The Washington Nationals have joined the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays in expressing interest in free-agent infielder Gleyber Torres, according to the New York Post. Washington has explored the possibility of Torres moving to third base, a position he has only played briefly in the minors and never in the Major Leagues. The Nationals' current infield setup includes Luis García at second base and CJ Abrams at shortstop, with trade deadline acquisition José Tena penciled in as next year's third baseman and top prospect Brady House also primarily playing third base.


Torres, who turns 28 later this month, is among the youngest free agents available this offseason. Despite a down year with the New York Yankees in 2024, where he slashed .257/.330/.378, Torres showed promise after being moved to the leadoff spot in August and again during the postseason. He has a strong history of power hitting and maintains better-than-average strikeout rates. Given his age and his underwhelming 2024 performance, Torres might be open to a short-term "prove it" contract to rebuild his value and re-enter free agency in 2025.


The Nationals' interest in Torres highlights their ongoing efforts to bolster their lineup with experienced talent to complement their young core, which includes promising players like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams. Adding a veteran like Torres could provide the offensive spark and leadership needed to help guide their young team to greater success.

Free agent first baseman Christian Walker is attracting attention from several teams, including the Washington Nationals, according to Fansided. 


Walker, who will be 34 next season, has emerged as a reliable power hitter and a three-time Gold Glove winner over the past few years. In the 2023 season, he played 130 games and posted a .251/.335/.468 batting line (121 OPS+), with 26 doubles, 26 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a WAR of 2.6. Despite being a late bloomer, Walker has solidified himself as a formidable presence at the plate and a defensive asset.


The Nationals are a logical fit for Walker. They boast a promising young core with players like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams. Adding a seasoned power hitter like Walker could provide valuable leadership and offensive production, helping to nurture and support the development of their young talents.

The Washington Nationals have been recognized for their outstanding dedication to underserved neighborhoods in Washington D.C. with the 2024 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence. This accolade highlights the impact of the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, which has positively influenced over 6,000 young individuals through development and community investment over the past decade.

The award, part of MLB's social responsibility program, MLB Together, celebrates the charitable and philanthropic efforts of Major League clubs. This marks the first time the Nationals have received this prestigious honor.

"The Nationals Youth Baseball Academy is a terrific example of how our Clubs are making a difference in the lives of young people with opportunities on and off the field," said Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. "I congratulate the Lerner family, the Washington Nationals organization, Nationals Philanthropies, and the entire staff at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy for this well-earned recognition. We are proud to celebrate their efforts and we look forward to their continued impact throughout the Greater D.C. region."

Since its inception in March 2014, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy has grown from hosting after-school enrichment programs for 40 third and fourth graders to a comprehensive initiative that fosters positive character development, academic achievement, improved health, and access to baseball and softball for participants aged 5 to 18 years old.

Alumni of the Academy often return as volunteers or staff, helping to maintain a strong, community-centered environment. The core after-school and summer program serves students from grades three through eight and has successfully prepared many participants for competitive high schools and colleges across the D.C. region and the country.

Additionally, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy addresses food insecurity through its weekly produce market, healthy food store, and meal distribution programs. These efforts result in the provision of 100,000 meals annually, supported by Nationals Philanthropies.

​The recognition of the Nationals with the Allan H. Selig Award underscores the organization's commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community, both on and off the field.

The Washington Nationals have successfully avoided arbitration with reliever Mason Thompson, as announced by the team. While the exact terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected an $800K salary for Thompson, which is slightly above the league minimum of $760K.

Thompson, who will turn 27 in February, faced a challenging 2024 season as he underwent Tommy John surgery early in Spring Training. This surgery sidelined him for the entire season, but there is optimism that he could make his return relatively early in the 2025 season.

A former draftee of the San Diego Padres, Thompson joined the Nationals at the 2021 trade deadline in a deal that sent veteran reliever Daniel Hudson to San Diego. Over his tenure with Washington, Thompson made 102 appearances from 2021 to 2023, posting a 4.57 ERA with a 17.8% strikeout rate.

