This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
When the Nationals attend the annual Winter Meetings next week, they will head to Orlando with a revamped front office and coaching staff led by president of baseball operations Paul Toboni and manager Blake Butera.
This league-wide event – taking place Monday-Wednesday – is an opportunity for teams to make trades, sign free agents, acquire new talent in the Rule 5 Draft and learn their spot in the 2026 Draft order.
Here is a preview of how the Nationals could work toward constructing the ‘26 roster at the Winter Meetings:
Club Needs
The Nationals’ most glaring need is at first base. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand highlighted 1B/DH/OF free agent Ryan O’Hearn as a potential fit. The lefty-batting O’Hearn hit 17 home runs with an .803 OPS last season. Switch-hitting veteran Josh Bell, who finished last season starting at the position, is a free agent. There is a possibility Bell and the Nats could reunite for a third time, given his established relationships with young players in the clubhouse. Washington tendered a contract to second baseman Luis García Jr., who got looks at first base last season. Could the lefty hitter make the defensive shift in 2026?
Potential Trade Candidates
The MacKenzie Gore buzz that began at the 2025 Trade Deadline is expected to continue this offseason. The 26-year-old southpaw has the appeal of being one of the top controllable starters. He is entering his second of three arbitration years. Last season, Gore went 5-15 with a 4.17 ERA and 10.43 strikeouts per nine innings while earning his first All-Star selection.
Another player who could draw interest is shortstop CJ Abrams. Only 25, Abrams has already been named an All-Star and displayed electric defense. The Nationals drafted 17-year-old shortstop Eli Willits (MLB’s No. 15 prospect) with the No. 1 pick in July, and shortstop Seaver King (Nats’ No. 7 prospect) continues to develop. If they don’t envision Abrams as their long-term shortstop, the Nats potentially could make a move in advance.
Prospect to Know
Right-hander Riley Cornelio (unranked by MLB Pipeline) was added to the 40-man roster in November following a standout season in which he was named the Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Cornelio, 25, ascended from High-A Wilmington to Double-A Harrisburg to Triple-A Rochester – all in 2025. He went 6-7 with a 3.28 ERA and 135 strikeouts (to 55 walks) in 27 games (26 starts) across 134 1/3 frames. Cornelio ranked first in the Nationals’ farm system in ERA, starts and opponents' batting average (.205).
Rule 5 Draft
The Nationals have been active in the Rule 5 Draft the last three years (2024 RHP Evan Reifert, ‘23 Nasim Nuñez, ‘22 RHP Thaddeus Ward), and it is likely they will explore adding to their young talent again this winter via this event. Notable prospects who the Nationals did not protect from the Rule 5 Draft are No. 29 prospect Tyler Stuart and two former Top 30 prospects, right-hander Marquis Grissom Jr. and infielder Cayden Wallace. The trio participated in Major League Spring Training last year.
Burning Question
How aggressive will the Nationals be in free agency?
This is Toboni's first offseason at the helm of the Nationals. In recent years, the Nats have added to their young roster by signing veterans to short-term deals. Will Toboni take the same approach? Or will he be more active in inking longer-term contracts? This winter will be the first glimpse into the 35-year-old's approach to constructing a roster.
Key Events
- Sunday: Hall of Fame Classic Baseball Era Committee results released
- Tuesday: MLB Draft Lottery
- Wednesday: Rule 5 Draft