2021 Washington Nationals season

The 2021 Washington Nationals season will be the Nationals' 17th season as the baseball franchise of Major League Baseball in the District of Columbia, the 14th season at Nationals Park, and the 53rd since the original team was started in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

2021 Washington Nationals
Major League affiliations
Location
Other information
Owner(s)Lerner Enterprises
General manager(s)Mike Rizzo
Manager(s)Dave Martinez
Local televisionMASN
(Bob Carpenter, FP Santangelo, Dan Kolko, Bo Porter)
Local radio106.7 The Fan
Washington Nationals Radio Network
(Charlie Slowes, Dave Jageler)
< Previous season     

Offseason

Team news

In 2021, the Nationals will have their highest first-round draft pick since 2011 after finishing in a five-way tie for the seventh-worst record in MLB in 2020. They will draft eleventh, according to a preliminary draft order.[1][2]

Coming off their first losing season since 2011, the Nationals overhauled their coaching staff. With the contracts of third base coach Chip Hale, hitting coach Kevin Long, and pitching coach Paul Menhart expiring after the 2020 season, the Nationals decided not to renew them, The Washington Post and other media outlets reported.[3] The team announced the hiring of Jim Hickey, who worked with manager Dave Martinez during their time with the Tampa Bay Rays, as pitching coach on October 19, 2020.[4] Despite previous media reports, the Nationals did sign Long to a new deal, also shifting first base coach Bob Henley back to third base and promoting Randy Knorr, manager of the Class-AAA Fresno Grizzlies, to the first base coaching job.[5]

The Nationals also made major changes to their roster, designating 10 players—pitchers Aaron Barrett, James Bourque, Roenis Elías, Paolo Espino, Sam Freeman, Javy Guerra, and Austen Williams, catcher Raudy Read, infielder Adrián Sánchez, and outfielder Michael A. Taylor—off of the major league roster[6][7][8][9][10] before announcing they would decline 2021 options for outfielder Adam Eaton, starting pitcher Aníbal Sánchez, and first basemen Howie Kendrick and Eric Thames,[11] making them free agents.[12][13][14] The Nationals also saw utility infielders Asdrúbal Cabrera and Brock Holt, relief pitcher Sean Doolittle, catcher Kurt Suzuki, and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman depart as unrestricted free agents.[12] The team signed pending free agent infielder/outfielder Josh Harrison to a new one-year deal on October 22, 2020, before he reached free agency,[15] and announced a new one-year deal with Zimmerman on January 23, 2021.[16] Kendrick announced his retirement on December 21, 2020, after fifteen seasons in the major leagues.[17]

Publicly, the Nationals were linked to possible deals for a number of players, including potential trade targets Kris Bryant, infielder/outfielder for the Chicago Cubs,[18] and Eugenio Suárez, third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds;[19] and free agents Álex Colomé, a right-handed reliever formerly with the Chicago White Sox;[20] DJ LeMahieu, an infielder formerly with the New York Yankees[21] (ultimately re-signed with the Yankees);[22] Yadier Molina, a catcher formerly with the St. Louis Cardinals;[23] J. T. Realmuto, a catcher formerly with the Philadelphia Phillies[24][25] (ultimately re-signed with the Phillies);[26] Carlos Santana, a first baseman formerly with the Cleveland Indians (ultimately signed with the Kansas City Royals);[27] and Justin Turner, a third baseman formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[28] On November 18, 2020, the Nationals signed left-handed reliever Sam Clay, a minor league free agent out of the Minnesota Twins organization, to a major league contract.[29] The Nationals also claimed a right-handed pitcher, Rogelio Armenteros, off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 7.[30] On December 24, the Nationals traded two pitching prospects, Wil Crowe and Eddy Yean, to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for first baseman Josh Bell.[31] The Nationals further bolstered their lineup on January 9, 2021, by signing outfielder Kyle Schwarber to a one-year major league deal with a mutual option for the 2022 season, after Schwarber was non-tendered by the Cubs earlier in the offseason.[32] On January 26, 2021, the Nationals announced a one-year pact with closer Brad Hand;[33] the following day, they announced starter Jon Lester was joining the team on a one-year contract as well.[34] Catcher Alex Avila was signed to another one-year deal announced February 3.[35]

