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Nationals Podcast: Several Depart, Declare for Free Agency
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- Nationals Podcast: Several Depart, Declare for Free Agency
(Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)
On the next episode of the DC Roundtable Podcast hosted by Tyler Lochte and Ahmed Ghafir diving into the Washington Nationals , we dive into the official start of the offseason with the team announcing a flurry of roster moves earlier in the week.
That included the pitching staff, featuring a group of relievers who have largely struggled on a Nationals' bullpen that was among the biggest disappointments across baseball in 2026.
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Left handed reliever PJ Poulin cleared outright waivers and was slated to be assigned to Triple A Rochester before electing to enter minor league free agency, officially ending his tenure with the organization. Ken Waldichuk did similar after four of the eight hits he allowed in a Nationals' uniform were home runs, instead electing to also declare for free agency and seek a fresh start elsewhere. Richard Lovelady, who was claimed less than one year ago, also cleared outright waivers and elected to declare for free agency in lieu of his assignment to Triple A Rochester. The Nationals could see one familiar name often in 2027 after Mitchell Parker, who struggled after also losing the closer competition to Clayton Beeter, was claimed outright by the Atlanta Braves. Parker was one of two Nationals who were claimed by another team after Paxton Schultz was also claimed by the Cincinnati Reds on waivers.
There was some good news after the team announced that both catcher Drew Millas and right handed pitcher Matt Waldron were activated from the 60 day injured list, while Jose Tena was also designated for assignment after a lackluster season in the lineup. With the roster now at the 40 man roster cut ahead of the deadline, were any moves a surprise? We discuss the official start.
Plus, could -- or should -- the Nationals be in the market for any big moves prior to winter meetings and ongoing collective bargaining negotiations around the corner? We discuss with the front office facing several arbitration-eligible players ahead of the rest of the offseason.
With year one of the Blake Butera and Paul Toboni era officially complete and a chance for the offseason moves now able to address clear holes ahead of a hopeful 2027 season featuring elevated expectations, make sure you stay locked in on the DC Roundtable Podcast as we dive into everything you need to know through the winer. You can watch the full episode of the latest DC Roundtable Podcast on YouTube here .
