continue to rehab from his Tommy John surgery to start the season and won't be available until mid-season at the earliest. He underwent the procedure last April, so he could return at some point this season, depending on how the recovery goes. The young lefty showed some upside as a rookie in 2024, with 106 strikeouts in 88 2/3 innings, going 4-9 in 19 starts. His main issue was control problems in his rise through the minors, and he'll need to regain his control after the procedure if he wants to make an impact this season. He's not someone you need to worry about in drafts in almost any format, but he could be a midseason pickup or streaming option late in the year as he looks to return to fantasy relevance for 2027.

The Washington Nationals are signing free-agent right-hander Miles Mikolas to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, sources told Jake Mintz of Yahoo Sports. Mikolas will head to the National League East after going 8-11 with a 4.84 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 100:37 K:BB in 156 1/3 innings over 31 starts in 2025 in his final season with the St. Louis Cardinals. The 37-year-old veteran is tied for the second-most starts in the majors over the last four seasons, so he'll bring durability to the Nationals' starting rotation in 2026. Mikolas should have a spot in the Opening Day starting rotation waiting for him in D.C., especially after the team traded left-hander MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in the offseason. He has made at least 30 starts in each of the last four seasons while compiling a 4.51 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 16.8% strikeout rate, and 4.6% walk rate. Mikolas should only be a target in NL-only leagues.

Washington Nationals outfielder Daylen Lile had an impressive rookie year, and he's looking to build on his big campaign during the 2026 season. Across his first 91 games of big-league action last year, he slashed .299/.347/.498 with nine home runs, 41 RBI, eight stolen bases, a 6.0% walk rate, a 16.0% strikeout rate, and 132 wRC+. While not a major power or speed threat, he consistently put the ball in play while keeping his walk and strikeout rates at fairly respectable clips. His defense wasn't as encouraging, though. Lile appeared in both corner outfield spots, totaling -8 OAA and -10 FRV across 624.1 innings. Presumably, he'll spend most of 2026 in left field or at designated hitter, where the effects of his subpar defense won't be felt quite as much. On a more positive note, he should play almost every day and is the leading candidate to bat third in Washington's lineup, boosting his fantasy upside. As it currently stands, he ranks as the #53 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for the 2026 season.

The Washington Nationals claimed left-hander Ken Waldichuk off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday and designated right-hander George Soriano for assignment in a corresponding move, according to president of baseball operations Paul Toboni. Waldichuk, 28, has not pitched in the big leagues since 2023. The former fifth-round selection by the New York Yankees in 2019 out of Saint Mary's College went 6-11 with a 5.28 ERA (5.10 FIP) and 1.49 WHIP with 165 strikeouts and 81 walks in his two seasons with the Athletics in 2022 and 2023. Waldichuk made only seven starts in 2022 and then had a 5.36 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 35 outings (22 starts) over 141 frames in 2023. He has now been with four different teams this offseason. In his first year back from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Waldichuk struggled to an 8.65 ERA and 2.06 WHIP in 51 innings at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews continued to show flashes of upside in the majors last year, but for the most part, struggled to produce at a very high level and looked like he could use some more time in Triple-A. The former top prospect played 85 of his 98 games in MLB last season, slashing a frustrating .208/.280/.352 with a 7.5% walk rate and 23.6% strikeout rate. He is starting to show signs of the plus power we've expected all along, and the baserunning has come along quite well, as he stole 17 bags. Still, a blend of experience and generally poor results makes him a riskier name entering the 2026 season. ZiPS projects him for 1.8 fWAR in 2026, and he currently ranks #43 in the latest RotoBaller fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray could get the starting nod on Opening Day, according to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com. Gray was sidelined for nearly the entire 2025 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. He returned to the bump late in 2025 in the minor leagues. Across a brief 5 2/3-inning stint, Gray did not allow a run and helda 5:5 K:BB. During his last full season in Washington (2023), Gray logged 159 innings to the tune of a 3.91 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP. He struck out 143 hitters while allowing walks at a 11.5% rate. With MacKenzie Gore now in Texas, Gore figures to compete for the lead role in the rotation alongside Jake Irvin and Cade Cavalli. Given his inconsistent command, Gray is best left for deeper 15+ team formats as a streaming option.

