The Washington Nationals are buzzing with potential—could this offseason finally turn the tide for a franchise hungry for success?
Arriving in Orlando, Florida, for the 2025 Winter Meetings, the Nationals brought momentum from a significant trade deal and found themselves right in the thick of the action, drawing plenty of attention from across Major League Baseball.
Under the fresh leadership of president of baseball operations Paul Toboni and manager Blake Butera, the team focused on strengthening their existing squad and addressing specific gaps through trades or free-agent signings. Rumors swirled around potential interest in left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams, highlighting the club's strategy of building on what they have while plugging those holes.
For full coverage of the Winter Meetings sponsored by CohnReznick, check out this link.
In terms of long-term growth, the Nationals wrapped up the meetings by securing seven players in the Rule 5 Draft, a process where teams can pick up unprotected prospects from other organizations to add depth to their minor league system.
But here's where it gets interesting—these moves could spark debate among fans about whether the Nats are prioritizing the right areas for a quick rebuild or setting up for sustainable success. What do you think: Is aggressively adding minor leaguers the smart play, or should they focus more on big-name acquisitions?
BIGGEST REMAINING NEEDS
Starting pitching remains a top priority. With six potential starters already on the roster, the team acknowledges that MacKenzie Gore might be traded, and there's clear opportunity to bolster a rotation that struggled with a 5.18 ERA last season. Toboni emphasized pitching—both starters and relievers—as the most practical path forward, though he noted they're not limiting themselves to just that.
The bullpen is another area needing attention. After trading closer Jose A. Ferrer to the Mariners for catcher Harry Ford, and previously dealing Kyle Finnegan to the Tigers, the Nationals are exploring options internally and externally. They're considering a dedicated closer or a committee approach, staying open-minded as Toboni pointed out that different teams succeed with both strategies.
At first base, the club is eyeing second baseman Luis García Jr. for potential reps, including some in the Dominican Winter League, but they're also scouting external talent to create competition and drive improvement.
And this is the part most people miss—these decisions aren't just about filling spots; they're about fostering a culture of accountability and growth, as Toboni explained.
HE SAID IT
Manager Blake Butera has picked up on a strong vibe from the players: a commitment to self-improvement and holding each other responsible. He shared how players are showing up early for extra work, like at 2:30 or 3 p.m. before a 7 p.m. game at Nationals Park, and how this habit is building a positive team culture. With such a young roster, Butera believes this dedication could create a snowball effect of progress as the season unfolds.
DRAFT LOTTERY
Even though the Nationals had one of the worst records last year, they weren't in the running for the Draft Lottery because they're a "payor club"—meaning they contribute to revenue sharing instead of receiving it, and rules prevent consecutive years of lottery eligibility. (They did snag the No. 1 pick last year.) This year, they're set for the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 Draft, and Toboni is excited to dive in, drawing from his scouting background to evaluate top prospects and find the perfect fit.
RULE 5 DRAFT
The Nationals kicked off their Rule 5 selections by picking right-hander Griff McGarry from the Phillies' Triple-A team in the third round. At 26, McGarry was the Phillies' 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, boasting impressive stats like ranking fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (13.34) among all minor leaguers with at least 80 innings pitched. In 21 starts across Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, he posted a 2-5 record, 3.44 ERA, and kept hitters to a .166 average, though he did walk 5.3 per nine. Originally a fifth-round pick by the Phillies in 2021 out of Virginia, he's a intriguing addition.
They also added right-handers Sandy Gaston (from the Angels), Brady Hill (Rockies), Dylan Tebrake (Mets), Eiker Huizi (Padres), and Cesar Rojas (Rays), plus outfielder Jack Rogers (Reds) in the minor league phase. Toboni stressed the importance of these opportunities to enhance their farm system, approaching it aggressively while focusing on each player's potential.
But here's a controversial angle: Some fans argue that Rule 5 picks are risky gambles—do they really strengthen the team, or are they just short-term fixes that might not pan out? We'd love to hear your take in the comments!
MORE FROM THIS WEEK
• Three seasons back, the Nationals landed lefty MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade with the Padres, envisioning them as future stars. This winter, both were hot topics in trade discussions. Dive deeper here.
• Newly assembled by Butera, the coaching staff has been actively connecting with players through meetings across the U.S. and even in the Dominican Republic. Learn more here.
• Acquired catcher Harry Ford is eager to compete for a spot behind the plate, whether starting or as a backup. Check out his thoughts here.
GM’S BOTTOM LINE
Toboni is keeping an open mind, engaging in talks with other teams about Nationals players and listening to offers. He views it as irresponsible not to consider them, whether for CJ Abrams or others, and the team can always decline and proceed as planned.
In summary, the Nationals' 2025 Winter Meetings have set the stage for an intriguing offseason. But is this approach—balancing trades, free agency, and draft picks—the right formula for turning around a struggling team? And here's a thought-provoking question: Should teams like the Nats prioritize young talent development over chasing established stars, or is a mix essential? Share your opinions below—we'd love to discuss!
