The Washington Nationals have added a third addition to the 2026 roster over the last week with Tuesday's signing marking the first infielder.
After signing a pair of pitcher in recent days including late Monday night, the Washington Nationals made a move in the infield on Tuesday, but not the one that has made the rounds across social media in recent days.
The Washington Nationals announced on Tuesday they claimed utility player Mickey Gasper off waivers. Gasper was designated for assignment last Wednesday by the Minnesota Twins after infielder/outfielder Vidal Brujan was claimed off waiver from the Atlanta Braves.
Gasper joins the organization where he will get another crack at an MLB roster. After playing at Bryant then playing in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, Gasper began his pro career with the New York Yankees after becoming the 817th overall selection in the 27th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Gasper then split time in the minors in 2019 through 2023 before heading to Boston following the 2023 season, a move made possible after the Red Sox selected him during the minor league phase of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. He began in Double-A then Triple-A before being selected to the 40-man roster in August 2024 where he went 0-for-18 and one hit by pitch across 18 games. He was then traded following the season to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Jovani Moran, a deal that materialized on Christmas Eve.
He notched his first career hit in late March and first career home run in late August during the 2025 season, totaling a pair of home runs, 11 RBIs and a pair of stolen bases while posting a slash line of .158/.257/.232 with the Twins.
The addition of Gasper also gives the Nationals' front office another young player they're already familiar with given the time together in Boston.
But what may be most intriguing about the latest roster move is the versatility that Gasper adds to the Nationals roster after playing 19 games at catcher, seven at first base, two at left base and one at left field in 2025. While the Nationals have a glaring need at first base with free agent Rhys Hoskins still a reported target as the two sides finalize a deal, the bulk of Gasper's time in the minor league has been spent at first base while also logging nearly 400 innings at second base, giving first year manager Blake Butera a valuable piece to move around the infield.
With the team claiming Gasper, the Washington Nationals announced that pitcher Andry Lara has been designated for assignment. In his lone season with the organization in 2025, Lara allowed 27 hits and 14 earned runs while throwing ten strikeouts across 14.1 innings and six games. The move comes after the Nationals agreed to terms with both Trevor Gott and Zach Penrod in recent days as president of baseball operations Paul Toboni hinted that the front office is not yet done adding to the 2026 roster, leaving the possibility of both trades and free agent acquisitions on the table.
The Washington Nationals will open spring training against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, Feb. 21.