Bold claim: a savvy off-season is about uncovering low-cost, high-upside veterans who can lift a rebuilding team without wrecking the budget. And this is where the Nationals could find real value. If they’re not chasing top-tier free agents, they should consider a few fliers—veterans with a chance to rebound, a coachable mindset, and enough talent to surprise in spring and beyond. Below are three non-roster invitees who fit that mold and could earn a 40-man spot with the right spring performance, plus a bit of context to help beginners understand why they matter.
Stephen Nogosek
Nogosek hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2023 with the Mets, when he logged a 5.61 ERA across 25.2 innings. He spent last season in Triple-A for Kansas City, recording a 4.87 ERA over 57.1 innings. Those numbers aren’t flashy, but Nogosek carries untapped potential worth a closer look. His fastball sits around league-average velocity, and his primary offspeed pitch is a sweeping breaking ball with substantial horizontal movement, roughly 19–20 inches of break. With a bit more refinement and a pro coaching approach, the Nationals’ staff might unlock a more reliable late-inning option. His track record suggests a pitcher who could surprise in a favorable environment with the right instruction and opportunity.
Jon Berti
Berti has never been a standout hitter, carrying a career OPS around .690. Yet he’s a classic, high-floor bench piece: a scrappy, contact-oriented hitter who rarely harms himself with strikeouts. He’s also a genuine toolsy runner, bringing elite speed to the lineup—a crucial element for a team looking to manufacture runs and threaten on the bases. Although his sprint speed dips with age, his current average sprint speed sits near 28.3 feet per second, placing him in the 74th percentile among qualified players. Berti’s versatility means he can cover multiple infield and outfield spots, helping to stabilize the roster and raise the team’s floor in 2026.
Hunter Renfroe
Renfroe, 33, has shown declines in some areas recently, posting a lower OPS in the past season. However, his bat speed remains solid—measured at about 74.5 miles per hour—and he’s cut his strikeout rate to under 20% in recent years. That combination—steady bat speed, improved contact discipline, and the occasional power display—still has value for a team eager to add left-right balance and veteran presence. Additionally, Renfroe has a knack for coming up with clutch home runs in the DMV region, adding a touch of back-to-back production potential. His background includes notable collegiate-level success, including a standout season with Bethesda Big Train, where he set a single-season home run record in 2012.
Bottom line
These three players come with virtually no-risk profiles relative to big free-agent targets, yet they each offer a plausible upside that could translate into meaningful contributions if the Nationals cultivate the right opportunities and coaching environment. Non-roster invites can become roster spots if a player proves capable in spring training and beyond. The question is whether the organization is willing to invest faith in upside over guaranteed, but uncertain, high-cost options. Would you prioritize a high-floor veteran with steady but limited upside, or a bounce-back candidate with a wider range of possible outcomes but more speculative potential? Share your thoughts in the comments.
