The Nationals made a quiet but telling move on Tuesday, claiming utilityman Mickey Gasper off waivers from the Twins. It’s the kind of transaction that doesn’t light up social media or trigger breaking news alerts - but it’s exactly the type of roster-building step we’re starting to see more of from Washington’s revamped front office.
Let’s be clear: Gasper isn’t arriving with fanfare. At 30 years old, he’s logged just 133 plate appearances in the majors, and the results haven’t exactly jumped off the page - a .445 OPS is tough to spin.
But this move isn’t about box scores or highlight reels. It’s about depth, versatility, and long-term planning.
Gasper’s calling card is his positional flexibility. Officially a catcher, he’s also spent time at first base, second base, and in the outfield - and yes, he’s even taken the mound three times in the minors. That kind of utility doesn’t always translate to big league value, but it’s gold when you’re trying to stabilize a Triple-A roster or provide insurance for a long season.
And while his major league numbers are underwhelming, his performance in Triple-A tells a different story. Over the past three seasons, he’s posted a .303/.406/.512 slash line across 490 plate appearances while bouncing between the Yankees, Red Sox, and Twins organizations. That’s not just solid - it’s the kind of production that keeps a team’s upper minors competitive and helps groom young talent around him.
This isn’t just about Gasper, though. It’s about a broader strategy.
The Nationals lost a wave of minor league free agents after the 2025 season, leaving holes to fill at every level - especially at Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester. Moves like this help patch those gaps while offering a sliver of upside.
Perhaps the most valuable part of the Gasper pickup? He’s still got two minor league option years remaining.
That gives the Nationals flexibility. They can stash him in Rochester, where he can serve as a veteran presence for younger players, without risking losing him to waivers.
That kind of roster control matters, especially for a team still in the process of rebuilding from the ground up.
It’s a similar story with Paxton Schultz, a 28-year-old reliever the team claimed earlier this month. Like Gasper, Schultz comes with two option years, meaning he’s a low-risk addition who could compete for a bullpen spot in spring training - or head to Triple-A and bolster the depth chart there.
In both cases, the Nationals gave up two right-handers - Andry Lara and Sauryn Lao - who didn’t appear to be key pieces of the organization’s future. So even if Gasper and Schultz don’t become major contributors, they still serve a purpose in filling out a system in transition.
And then there’s Joey Wiemer, another recent waiver claim. The 27-year-old outfielder brings speed, some pop, and a little more intrigue - but unlike Gasper and Schultz, he’s out of options.
That means he’ll need to make the Opening Day roster or be exposed to waivers again. It’s a tougher path, but the Nationals clearly see something worth exploring.
These aren’t headline-grabbing moves, and they’re not meant to be. But they tell a story: Washington’s front office is digging deep, turning over every stone in search of value and depth.
If one of these guys turns into a contributor at the big league level, it’s a win. If not, they still help stabilize a farm system that’s been stretched thin.
It’s not flashy. It’s not loud. But it’s smart, calculated roster management - and for a team still building toward its next competitive window, that’s exactly what’s needed.