Winter Meetings Offer First Real Glimpse at Paul Toboni’s Vision for the Nationals
The MLB Winter Meetings kick off this Sunday in Orlando, and for the Washington Nationals, this could be the true beginning of their offseason. While the meetings are always a hotspot for blockbuster deals and league-shifting decisions, this year’s event carries extra weight in D.C.-it’s Paul Toboni’s first Winter Meetings as the man in charge, and all eyes are on how he’ll start shaping this roster.
Historically, the Winter Meetings have delivered their share of drama. Just last year, Juan Soto’s signing with the Mets sent shockwaves through the league.
While the biggest names on the market this winter-think Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette-aren’t expected to land in Washington, that doesn’t mean the Nats will be sitting this one out. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
So far, the Nationals haven’t made a splash in free agency. Not a single major league deal has been inked.
That could change quickly in Orlando. The front office has reportedly been eyeing players like utility man Willi Castro, veteran catcher Victor Caratini, and reliever Emilio Pagán-each of whom could fill immediate needs and bring some much-needed depth and experience to a young, developing roster.
But it’s not just free agency where things could heat up. The trade market is very much in play, and the Nationals have some intriguing chips.
According to insider Jeff Passan, the team has been engaged in conversations with multiple clubs about left-hander MacKenzie Gore. The asking price is high-as it should be for a 25-year-old with frontline potential-but the Winter Meetings are often where teams get bold.
If a deal for Gore is going to happen, this might be the time.
Shortstop CJ Abrams has also been a name floated in trade chatter, though there’s no indication the Nats are actively shopping him. Still, when a team is in the midst of a rebuild, everyone has a price, and these meetings could serve as a barometer for how the league values Washington’s young core.
Another wrinkle to watch: the Rule 5 Draft, which wraps up the Winter Meetings on Wednesday, December 10. Given the current state of the Nationals’ roster, it would be a surprise if they didn’t make a selection.
This is where Toboni’s background in analytics and player development could shine. The Rule 5 is all about upside and projection-finding that undervalued arm or toolsy position player who just needs the right opportunity.
There are whispers around a few relievers the Nats might be targeting, and catcher Daniel Susac is a name that’s been mentioned as well. For a team still building out its depth chart and long-term foundation, the Rule 5 Draft is more than just a footnote-it’s a legitimate opportunity.
To this point, the Nationals’ offseason has been quiet on the player acquisition front. Most of the movement has come behind the scenes, with coaching and front office hires trickling in. That’s not necessarily a bad thing-building the infrastructure is essential-but at some point, the roster needs to improve, and that time feels like it’s now.
Washington is coming off a 66-96 season. Payroll remains low, and while that might suggest financial flexibility, it also underscores how far this team still has to go.
Even with internal improvement from young players, the current group isn’t close to contending. There needs to be an infusion of talent-plain and simple.
Toboni has talked about building a scouting and player development powerhouse, and there’s optimism around the long-term vision. But we’re still learning what kind of players he values, how he views the current roster, and how aggressive he’s willing to be on the open market. He’s mentioned that several players on the team have another level to reach-but that belief needs to be backed by external upgrades.
The Winter Meetings are more than just a backdrop for rumors and headlines. For the Nationals, they’re a proving ground.
This week could offer the first real look at how Paul Toboni plans to steer this franchise forward. Whether through a trade, a free agent signing, or a savvy Rule 5 pick, the pieces are in place for the Nationals to start turning intention into action.
Let’s see what kind of moves they’re ready to make.