The Washington Nationals made a surprising move when they DFA’d Stone Garrett, was it the right call?
When the Washington Nationals brought back Kyle Finnegan, they had to make a move to free up space on the 40 man roster. However, the move they made was a bit of a surprise. They DFA’d fan favorite outfielder Stone Garrett.
While Stone Garrett was a long shot to make the roster, it was a surprise to see him DFA’d. The 29 year old was highly productive in 2023, posting an .801 OPS and 1.9 bWAR in just 89 games. However, that 2023 season came to a premature end when Garrett suffered a gruesome leg break.
The muscular outfielder was not the same guy in 2024 coming off the injury. He only posted a .675 OPS in Triple-A and only hit three home runs, a shockingly low tally for such a big guy. However, the Nats still gave him a cup of coffee at the end of the 2024 season. It was a triumphant return, with his home run being one of the moments of the season.
Based on the reaction in the dugout, it was clear how much the moment meant for him and his teammates. It is also clear how beloved Garrett is in the clubhouse. He and Nationals ace Mackenzie Gore are best friends.
However, baseball is a business, and in a busy outfield picture Garrett didn’t have a clear path to playing time. With how Robert Hassell is hitting this spring, Garrett is falling further down the pecking order. The decision to DFA him is not without its merits.
However, I am not sure it is the move that I would have made. There are a couple pitchers on the 40 man that seemed like DFA candidates. One in particular is former first rounder Jackson Rutledge.
Since being drafted 17th overall in 2019, Rutledge has been unable to put it all together. 2024 was a particularly tough season for the soon to be 26 year old right hander. Rutledge posted a 6.40 ERA in 122.1 innings in Triple-A last year. He has a career Minor League ERA over 5.
While he used to be highly touted, things haven’t worked out for Rutledge. Keeping him, while DFA’ing Garrett who has a productive big league season under his belt is an interesting move. It feels like Mike Rizzo is refusing to accept defeat on a player he spent premium resources on.
Not wanting to give up on him makes some sense. Rutledge still throws hard and has some feel to spin a breaking ball which could make him an option in the bullpen. However, hope is running out for him. In his first outing of Spring Training, he walked four straight batters, which is a problem at any level of baseball.
While I understand the decision to DFA Stone Garrett, it is tough to see a fan favorite get taken off the 40 man roster in favor of a first round pick who hasn’t worked out. Of course, if Garrett goes unclaimed, he will return to the Nats and start the season down in Rochester. However, it would not be surprising if another team took a shot on a guy who was a productive big leaguer not too long ago.
Whatever happens, I will be rooting for Stone Garrett. He was a massive part of that ‘scrappy Nats’ run in 2023, and will be looked back on fondly. Rooting for guys like Stone Garrett and following their journeys is what makes baseball so great.