Opening Day nears, and the Nationals trim their roster. See which promising arms and bats are heading to Triple-A Rochester.
We’re about two and a half weeks away from Opening Day, and roster cuts seem to be happening by the hour. Here’s the latest update on who won’t be joining the big league squad on March 26 after the Washington Nationals announced their cuts.
Riley Cornelio
Riley Cornelio had been in the conversation for a spot in the Nationals’ starting rotation on the Opening Day roster. He had two strong showings across five innings this spring training, with an impressive 1.80 ERA and seven strikeouts. Cornelio could have realistically fit into the Washington bullpen on Opening Day, but it appears the team wants to continue developing him as a starter. He will continue to get reps in Triple-A Rochester for the start of 2026. He was also at one point tabbed as a darkhorse to make the Opening Day roster.
Luis Perales
Perales was an offseason acquisition from the Boston Red Sox organization. The hard-throwing right-hander made one Spring Training appearance, throwing a scoreless inning against the New York Mets. Still coming back from Tommy John surgery in June 2024, Perales will spend more time with Triple-A Rochester to work on command and rehabilitation.
Orelvis Martinez
Martinez was once a top prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Now, he is looking for a second chance with Washington after he was handed an 80-game PEDs suspension in 2024. The Nats picked up Martinez last September. He was released by the Blue Jays organization after a struggling season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Martinez compiled four hits across ten plate appearances this spring, with a total OBP of .455.
Sergio Alcantara
Alcantara was another offseason pickup for Washington. Alcantara has seen time with a few big league squads, most recently appearing in one MLB game with the San Francisco Giants in 2025. A utility infield defender, Alcantara is known for being strong on the glove side. However, his bat often struggles to catch up, as he recorded just two hits over 11 at-bats this spring in Nationals camp.
Bryce Montes de Oca
Montes de Oca is another piece with big league experience the Nats added this offseason. Coming from the division rival New York Mets, Montes de Oca has spent much of the past few seasons recovering from a series of elbow surgeries. His velocity is there, but command stays as a big issue for the right-hander. Montes de Oca recorded a 11.57 ERA across 2.1 innings this spring. A bit of a wildcard in terms of what his full potential will look like after fully building back from injuries, Montes de Oca will continue to develop in Triple-A Rochester to start the season. Washington added de Oca to a minor league contract this offseason.
Tyler Baum
Baum comes from the Athletics organization, and was once a top prospect in their farm. The former second-round pick in 2019 will get a second chance in Washington this upcoming season. Most recently developing as a relief pitcher, Baum’s arsenal comes with an impressive cutter and decent velocity. The right-hander compiled a 6.00 ERA across three innings this spring.
Caleb Lomavita
Lomavita currently ranks as the #9 prospect in the Nationals organization, but his season will still start in the minor leagues. The catcher ended 2025 with Double-A Harrisburg, with a solid .275 average on the season. Lomavita is a contact hitter and played in six games with the Nationals this spring. He recorded two hits across nine at-bats and is estimated to make his big league debut in the 2027 season, per MLB.com.