According to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com, the Nationals could explore shifting second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. to first base to begin the season. Last summer, Garcia was given a brief two-game stint at first base and could begin to take on a larger role there, given Washington's current roster. Additionally, the Nationals could turn to Matt Mervis, Andres Chaparro, or prospect Yohandy Morales to begin the campaign as the team's starting first baseman. In 2025, Garcia spent the majority of his time at the keystone and held a .252/.289/.412 slash line with 28 doubles, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. Managers should monitor his usage in spring training, as he could earn more positional eligibility if he were to appear in enough games at first base. If he were to completely shift to first base, Jose Tena and Nasim Nunez would likely earn starts at second base.

Washington Nationals first base prospect Yohandy Morales is expected to compete for the starting first base job during spring training. Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reported that a mix of Matt Merivis, Andres Chaparro, Trey Lipscomb, and Morales is expected to compete for the lead role at first base. Morales began the season with Double-A but was able to spend the majority of the campaign with Triple-A. Across 33 games at Double-A, Morales posted a .315/.366/.520 slash line with 120 doubles, four home runs, and two stolen bases. At Triple-A, the team's No. 21-ranked prospect held a lower .241/.330/.401 slash line with a modest .731 OPS. Managers in deeper formats should keep an eye on Morales's progression as he could crack the Opening Day roster.

Washington Nationals catching prospect Harry Ford is expected to compete alongside Keibert Ruiz for the starting catcher role in spring training. The Nationals acquired Ford from the Mariners earlier this offseason. Ford is currently viewed as the No. 42-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com and one of the top young backstops. Last summer, Ruiz struggled at the plate, holding a modest .247/.277/.318 slash line across a short 68-game stint. Ford spent the majority of the campaign with Triple-A Tacoma, where he carried a .283/.408/.460 slash line with 18 doubles, 16 home runs, and seven stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate, posting an 88:74 K:BB. Even though Ford has only eight games of MLB experience, he is in serious consideration to see the majority of time behind the dish in D.C. He is a name to closely monitor in camp, as he would carry high-end sleeper appeal in two-catcher leagues.

The Washington Nationals have claimed relief pitcher George Soriano off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. Soriano was designated for assignment earlier this week after they added Jose Suarez to their roster. Soriano is looking to bounce back in 2026 after a disastrous season with the Miami Marlins in 2025. The 26-year-old finished with an 8.35 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, and a 36/19 K/BB ratio in 24 appearances. Somehow, Soriano almost allowed more earned runs (34) than he struck out batters (36). The Nationals are hopeful that Soriano can return to form and pitch as he did during his rookie season in 2023. He's expected to compete for a middle relief role during Spring Training.

The Washington Nationals have claimed shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the New York Mets. Cheng will now land with his third team of the offseason after being designated for assignment by the Mets last week. The 24-year-old figures to offer organizational depth and is hopeful for a bounce-back season in 2026. Last season, Cheng slashed .207/.305/.267 with 36 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 110 games in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system. He'll look to earn a bench role with the Nats during Spring Training.

According to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, the San Francisco Giants recently made an aggressive push to acquire Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams. According to sources, the Giants made it clear they would offer top prospect Josuar Gonzalez as part of a package to acquire Abrams. Additionally, top pitching prospects Carson Whisenhunt and Jacob Bresnahan were likely to be moved to Washington if they reached an agreement. The Nationals recently traded top pitcher MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers and have expressed willingness to shop Abrams as well. While the Giants were unsuccessful in this offer, they remain focused on improving their infield before spring training. The Giants have also been linked to St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan throughout the offseason. If the Giants were to fall short in these trade talks, Casey Schmitt would likely open the season as the starting second baseman, while Willy Adams would cover shortstop.

Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Travis Sykora (elbow) was invited to spring training. However, given that he underwent UCL reconstruction surgery last season, the right-hander is not expected to take the mound at all in 2026. Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reported that the budding ace will continue his rehab process with the major league roster during camp. Sykora made his professional debut with Low-A in 2024 and immediately flashed upside, striking out 129 hitters in just 85 innings. In 2025, Sykora continued to ascend in the Washington system, finishing the season in Double-A. Across 45 1/3 innings spent primarily with High-A, Sykora would post an outstanding 1.79 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and a 79:17 K:BB. While he is expected to be sidelined for the entirety of the 2026 season, he is a prime buy-low target in dynasty leagues, as he was on track to make his MLB debut this season.

Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Jarlin Susana (lat) has earned an invite to spring training. However, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reported that Susana is expected to remain in rehab from his last surgery last season during the start of camp. Susana is an emerging arm in the Washington system but saw his season cut short in the second half after suffering a late injury. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during camp, as he may be in danger of missing time early in the regular season. When on the bump, the 21-year-old was quite productive. He spent the majority of the 2025 season with Double-A Harrisburg and logged 47 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.61 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. He struck out an impressive 79 batters but struggled with his command, serving up 32 free passes. Given his elite strikeout potential, he is worth following in deeper formats as he could be in contention for a second-half MLB debut.

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood is a rising, young fantasy baseball asset after hitting .256/.350/.475 with an .825 OPS, 31 home runs, 94 RBI, 87 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases in 157 games in his first full major-league season. The 23-year-old power-hitting left-hander and former second-round pick by the San Diego Padres displayed impressive power to the opposite field last year, with 26 of his 31 total home runs going up the middle or the other way. The problem with Wood is that his long swing also leads to plenty of swings and misses. He led the league with 221 strikeouts and posted a strikeout rate of 32.1 percent. The fact that Wood was so successful in his first full MLB season bodes well for his long-term outlook, but despite being a top-35 overall fantasy player, there's some volatility and downside as well. The power is real, and RotoBaller has Wood as the No. 10 outfielder.

Teams have expressed interest in trading for Washington Nationals outfielder Jacob Young, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. However, it's unclear whether Washington has a desire to trade him at this time. Young, 26, is a plus defender in center field with four years remaining under team control. He made 112 appearances (901.1 innings) in the outfield last year and didn't commit a single error. While the glovework is impressive, defense can be tougher to project long-term, and the Nationals' new front office might feel less inclined to hold onto a glove-first outfielder from the previous regime. Young's offensive output is nothing special, as he slashed just .231/.296/.287 with two home runs, 15 stolen bases, a 7.4% walk rate, a 17.9% strikeout rate, and a 66 wRC+ last year. He finished the campaign with -14.5 fWAR at the plate, 12.2 fWAR in the field, and 1.0 fWAR overall. Rosenthal notes that the new front office believes the entire outfield can improve offensively and defensively under the new coaching staff, but he also hints at a potential outfield logjam with Robert Hassell III in the mix for a 26-man roster spot alongside Dylan Crews, Daylen Lile, and James Wood. As a result, we wouldn't be surprised if Young becomes the odd man out.

According to Spencer Nusbaum, Andrew Golden, and Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, the Nationals have shopped star shortstop CJ Abrams on the trade market this offseason. While they have yet to find a trade partner, they are actively looking to move the infielder. On Thursday, the Nationals traded their ace, MacKenzie Gore, to the Texas Rangers in exchange for numerous top prospects, and could now look to pursue talks for Abrams. Abrams began his career with the Padres but was shipped to Washington in the Juan Soto trade in August of 2022. Last season, Abrams posted a .257/.315/.433 line with a career-high 35 doubles. He hit 19 home runs and swiped at least 31 bases for the second-straight campaign. The 25-year-old remains a solid No. 1 SS in category formats, given his ability to hit for power and steal bases. If he were to be traded to a contender, he would see his counting stats receive a major boost.