Photos by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for the Washington Nationals, marked by a “frustrating brand of baseball” and key injuries. As a non-contending team for the sixth consecutive season, the newly led front office has shifted some focus from this season’s win-loss record to holding try-outs on their MLB roster. Therefore, the September roster expansion, which increased active players from 26 to 28, presented a critical proving ground for two more players. This is not for a playoff push but for systematic evaluation of organizational talent.
This strategic evaluation is where the front office earns its keep, making decisions that will shape the team for years. Observers closely watch these moves, trying to predict which prospects will stick or which veterans might be on their way out. In fact, some even use event markets, which can be accessed with a Kalshi promo code, to place predictions on specific outcomes, like whether a certain prospect will remain on the 40-man roster. For the Nats, every decision you hope is a calculated step toward future contention.
A Calculated Approach to Roster Management
The Washington Nats‘ September transactions were methodical, addressing immediate needs while auditioning future talent. The month began with the recalls of shortstop Nasim Nuñez and pitcher Andrew Alvarez on September 1st, immediately taking advantage of the expanded roster. Rather than adding veterans for a meaningless late-season run, the team gave two prospects a crucial big-league test.
This was quickly followed by moves to address a catching crisis. To be sure, with Drew Millas landing on the 60-day Injured List, the team had a significant void. The signing of veteran Jorge Alfaro on September 2nd provided the necessary depth to navigate the final month of the season.
The Darren Baker Decision
A controversial move by some was how the front office handled infielder Darren Baker. After being designated for assignment, Baker cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester on September 5th. This maneuver allowed the Nats to retain a player without using a 40-man roster spot. Baker’s profile is distinct; he lacks power but possesses good contact skills, speed, and a high baseball IQ.
His 2025 Triple-A season stats:
- Batting: .260/.348/.325 slash line
- Baserunning: 26 stolen bases in 98 games
- Discipline: 41 walks to 64 strikeouts
- Versatility: Plays both second base and left field
By keeping him in the organization, the team preserved a potential future utility asset, a clear example of prioritizing long-term depth over a temporary roster spot.
Auditioning New Faces
The promotions of Alvarez and Nuñez were direct auditions for 2026. Andrew Alvarez stepped into the rotation for the injured MacKenzie Gore, giving the organization a real-world look at his potential. He posted a respectable 4.10 ERA over 25 starts in Triple-A, and this MLB trial will help determine his future role.
Meanwhile, Nasim Nuñez was brought up to provide a “spark.” Described as a “defensive wizard” and a “menace on the basepaths,” Nuñez represents a modern specialist. What he did was smack two home runs in a game, and that opened some eyes. His evaluation is not as much about his bat, but whether his elite glove and speed can make an impact in specific, high-leverage situations. These call-ups provide invaluable data for the front office, especially with the poor defense and decisions in the Nats middle infield this season.
The Washington Nats‘ September 2025 moves were not about winning today but about building a foundation for tomorrow when you think about Brady House, Robert Hassell III, Daylen Lile, Andres Chaparro, Nuñez, Alvarez, and the bullpen. Even Mitchell Parker and Jake Irvin were trying to show what they still have to give to this team. This was a deliberate part of their rebuilding blueprint. By prioritizing player evaluation and asset retention, the franchise took a cautious but necessary step forward, gathering critical information that will inform its decisions for the 2026 season and beyond.
