The Washington Nationals’ 2025-2026 offseason has been less about splashy free-agent signings or blockbuster trades and more about laying the foundation for something deeper - a full-scale organizational reset. And while that may not be the most thrilling news for fans eager to see wins pile up at Nationals Park, it’s a necessary step for a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral since its 2019 World Series triumph.
At the center of this shift is new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni. Since taking over, Toboni’s focus has been clear: overhaul the infrastructure, modernize player development, and build a sustainable pipeline of talent.
That’s no small task, especially for a team that’s been lagging behind in scouting, analytics, and overall front office efficiency. But Toboni has wasted little time reshaping the internal structure, bringing in fresh talent behind the scenes and setting the tone for a long-term rebuild.
Of course, that kind of organizational work doesn’t always show up on the field right away - and that’s where the current big-league roster finds itself: in limbo. The Nationals haven’t made many headline-grabbing moves this winter, and fans are still waiting to see what happens with potential trade chips like MacKenzie Gore or whether a veteran bat like Rhys Hoskins might be added to stabilize the lineup.
In the meantime, the front office has stayed active on the margins, particularly on the waiver wire. One of the latest additions came Tuesday, when the Nationals claimed utility man Mickey Gasper off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. It’s not the kind of move that turns heads, but it does offer a glimpse into how the Nationals are thinking about roster construction - especially when it comes to depth and flexibility.
Gasper, 29, has had a limited look in the majors so far. In 58 career games, he’s logged 133 plate appearances with a slash line of .133/.250/.195.
That’s a tough stat line, no question - a .445 OPS with just two home runs and 11 RBIs isn’t going to earn you an everyday role on any roster. But that doesn’t mean there’s no value here.
Where Gasper may carve out a niche is with his versatility. He’s seen time at five different positions: catcher (19 games), first base (9), second base (8), and one game each in left and right field. That kind of flexibility can be a quiet asset, especially for a team still figuring out its identity and looking for ways to maximize roster spots.
The Nationals already have a strong utility option in Nasim Nuñez, whose glove and athleticism make him a valuable piece in his own right. But Gasper’s ability to catch gives him a different kind of utility - and that might be enough to earn him a longer look in spring training. Catcher depth is always at a premium, and having a guy who can fill in behind the plate while also covering other positions gives the Nationals some options, especially if injuries or roster moves create openings.
So while this isn’t the kind of move that signals a turning point for the franchise, it’s another small piece in a larger puzzle. The Nationals are clearly playing the long game - building from the ground up, reshaping their internal structure, and making calculated bets on players who might offer more than what the back of the baseball card suggests.
It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But for a team trying to rebuild the right way, these are the kinds of moves that matter - even if they don’t grab the headlines.