On Day 1 of spring camp, revamped Nats brass excited about personnel

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The day before the first official pitchers and catchers workout, the Nationals’ clubhouse was already packed with players invited to Major League Spring Training.

A large group of prospects arrived weeks ago for a Minor League workout camp. The majority of the big leaguers showed up in advance, too.

The players are hungry to secure a roster spot, and there are plenty of playing opportunities that can be earned over the next six weeks from a revamped front office and coaching staff.

García Jr.’s dual role in camp
With a vacancy at first base, second baseman Luis García Jr. will split his time in camp between first and second. García started two games at first base last season and worked on the position during the offseason.

“If we watch him over the course of this next month and a half and we’re like, ‘Man, I think he's better suited for second base,’ then we can always go back to second base,” president of baseball operations Paul Toboni said. “But we want to be able to give ourselves the runway to actually evaluate it and get Luis comfortable there just because I think he's got a shot at being pretty good over there.”

The Nats will also take a look at the returning Andrés Chaparro, Yohandy Morales (No. 26 prospect) and Trey Lipscomb, as well as newcomers Abimelec Ortiz and Matt Mervis.

“Abby, who we traded for, is a really intriguing bat that I think he’s an underrated athlete and defender as well,” Toboni said. “Chappy, I know we saw a little bit of him last year, but the Triple-A performance has also been great and I think he has a chance to come into some more power in the big leagues. … I think there's going to be a really good opportunity to compete for all these guys, and we're excited for it.”

State of the starting rotation
There is more than just the Opening Day starter role up for grabs this Spring Training – several pitchers are contending to make the starting rotation.

“We have a pretty good grasp of what we want the rotation to look like,” manager Blake Butera said. “Do we have it solidified? By no means, no. But do we have a good feel of a couple locks? Yeah. But it’s February 10. We’ll see.”

Right-hander Josiah Gray, who has not pitched in the Majors since April 4, 2024, is eyeing a return from Tommy John surgery. Gray threw 5 2/3 innings in rehab assignments last September, and he hopes to be ready for the start of the season.

“We obviously don't want to do anything that'll jeopardize his long-term health here,” Toboni said. “But he was pretty darn close to being fully built up at the end of last year, and then you had the full offseason to get into good shape. So we expect him to build up like any other starting pitcher competing for a job.”

The Nationals will have decisions to make on how they use multi-role pitchers, like Brad Lord. Mitchell Parker also moved to the bullpen at the end of last season.

“We're going to give [Lord] every shot to start,” Toboni said. “But the good thing about Brad is, he's pretty versatile and an awesome teammate as well. So basically, we're going to see how it all shakes out with our starting rotation, and if Brad's a part of it, great. And if not, he might have an opportunity to help us in the ‘pen. But we're going to see how this goes over the course of the next few weeks and then make a decision.”

Catching competition
Catcher Keibert Ruiz has been cleared from concussion restrictions after battling through them last season. He is prepared to compete with No. 2 prospect (MLB No. 71) Harry Ford, who was acquired from the Mariners in December, for the starting catcher role.

“I think it’s good – anything they’ve got to do to get this team in a good position to win is great for the team,” said Ruiz. “[Ford is] a great guy, an unbelievable player.”

There will be additional competition for time behind the plate. Riley Adams and Drew Millas are vying for a backup role. Both have Major League experience, whereas Ford debuted last season and appeared in eight games.

“I wouldn't just limit it to just Keibert and Harry,” Butera said. “We want to make sure the rest of the group has a chance to show what they're able to do. And they've been really impressive so far, too.”