3 Nationals who don't deserve to be back next season

"The Washington Nationals wrapped up another disappointing season, finishing 66-96 and in last place in the NL East. For the first time in years, though, real changes are underway. The organization parted ways midseason with longtime manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo, and just hired 35-year-old Paul Toboni as President of Baseball Operations. As the front office takes shape under Toboni, the Nats still expect to add a new general manager."

"With new leadership in place, the Nationals need a strong offseason to spur a step forward in 2026. That includes making tough roster decisions and moving on from players who no longer fit the team's future plan. Here are three Nationals who shouldn't be back next season. Riley Adams The Nationals took a chance on Riley Adams in 2021 when they sent Brad Hand to Toronto."

"He hit .188 with a .254 on-base percentage and a .312 slugging percentage over 256 at-bats. That added up to a .567 OPS, well below league average and one of the weakest lines on the roster. He also struck out in nearly 40 percent of his plate appearances, the highest rate on the team, and his pitch framing ranked near the bottom of qualified catchers."

"Adams possesses some power, but there isn't much to his game apart from the occasional home run. He underachieved as a below-average defender behind the plate throughout the season. The emergence of Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas from their injuries, with both likely ready for 2026, renders Adams expendable. Washington could look for another option at catcher this offseason, but even if it doesn't, the team already has two better choices in place."

The Washington Nationals finished 66-96 and last in the NL East amid sweeping front-office turnover, including the midseason departures of manager Dave Martinez and GM Mike Rizzo, and the hiring of Paul Toboni as President of Baseball Operations. The organization plans to add a new general manager and requires a strong offseason to progress toward 2026. The team must make difficult roster cuts and move past veterans who no longer fit the rebuild. Riley Adams underperformed in 2025, posting a .567 OPS, a near-40 percent strikeout rate, poor pitch framing, and below-average defense, making him expendable given Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas' returns.

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