The Washington Nationals aren't diving into the deep end of free agency this winter, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing still. With a roster still in transition and a farm system on the rise, the Nats are taking a measured approach-focusing on low-risk, potentially high-reward moves that could quietly pay off down the line.
One of those under-the-radar additions? A familiar face in right-hander Trevor Gott.
According to reports, the Nationals have agreed to terms with Gott on a minor league deal, giving the 33-year-old reliever a shot to earn a spot in Spring Training. It's not a headline-grabbing signing, but it's the kind of move that fits where Washington is right now-targeting experienced arms who can provide bullpen depth, mentor younger pitchers, and maybe even turn into a trade chip come July.
Gott’s journey through the big leagues has been anything but linear. He broke into the majors back in 2015 with the Angels, posting a solid 3.02 ERA across 48 appearances in his rookie season.
That early promise earned him a look from the Nationals, who brought him in during the mid-2010s. His time in D.C., though, was rocky.
Over three seasons and 33 games, he struggled to find consistency, with a particularly rough 2017 stint (30.00 ERA in four games) skewing his numbers during that stretch.
Since then, Gott has worn several uniforms-San Francisco, Milwaukee, Seattle, and most recently, the New York Mets. In 2023, he logged 34 appearances for the Mets, finishing with a 4.34 ERA. Not dominant, but serviceable-especially for a team looking to stabilize its bullpen with veteran arms.
Last season, Gott spent his time in Triple-A with the Mariners’ affiliate, where he posted a 7.40 ERA over 24 games. Those numbers won’t jump off the page, but for the Nationals, this move isn’t about what Gott did last year-it’s about what he might still be able to do.
At this stage in his career, Gott isn’t walking into camp with a guaranteed roster spot. But he brings eight years of big-league experience, a history with the organization, and the kind of veteran savvy that can be valuable in a young clubhouse. If he can show flashes of his early-career form-or even just serve as a steady presence in the minors-he could be a useful piece for Washington, whether as bullpen depth or a midseason trade option for a contender in need of relief help.
For the Nationals, this is a classic low-risk, potentially useful signing. And while it might not move the needle now, these are the kinds of moves that can quietly shape a season-or a rebuild.