Washington avoided arbitration with starting pitcher Joe Ross, signing him to a $1.5 million contract for the 2021 season on December 1, 2020.[36] The Nationals also reached one-year deals with their three other arbitration-eligible players, first baseman Josh Bell, outfielder Juan Soto, and shortstop Trea Turner, on the January 15, 2021, deadline to exchange salary figures.[37]

With a reorganization underway of Minor League Baseball, the Nationals announced a new 10-year player development contract with the Rochester Red Wings in Rochester, New York, formerly Minnesota's Class-AAA affiliate, on November 19.[38] The Nationals did not renew their two-year deal with Class-AAA Fresno[39] and also discontinued their 14-year affiliation with the Class-A Hagerstown Suns in Hagerstown, Maryland,[40] and their 10-year affiliation with the Class-A Short Season Auburn Doubledays in Auburn, New York, with short-season classification play being discontinued.[41] The Wilmington Blue Rocks in Wilmington, Delaware, were named as the Nationals' new Class-A Advanced affiliate on December 9, 2020.[42] The Fredericksburg Nationals will remain a Washington affiliate, shifting to the lower Class-A classification to take the Suns' place, while the Harrisburg Senators were invited to keep their Class-AA affiliation with the Nationals as well.[43]

Transactions
  • October 9, 2020: The Nationals outrighted right-handed pitchers Aaron Barrett, Paolo Espino, and Austen Williams and infielder Adrián Sánchez to the minor leagues; Barrett and Espino elected free agency.
  • October 10, 2020: The Nationals outrighted left-handed pitcher Roenis Elías to the minor leagues; he elected free agency.
  • October 12, 2020: The Nationals outrighted left-handed pitcher Sam Freeman and right-handed pitcher Javy Guerra to the minor leagues; they elected free agency.
  • October 13, 2020: The Nationals outrighted right-handed pitcher James Bourque and catcher Raudy Read to the minor leagues.
  • October 15, 2020: The Nationals outrighted outfielder Michael A. Taylor to the minor leagues; he elected free agency.
  • October 19, 2020: The Nationals hired pitching coach Jim Hickey.
  • October 22, 2020: The Nationals signed infielder/outfielder Josh Harrison to a one-year contract extension.
  • October 23, 2020: The Nationals selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Steven Fuentes from the minor leagues.
  • November 18, 2020: The Nationals signed left-handed pitcher Sam Clay to a major league contract.
  • November 20, 2020: The Nationals selected the contracts of right-handed pitcher Joan Adon and infielder Yasel Antuna from the minor leagues.
  • December 1, 2020: The Nationals re-signed right-handed pitcher Joe Ross to a one-year major league contract.
  • December 7, 2020: The Nationals claimed right-handed pitcher Rogelio Armenteros off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
  • December 24, 2020: The Nationals acquired first baseman Josh Bell from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed pitcher Wil Crowe and minor league pitcher Eddy Yean.
  • January 9, 2021: The Nationals signed outfielder Kyle Schwarber to a one-year major league contract.
  • January 15, 2021: The Nationals re-signed first baseman Josh Bell, outfielder Juan Soto, and shortstop Trea Turner to one-year major league contracts.
  • January 23, 2021: The Nationals signed first baseman Ryan Zimmerman to a one-year major league contract.
  • January 26, 2021: The Nationals signed left-handed pitcher Brad Hand to a one-year major league contract.
  • January 27, 2021: The Nationals signed left-handed pitcher Jon Lester to a one-year major league contract.
  • February 3, 2021: The Nationals signed catcher Alex Avila to a one-year major league contract.

Spring training

The Nationals will hold spring training at their facility at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, which they share with the Houston Astros. It will be their fifth year at the facility.

