Nationals' injury updates & roster moves
This page will be updated throughout the offseason as moves are announced.
LATEST NEWS
Nov. 19: OF Robert Hassell III (No. 13 prospect), RHP Andry Lara (No. 17) added to 40-man roster
The Nationals selected the contracts of Hassell and Lara to protect them from the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. The 40-man roster stands at 38 following the additions.
After battling injuries in his early career, Hassell, 23, reached Triple-A last season. He earned Arizona Fall League honors this month after batting .281 with seven doubles, one triple, four home runs, 17 runs scored, 19 RBIs, eight walks and five stolen bases in 22 AFL games with the champion Salt River Rafters.
Lara, 21, went 11-11 with a 3.34 ERA in 25 starts between High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg. He led the NationalsĄŻ Minor League system in wins and WHIP (1.16) while ranking second in innings pitched (134 2/3) and opponentsĄŻ batting average (.227), and third in strikeouts (132). More >>
Nov. 4: RHP Joan Adon, RHP Cade Cavalli, RHP Josiah Gray, RHP Mason Thompson reinstated from 60-day IL; UTIL Ildemaro Vargas, 1B/DH Joey Meneses, RHP Michael Rucker clear outright waivers, elect free agency
Vargas, 33, was the recipient of the Nationals 2024 Heart and Hustle Award. The eight-year veteran appeared in 95 games between third base, second base, left field, shortstop, first base, pitcher and designated hitter this season. He cleared outright waivers and had the option to declare free agency as a player with more than five years of Major League service.
Meneses, 32, had a breakout Major League debut in 2022 at age 30. He played in 286 games with the Nationals (.274 batting average, 29 home runs), and he was optioned to Triple-A in July where he hit .254.
Rucker, 30, was claimed off waivers from the Phillies in September. He posted a 3.86 ERA in four relief appearances with the Red Wings. Since Rucker had a previous outright assignment, he had the option to declare free agency.
Adon (right shoulder biceps strain), Cavalli (Tommy John surgery), Gray (Tommy John surgery) and Thompson (Tommy John surgery) were reinstated from the 60-day injured list. The NationalsĄŻ 40-man roster stands at 36 following these moves.
Nov. 3: Nationals decline 2025 mutual option on 1B/OF Joey Gallo
Gallo becomes a free agent following an injury-hampered 2024 season with the Nationals. He appeared in 76 games, and he missed 60 games from June 12-Aug. 20 because of a left hamstring strain. Gallo batted .161 with 10 home runs and a .613 OPS.
Gallo signed a one-year deal with the Nats in January worth $2.5 million that included an $8 million mutual option for the 2025 season and a $2.5 million buyout.
Oct. 31: RHP Jacob Barnes, LHP Patrick Corbin, RHP Trevor Williams come off 40-man roster, enter free agency
Corbin completed a six-year, $140 million contract this season. He went 6-13 with a 5.62 ERA in 32 starts during his 12th Major League season.
Williams got off to a hot start this season, battled through injuries, and returned to finish the year strong. He went 6-1 with a 2.03 ERA in 13 starts.
Barnes, who joined the Nats on a Minor League deal in February, was a reliable contributor in the bullpen. In 63 relief appearances (66 innings), he was 8-3 with a 4.36 ERA.
INJURY UPDATES
OF Alex Call (partial tear of left plantar fascia)
Expected return: 2025
Call sustained the injury to his left foot while running after a shallow popup on Aug. 23. He was sidelined for the remainder of the season. Call batted .343 in 30 games with the Nats in 2024. (Last updated: Oct. 31)
RHP Cade Cavalli (Tommy John surgery; No. 8 on Nationals' Top 30 Prospects list)
Expected return: 2025
Cavalli, who missed the entire 2024 season, was looking forward to going through a regular throwing program this offseason. He underwent Tommy John surgery on March 22, 2023. (Last updated: Oct. 31)
RHP Mason Thompson (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Thompson underwent his second Tommy John surgery on March 1 after previously undergoing the procedure in high school. He said in early September he feels stronger and overall better than he did after his first surgery. (Last updated: Oct. 31)
RHP Joan Adon (right shoulder biceps strain)
Expected return: 2025
Adon was sidelined on Aug. 28, retroactive to Aug. 25. He had a 6.75 ERA in eight games (including one start) with the Nationals in 2024. (Last updated: Oct. 31)
RHP Josiah Gray (right elbow/forearm flexor strain)
Expected return: 2025
Gray underwent Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure on July 24 to address a partially torn UCL. The procedure was performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington. Gray was limited to two starts in 2024. (Last updated: Oct. 31)