Erick Mejia is embarking on a new chapter in his 13-year career by transitioning from an infielder to a pitcher in the Washington Nationals' spring camp. This significant career shift was highlighted during a recent 25-pitch live batting practice session against minor league hitters, where none of his pitches were put into play, showcasing his potential on the mound. Mejia's determination to reinvent himself as a pitcher reflects his dedication to the game and his willingness to adapt to new challenges.
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Mejia's MLB resume includes 17 games with the Kansas City Royals during the 2019-20 seasons. The majority of his career has been spent in the farm systems of the Mariners, Dodgers, Royals, and Nationals, where he has compiled a .264/.333/.387 batting line over 3998 career plate appearances in the minors. As he transitions to pitching, Mejia's extensive experience in professional baseball will undoubtedly aid him in his new role. The Nationals are optimistic about what Mejia can bring to the mound as he continues to develop his pitching skills.

CJ Abrams's first All-Star season took an unexpected turn when the Washington Nationals optioned him to Triple-A Rochester late in the 2024 season. The demotion came just before the conclusion of the Triple-A season, with the Nationals clarifying that the decision was due to an "internal matter" rather than Abrams's performance. Reports later revealed that Abrams had been at a casino until 8 a.m. on the day of a 1 p.m. game against the Chicago Cubs, where he went 0-for-3 with a walk in the loss.
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Despite the controversy, Nationals manager Davey Martinez has stated that he and Abrams are back on good terms. The reconciliation between Martinez and Abrams is a positive development for the team as they look to move forward from the incident. Abrams remains an integral part of the Nationals' roster, and his return to form will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season. As both parties put the past behind them, the focus now shifts to building on Abrams's promising talent and contributions on the field.

The Washington Nationals, uniquely positioned as the sole MLB team without a stadium naming rights deal or jersey patch sponsorship, are actively pursuing partnerships to change that by the end of 2025. After initiating conversations in January, the team aims to finalize contracts for both opportunities this year, ideally by midseason. Chief Revenue Officer Mike Carney emphasized the strategic timing, noting that summertime, when Nationals' fans are most engaged, presents the perfect opportunity for an announcement. The team envisions immediate implementation of jersey patches, with temporary signage bridging the gap until permanent stadium displays are installed. While past stadium naming rights negotiations fell through due to unsuitable brand alignment, the Nationals are now prioritizing partners who demonstrate "shared values," including community commitment and military support.
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The potential financial windfall, estimated by Forbes at over $20 million, is expected to provide a significant boost to the Nationals' revenue stream. While Carney refrained from detailing specific plans for the funds, he suggested that the additional capital could be used to bolster player salaries, which have consistently ranked in the league's bottom ten for the past few seasons. This strategic move to secure sponsorships reflects the Nationals' desire to enhance their financial flexibility and potentially improve their competitive standing by investing in player talent.

The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles have finally ended their prolonged legal battle over television rights, a dispute dating back to 2012. On Monday, Major League Baseball announced that the Nationals will be released from their current deal with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) after the upcoming season. Under a new one-year contract, Nationals games will still be broadcast by MASN in 2025. Following this term, the Nationals will be free to explore alternative options for their television rights starting from the 2026 season. This settlement resolves all previous media rights disputes between the Nationals, Orioles, and MASN, and will result in the dismissal of all related litigation.
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MASN was established in March 2005 when the Montreal Expos relocated to Washington, becoming the Nationals, and moved into Baltimore's exclusive broadcast territory. The Orioles were initially given a 90% supermajority partnership interest in MASN, while Washington paid $75 million for an initial 10% stake. The agreement stipulated that the Nationals' equity would increase by 1% annually, with a cap of 33%. Over the years, various disputes arose regarding the network's rights payments, leading to multiple lawsuits and decisions by MLB's Revenue Sharing Definitions Committee. The most recent RSDC decision awarded the Nationals approximately $320.5 million for 2022-26, with rights fees adjusted due to the economic conditions of regional sports networks. With this settlement in place, both teams can now move forward without the cloud of ongoing litigation.

The Washington Nationals have designated outfielder Stone Garrett for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for closer Kyle Finnegan. Garrett, who made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022, joined the Nationals last season and showed promise with his performance. However, the team needed to clear a spot for Finnegan, who recently finalized a one-year, $6 million deal with the Nationals. Finnegan, an NL All-Star last season, brings valuable experience and stability to the bullpen, making him a crucial addition to the roster.
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Garrett's designation for assignment is a surprising move, given his potential and contributions to the team. The 27-year-old outfielder will now be placed on waivers, allowing other teams the opportunity to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, Garrett could be outrighted to the minors or released. The Nationals' decision highlights the tough choices teams must make to balance their rosters and prioritize key players. As Garrett's future remains uncertain, the Nationals will focus on integrating Finnegan into their bullpen and preparing for the upcoming season.

The Washington Nationals have re-signed right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan to a one-year, $6 million contract. Finnegan, who has spent the past five seasons with the Nationals, has been a reliable presence in their bullpen. Over his tenure with the team, he has made 291 appearances, posting a 3.56 ERA and striking out 23.5% of batters faced. Finnegan took over the closer's role in recent years, recording 38 saves in the 2024 season. Despite some concerns about his declining strikeout rate and susceptibility to hard contact, the Nationals decided to bring him back, hoping he can continue to provide stability in their bullpen.
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The decision to re-sign Finnegan comes as part of the Nationals' strategy to add solid short-term veterans to their roster while they continue their rebuilding efforts. Alongside Finnegan, the Nationals have also signed relievers Jorge López and Lucas Sims to one-year deals, bolstering their bullpen depth. With Finnegan's experience and track record, the Nationals aim to have a reliable closer who can mentor younger pitchers and potentially become a valuable trade asset if the team is not contending by midseason. The Nationals' offseason moves reflect their commitment to balancing veteran presence with the development of their young core.

The Washington Nationals have signed free agent outfielder Andry Araujo to a minor league contract. Araujo, 24, has shown promise with his athleticism and versatility in the outfield. Although he has yet to make his major league debut, Araujo has demonstrated potential in the minor leagues with his solid defensive skills and ability to get on base. The Nationals are hopeful that Araujo can continue to develop and eventually contribute to the major league roster. This signing adds depth to the Nationals' outfield options and provides Araujo with an opportunity to prove himself within the organization.
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Araujo's journey to the Nationals has been marked by perseverance and determination. After being released by his previous team, Araujo worked tirelessly to improve his game and catch the attention of major league scouts. His signing with the Nationals represents a fresh start and a chance to showcase his talents on a larger stage. As he joins the Nationals' minor league system, Araujo will be looking to make a strong impression and work his way up to the big leagues. The Nationals' investment in Araujo reflects their commitment to building a competitive team and nurturing young talent.