The Washington Nationals have been relatively quiet since their early December trades, but that silence may not last much longer. According to Paul Toboni, the team’s Director of Player Development, the Nationals aren’t done shaping their roster for Spring Training - and that’s a promising sign for a club still trying to find its footing.
Toboni made it clear in a recent radio interview that the current roster isn’t set, signaling that more moves are likely on the horizon. That’s important, because even for a team in the midst of a rebuild, there are some clear areas that need attention - most notably first base, the bullpen, and potentially the starting rotation, especially if MacKenzie Gore is dealt.
Let’s start at first base. It’s a position that’s still up in the air, and if the Nationals are looking to add a right-handed bat with some pop, Rhys Hoskins continues to be a logical fit.
He’s been linked to the Nats throughout the offseason, and it’s easy to see why. Hoskins has five seasons with 25 or more home runs under his belt and brings a disciplined approach at the plate.
Despite being limited to 90 games last year, he still managed 12 homers and a .748 OPS - solid production, especially for a team in need of power.
Hoskins also fits the mold of a short-term, low-risk signing. A one-year deal would give the Nationals a veteran bat and a potential trade chip come July if he performs well. Compared to other names on the market like Paul Goldschmidt or Carlos Santana, Hoskins likely has more left in the tank and fits better with the team’s timeline.
The bullpen is another area that could use reinforcements. While the top-tier relievers are off the board, there’s still value to be found.
Names like Seranthony Domínguez, Jalen Beeks, and Michael Kopech stand out. Domínguez has late-inning stuff and could be a sneaky deadline asset if he bounces back.
Beeks and Kopech offer different profiles - one’s a lefty with versatility, the other a high-upside flamethrower who’s still trying to find consistency.
As for the rotation, the Nationals have arms, but not a lot of certainty. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the staff, and if Gore is traded, the need becomes even more pressing.
There’s still a decent crop of mid-tier free agent starters available - think Zack Littell or Lucas Giolito. Neither would command a massive contract, but both could provide much-needed stability and innings.
And yes, a reunion with Max Scherzer would be a heartwarming storyline, but at this stage in his career, durability is a real concern. The Nationals need reliability, not just nostalgia.
Toboni also mentioned that trade conversations are ongoing. That’s not exactly a shock - front offices are always working the phones - but it’s worth noting that the Nats have already pulled off a few surprise deals this offseason.
Names like Jose A. Ferrer and Jake Bennett weren’t necessarily expected to move, yet here we are.
So could there be another curveball coming? It’s possible.
MacKenzie Gore remains the most talked-about trade chip. Earlier this winter, a deal involving him felt more likely.
Now, the momentum seems to have slowed. Still, teams like the Giants, A’s, and Mets - all of whom need starting pitching and have the prospect capital to make a deal - remain logical suitors.
The Nationals don’t seem desperate to move him, and that’s probably the right stance. If Gore can stay healthy and take a step forward, his value could rise significantly by midseason.
But there’s always the risk that injuries or struggles tank that value.
It’s a delicate balance - sell now and get a solid return, or gamble on a breakout and hope for a bigger haul later. Toboni appears willing to wait for the right offer, and while that may test fans’ patience, it’s a sign of a front office playing the long game.
Outside of Gore, it’s hard to see a blockbuster brewing. CJ Abrams was the subject of some offseason chatter, but that talk has cooled significantly. Jacob Young or Luis García Jr. could be more realistic trade candidates, though neither would bring back a haul on their own.
In the meantime, expect more incremental moves. The Nationals just picked up Trevor Gott, a depth piece for the bullpen, and more signings like that are likely. Given how much organizational depth the team lost this offseason, minor league deals and waiver claims will continue to be a theme.
Bottom line: the Nationals aren’t done yet. They’re not swinging for the fences, but they’re still working to round out a roster that has plenty of question marks.
Whether it’s a power bat like Hoskins, a bullpen arm with upside, or a mid-rotation starter, more moves are coming. And for a team trying to build a foundation for the future, every addition matters.