The Washington Nationals have now added another name to its 2026 pitching staff
The Washington Nationals have now made another addition to its pitching staff.
Talk Nats was first to report that the Nationals have agreed to terms with Valentin Linarez on a minor league deal, becoming the latest addition to the pitching staff ahead of 2026 Opening Day.
Linarez joins the organization after spending the bulk of his career within the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system, though played within the Cleveland Guardians' system during 2024. He has appeared in 174 career games across his career in the minors, posting a 22-26 overall record with a 3.89 ERA and six career saves.
Linarez has also watched his production dip after recording 95 strikeouts in 2022 to set a new career record, but followed it up with 76 strikeouts in 2023, 71 in 2024 then 62 in 2025. He has also pitched at least 60 innings in three of his last four seasons while also posting a combined 10-4 record over the last two seasons, allowing a 4.98 ERA in 2024 before improving it to allow 3.06 ERA in 2025. Over his career, Linarez owns a 3.89 ERA across over 402 innings and 174 games.
The 26 year old pitcher out of the Dominican Republic becomes the latest addition to a pitching staff that has come under the microscope with several additions over the last month, shortly after president of baseball operations Paul Toboni hinted that the list of available arms for first year manager Blake Butera could end up changing.
The news also comes after the Nationals added another veteran by bringing in Zack Littell, who reportedly signed a one year deal with $7 million guaranteed and a chance to make $9.5 million along with a mutual option for 2027. The Nationals also added Miles Mikolas ahead of the start of spring training to bolster the top of the rotation, but it will be a familiar name taking the mount on Opening Day after reportedly turning to Cade Cavalli as the game one starter when the Nationals take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Thursday, March 26 for a 2:20 PM opening pitch.
The news also comes days after the front office underwent the third round of roster cuts in spring training with Bryce Montes de Oca, Tyler Baum and Luis Perales all included in the latest batch of releases.
After a rare day off on Monday, the Washington Nationals return to action for a rematch against the Miami Marlins.