Regular season

Opening Day

The Nationals have invited President Joe Biden to throw out the first pitch on Opening Day, scheduled for April 1 at home against the division-rival New York Mets.[44]

Opening Day lineup
Opening Day Starters
NamePosition

National League East
NL East W L Pct. GB Home Road
Atlanta Braves 00 -nan — 0–0 0–0
Miami Marlins 00 -nan — 0–0 0–0
New York Mets 00 -nan — 0–0 0–0
Philadelphia Phillies 00 -nan — 0–0 0–0
Washington Nationals 00 -nan — 0–0 0–0

National League Wild Card
Division Leaders W L Pct.
Arizona Diamondbacks 00 -nan
Atlanta Braves 00 -nan
Chicago Cubs 00 -nan


Wild Card teams
(Top two qualify for postseason)		 W L Pct. GB
Cincinnati Reds 00 -nan —
Colorado Rockies 00 -nan —
Los Angeles Dodgers 00 -nan —
Miami Marlins 00 -nan —
Milwaukee Brewers 00 -nan —
New York Mets 00 -nan —
Philadelphia Phillies 00 -nan —
Pittsburgh Pirates 00 -nan —
San Diego Padres 00 -nan —
San Francisco Giants 00 -nan —
St. Louis Cardinals 00 -nan —
Washington Nationals 00 -nan —

Record vs. opponents
2021 National League Records

Source: NL Standings Head-to-head

Team ARI ATL CHC CIN COL LAD MIA MIL NYM PHI PIT SD SF STL WSH AL
Arizona —0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
Atlanta 0–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
Chicago 0–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
Cincinnati 0–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
Colorado 0–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
Los Angeles 0–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
Miami 0–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
Milwaukee 0–00–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
New York 0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–00–0
Philadelphia 0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–00–0
Pittsburgh 0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–00–0
San Diego 0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–00–0
San Francisco 0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–00–0
St. Louis 0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–00–0
Washington 0–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–00–0—0–0

Updated with the results of all games through xxx xx, 2021.

Game log
Legend
 Nationals win
 Nationals loss
 Postponement
BoldNationals team member
2021 Game Log: 0–0 (Home: 0–0; Away: 0–0)

Current roster
Washington Nationals 2021 spring training roster
40-man roster Non-roster invitees Coaches/Other

Pitchers

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Pitchers

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Manager

Coaches



39 active, 0 inactive, 13 non-roster invitees

7-, 10-, or 15-day injured list
 * Not on active roster
 † Suspended list
 Roster, coaches, and NRIs updated February 5, 2021
 Transactions • Depth Chart
 → All MLB rosters

Statistics

Batting

(Updated as of xx/xx/xx)

Players in bold are on the active roster.

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; BB = Walks; SO = Strikeouts; Avg. = Batting average; OBP = On Base Percentage; SLG = Slugging Percentage; SB = Stolen bases

Player G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI AVG OBP SLG SB

Pitching

(Updated as of xx/xx/xx)

Players in bold are on the active roster.

Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; HR = Home runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts

Player W L ERA G GS SV IP H R ER HR BB K

Awards and honors

Farm system
See also: Minor League Baseball

The professional agreement between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball expired after the 2020 season, in which minor league teams did not play due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[45] The Nationals announced on December 9, 2020, that they had extended invitations to four minor league teams to serve as their affiliates for the 2021 season:[43]

Level Team League Manager
AAA Rochester Red Wings Matthew LeCroy
AA Harrisburg Senators Tripp Keister
A-Advanced Wilmington Blue Rocks Tommy Shields
A Fredericksburg Nationals Mario Lisson

