Trevor Gott is hoping for one more shot at the big leagues, and he’s turning to a familiar place to try and make it happen. The veteran right-hander has signed a deal with the Washington Nationals - the same organization he suited up for between 2016 and 2018 - and he’s bringing more than just a glove to Spring Training. He’s bringing experience, resilience, and the kind of perspective that only comes from a career filled with ups, downs, and everything in between.
Gott hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2023, when he made appearances for the New York Mets. Since then, it’s been a grind.
Injuries have been a recurring theme in his career, and he spent all of last season working his way through the Seattle Mariners’ minor league system, splitting time between their Triple-A and Rookie League affiliates. It wasn’t the kind of performance that turns heads, but it was a continuation of a journey that’s seen Gott battle through nearly a decade in the minors and parts of eight seasons in the majors.
Now, with a non-roster invite to Nationals Spring Training in hand, Gott is looking to prove he still has something left in the tank. And for a Nationals team that’s leaning heavily on youth, his presence could be more valuable than it looks on paper.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t necessarily about Gott stepping in and locking down the eighth inning. His past numbers with Washington - including a rough 7.39 ERA and 1.857 WHIP over three partial seasons - aren’t going to inspire immediate confidence. But what he brings to the clubhouse could be just as important as what he brings to the mound.
The Nationals are in the middle of a youth movement. They’ve got promising young arms and exciting talent across the roster, but that kind of group needs steady voices - players who’ve been through the grind of a long season, who know what it’s like to fight for a roster spot, and who understand how to handle the mental side of the game.
Gott fits that mold. He’s seen the highs and lows of professional baseball and knows what it takes to keep showing up, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.
Even if he doesn’t break camp with the big-league team, having him in Spring Training could give this young Nationals squad a boost. Players like Gott can help set the tone - not just with their work ethic, but with their presence. They’ve been through the wringer and come out the other side with a deeper appreciation for what it means to compete at the highest level.
The Nationals’ front office clearly sees some value in bringing Gott back, even if it’s on a low-risk deal. Whether they believe he can rediscover his form and contribute out of the bullpen, or simply serve as a mentor for the younger arms in camp, the move makes sense for a team that’s trying to build a culture as much as a roster.
Gott’s path back to the majors won’t be easy. He hasn’t pitched at the highest level in over two years, and his recent minor league numbers don’t scream “breakout candidate.”
But in baseball, opportunity and timing often matter just as much as raw stuff. If he can stay healthy and show flashes of the pitcher he once was - or even evolve into a new version of himself - there’s a chance he could carve out a role.
And even if the comeback falls short, Gott’s presence in camp could still pay dividends. For a Nationals team looking to turn the corner, every bit of leadership helps - especially from someone who knows firsthand how hard the climb can be.