Nationals opt for familiar faces behind the plate despite offseason uncertainty
As the Washington Nationals entered the offseason, the catching position was a focal point of speculation and concern. With Keibert Ruiz struggling to find his footing and grappling with troubling concussion issues, the need for a solid upgrade seemed paramount. Riley Adams, who had the chance to step into an expanded role, posted a disappointing slash line of .186/.252/.308, resulting in an OPS+ significantly below the league average. Additionally, Drew Millas remains an uncertainty, despite showing flashes of potential in his limited appearances.
Given this trio’s collective struggles, the expectation was that the Nationals would actively seek a new option behind the plate this winter—be it through the Rule 5 Draft, free agency, or a trade. However, recent developments indicate a surprising shift in strategy.
Commitment to the Current Catching Corps
In a move that caught many off guard, Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni tendered contracts to all arbitration-eligible players ahead of the deadline. Among those retained was Adams, who has reportedly agreed to terms for the 2026 season, although the specifics of the deal remain undisclosed. This decision hints at the organization’s intention to maintain its existing catcher lineup for the upcoming year.
Mark Zuckerman of MASN noted that in retaining Adams, the Nationals appear poised to head into 2026 with their catching unit intact. Ruiz will continue as the starter, with Adams serving as his backup. Meanwhile, Millas, who still has a minor league option, is expected to return to Triple-A Rochester, ready to step in if needed.
Ruiz Under Pressure to Perform
For Nationals fans, this news may not be met with enthusiasm. Ruiz, who signed a long-term extension in March 2023, has been a significant disappointment, failing to achieve an OPS+ above the league average in three seasons. His performance has declined each year, raising questions about his future effectiveness.
The weight of expectation will be heavy on Ruiz as he enters the 2026 campaign. Once a highly-regarded prospect, his struggles have left many wondering if he can return to form, particularly given the looming concern about his ability to catch due to ongoing concussion issues.
Should Ruiz falter or face further injuries, Adams would likely find himself thrust into a more prominent role. This scenario does not bode well for the Nationals, as they recorded the least productive catching unit in the league last season. The organization’s choice to stick with this current group reflects a gamble that could either pay off or further exacerbate their struggles in the coming year.