Notes

    References
    1. Nesbitt, Stephen J. (October 12, 2020). "MLB draft order set: Pirates, Rangers, Tigers, Red Sox up top". The Athletic. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    2. Callis, Jim (October 12, 2020). "Here's the 2021 Draft order". MLB.com. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    3. Dougherty, Jesse (October 10, 2020). "Nationals will not retain coaches Kevin Long and Chip Hale". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    4. "Nationals agree to terms with Pitching Coach Jim Hickey". Curly W Live. October 19, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
    5. "Nationals announce Major League coaching staff". Curly W Live. October 28, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
    6. Byrne, Connor (October 12, 2020). "Javy Guerra, Sam Freeman Elect Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    7. Byrne, Connor (October 9, 2020). "Nationals Outright 4 Players". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    8. Simmons, James (October 11, 2020). "Washington Nationals: And you can close the book on Roenis Elias". District on Deck. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    9. Perlman, Mia (October 14, 2020). "Morning Briefing: Rays Take Commanding 3-0 Lead In ALCS". Metsmerized Online. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
    10. Adams, Steve (October 15, 2020). "Michael A. Taylor Clears Waivers, Elects Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
    11. https://twitter.com/MarkZuckerman/status/1321521473522118657
    12. Zuckerman, Mark (September 29, 2020). "Change is coming for Nationals, but how much?". MASN Sports. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    13. Zuckerman, Mark (October 11, 2020). "Thames' poor year again leaves Nats with first base questions". MASN Sports. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    14. Camerato, Jessica (October 10, 2020). "What to watch for: Nationals offseason FAQ". MLB.com. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
    15. Adams, Steve (October 22, 2020). "Nationals re-sign two-time All-Star Josh Harrison". Yardbarker. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
    16. Adams, Steve (January 23, 2021). "Nationals Re-Sign Ryan Zimmerman". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
    17. Dougherty, Jesse (December 21, 2020). "Howie Kendrick, Nationals' World Series hero, retires after 15 MLB seasons". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
    18. Dougherty, Jesse (November 23, 2020). "How a Kris Bryant trade could solve a persistent question for the Nationals". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
    19. Gray, Doug (December 18, 2020). "Reds and Nationals have discussed Eugenio Suárez trade". Redleg Nation. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
    20. https://twitter.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1345486419888844800
    21. Polishuk, Mark (November 21, 2020). "Report: Nationals Considering LeMahieu, Bryant". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
    22. Rieber, Anthony (January 28, 2021). "DJ LeMahieu's return to the Yankees was a long time coming, even for him". Newsday. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
    23. Hladik, Matt (December 16, 2020). "Free Agency Destination Emerges For Cardinals Legend Yadier Molina". The Spun. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
    24. Kelly, Tim (November 10, 2020). "League executive believes Nationals could pursue J.T. Realmuto". Radio.com. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
    25. Ghiroli, Brittany (December 17, 2020). "Here come 'the guts': What the Nationals' big bat pursuit will tell us". The Athletic. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
    26. Seidman, Corey (January 29, 2021). "Phillies make a roster move with J.T. Realmuto deal official". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
    27. Finney, Blake (December 10, 2020). "Washington Nationals reportedly pursued Carlos Santana before he signed with the Royals..." Federal Baseball. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
    28. Moreno, Matthew (January 14, 2021). "Justin Turner Rumors: Nationals, Blue Jays Among Teams With Interest". Dodger Blue. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
    29. Reddington, Patrick (November 18, 2020). "Washington Nationals sign Sam Clay to major league deal..." Federal Baseball. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
    30. Reddington, Patrick (December 7, 2020). "Washington Nationals claim Rogelio Armenteros off waivers from Arizona Diamondbacks..." Federal Baseball. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
    31. "Pittsburgh Pirates trade Josh Bell to Washington Nationals". ESPN. December 24, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
    32. Camerato, Jessica (January 9, 2021). "Schwarber, Nationals agree to one-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
    33. Franco, Anthony (January 24, 2021). "Nationals To Sign Brad Hand". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
    34. "Lefty Jon Lester finalizes $5M, 1-year deal with Nationals". WHIO-TV 7. January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
    35. "Washington Nationals add backup catcher Alex Avila on $1.5M, 1-year deal". ESPN. February 3, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
    36. Camerato, Jessica (December 1, 2020). "Ross, Nationals agree to one-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
    37. Zuckerman, Mark (January 15, 2021). "Nats avoid arbitration with Soto, Turner and Bell (updated)". MASN Sports. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
    38. Lahman, Sean; Murphy, Justin (November 19, 2020). "Rochester Red Wings have new parent club: Washington Nationals". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
    39. "Fresno Grizzlies will have new parent club. That might not be the only change in 2021". Fresno Bee. November 19, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
    40. Parasiliti, Bob (November 21, 2020). "Nationals end affiliation with Suns". Herald-Mail. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
    41. Dougherty, Jesse (December 9, 2020). "Nationals extend invites to affiliates close to home amid widespread minor league changes". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
    42. Tresolini, Kevin (December 9, 2020). "Wilmington Blue Rocks to live on as Washington Nationals affiliate". Delaware News Journal. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
    43. "Nationals extend invitations to Minor League affiliates". Curly W Live. December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
    44. Allen, Scott (November 9, 2020). "Nats invite Joe Biden to throw first pitch on Opening Day in 2021". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
    45. Cooper, J. J. (October 1, 2020). "The Professional Baseball Agreement Expired Without A Deal. So Now What?". Baseball America. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
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