This agreement marks the first of Thompson’s three arbitration-eligible seasons. Before this deal, Washington's arbitration class included nine players. However, with the recent waiver of Ildemaro Vargas, that number has decreased. Potential non-tender candidates include catcher Riley Adams and relievers Derek Law and Tanner Rainey, with decisions expected before tomorrow evening’s deadline.

​As Thompson works towards his comeback, the Nationals will be hoping he can return to form and contribute to their bullpen in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on the Nationals' roster moves and Thompson's rehabilitation progress as we approach the new season.

The Washington Nationals are gearing up for an exciting offseason as they look to strengthen their roster with potential signings of veteran pitcher Frankie Montas and slugging first baseman Pete Alonso. These moves could signal significant step forward for the Nationals as they aim to return to competitive baseball.

Frankie Montas: A Bargain Free-Agent Deal
The Nationals are considering signing veteran right-hander Frankie Montas to a bargain free-agent deal. Montas had a challenging time with the New York Yankees but showed improvement after joining the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite a rough 2023 season marred by shoulder surgery, Montas managed to fan 29% of the batters he faced after moving to Milwaukee. His fastball gained velocity, and he featured his sinker and cutter more effectively.

Montas' potential signing is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Nationals' rotation. While his 2024 stats (7-11 record, 4.84 ERA) aren't eye-popping, his improvements and veteran experience make him a valuable addition. The Nationals are in a prime position to spend, with Patrick Corbin's contract coming off the books and a deep farm system.

Pete Alonso: Power Boost at First Base
The Nationals are also listed among the top fits for slugging first baseman Pete Alonso. Alonso, who hit 46 home runs in 2024, could provide a much-needed power boost to the Nationals' lineup. His consistent ability to hit 40 or more home runs in a season would fill a glaring need for Washington, who ranked near the bottom of the league in overall power production last season.

Alonso's presence at first base would anchor the heart of the Nationals' lineup, giving young players like CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews additional protection. His power from the right side would complement the Nationals' left-handed hitters, creating a more balanced lineup that could better compete against National League pitching2.

Impact on the Nationals' Rebuild
Signing both Montas and Alonso would mark a significant step forward for the Nationals as they look to move out of their multi-year rebuild. Montas' experience and Alonso's power potential could elevate the team's offensive profile and provide the consistency needed to compete in the National League East. Additionally, Alonso's star power and reliability could energize a fanbase eager to see a return to competitive baseball.

The Nationals' interest in these players shows their commitment to building a competitive team around their young core. With the potential signings of Montas and Alonso, the Nationals could position themselves as a future force in the division.

​Conclusion
The Washington Nationals' offseason moves are generating excitement as they look to bolster their roster with Frankie Montas and Pete Alonso. These signings could provide the team with the pitching stability and power hitting needed to compete in the National League East. As the Nationals continue to build for the future, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.

Via a tweet by Robert Murray, Derek Law has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Nationals.

The contract includes an invite to Spring Training, will pay $1.5 Million and include $500K in incentives.

Law just completed his 7th year in the MLB, where he has played for the Giants, Blue Jays, Tigers and Reds.
He was in 54 games last year with Cincy and finished with a 4-6 record and 3.60 ERA.

Mark Lerner informed Andrew Golden of The Washington Post that the Lerner family has opted against proceeding with the sale of the Nationals. "We have determined, our family has determined, that we are not going to sell the team," Lerner stated, noting that this decision was made "a while ago."
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This announcement comes nearly two years after Lerner initially disclosed in April 2022 that the club would explore the possibility of a sale. "Nothing has really changed," Lerner remarked today. "We've simply concluded that now is not the appropriate time for such a move. We are content with owning the team and look forward to the day when we bring home a championship ring."

​Some observers had speculated that the lack of activity within the club was indicative of a potential sale. With a relatively clean payroll outlook, the Lerner family could have utilized this as an enticing feature to attract potential buyers, providing them with an opportunity to shape the future of the franchise. However, now that the sale is off the table, attention will refocus on the Lerner family and their strategy for steering the Nationals out of their recent decline. The team has endured four consecutive seasons below .500, and according to most projection systems, they are anticipated to rank among the league's weakest clubs in 2024.