Here is the Nats' 2024 Opening Day roster
WASHINGTON -- The remaining question from Grapefruit League action was, would No. 16 prospect Trey Lipscomb earn a spot on the Opening Day roster and make his Major League debut? On Tuesday, following the On Deck: Nationals Futures Game, Lipscomb was transferred to Minor League camp.
With that move, here is the Nats' final Opening Day roster.
Catcher (2): Keibert Ruiz, Riley Adams
The catching duo of Ruiz -- who signed an eight-year contract extension last March -- and Adams is back for 2024.
First baseman (1): Joey Gallo
Gallo, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, will see the majority of his playing time at first base, where he has a career .996 fielding percentage. Joey Meneses will back up the position.
Second baseman (1): Luis Garc¨ªa Jr.
Garc¨ªa is looking to have an improved full season in the bigs after he was optioned to Triple-A last August for 25 games.
Shortstop (1): CJ Abrams
Abrams ended last season on a high note, setting the team record for most stolen bases in a season.
Third baseman (1): Nick Senzel
Senzel signed a one-year deal with the Nationals in December after being non-tendered by the Reds in November. Not only does Senzel have the opportunity to be the starting third baseman, he is reunited with his childhood best friend, right fielder Lane Thomas.
Outfielders (3): LF Eddie Rosario, CF Victor Robles, RF Lane Thomas
Rosario can also play center field, and he is expected to share time in left with Jesse Winker. Robles is returning from a back injury that limited him to 36 games last season, and Thomas is coming off a breakout year.
DH (1): Joey Meneses
Meneses will return to the designated hitter role as he looks to post the offensive power he displayed in 2022. Gallo and Jesse Winker are options as backups.
Bench/Utility (3): UTIL Ildemaro Vargas, 2B/SS Nasim Nuñez, OF/DH/1B Jesse Winker
The Nationals locked in Vargas for 2024 in September after the upbeat veteran clubhouse presence played third base, second base, shortstop, left field, right field, first base and even pitched last season. Nu?ez, a middle infielder, was selected from the Marlins' organization in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. Winker impressed with the versatility to DH and play first base.
Starting Pitchers (5): RHP Josiah Gray, LHP MacKenzie Gore, LHP Patrick Corbin, RHP Jake Irvin, RHP Trevor Williams
The Nationals returned the same rotation from last season. Gray earned his first Opening Day starter honors, and Gore was tabbed for the home opener the following week.
Relief Pitchers (8): RHP Kyle Finnegan, RHP Hunter Harvey, RHP Tanner Rainey, RHP Dylan Floro, RHP Jordan Weems, LHP Robert Garcia, RHP Matt Barnes, RHP Derek Law
In one of the toughest competitions of camp, the Nationals added Barnes and Law to the bullpen on Minor League deals in the final weekend. Garcia is the lone left-hander in the ¡®pen.