What's Happening?
The Washington Nationals have signed free agent pitcher Trevor Gott to a minor league contract, marking his return to the team. Gott, who previously played for the Nationals from 2016 to 2018, will also receive a non-roster invite to the Spring Training big league camp. This move is part of the Nationals' efforts to bolster their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season. Gott's first stint with the Nationals began in December 2015 after a trade with the Los Angeles Angels. During his initial tenure, he posted a 1-2 record over three seasons, frequently moving between the active roster and the minors. After leaving the Nationals, Gott played for the San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, and New York Mets. His recent performance includes
a 4.17 ERA and a 23.7% strikeout rate over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Gott's return to the Nationals comes after recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2024 and a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners' minor league system.
Why It's Important?
Trevor Gott's signing is significant for the Washington Nationals as they seek to address uncertainties in their pitching rotation. With Spring Training approaching, the Nationals are looking to strengthen their bullpen, and Gott's experience could be valuable. His previous performance with the team and subsequent experience with other MLB teams suggest he could provide depth and stability. The Nationals' decision to bring back a familiar face like Gott indicates a strategic move to leverage his past familiarity with the team and his potential to contribute effectively. This signing also reflects the Nationals' broader strategy to rebuild and enhance their roster following recent seasons of underperformance.
What's Next?
The Washington Nationals will begin a supplemental training camp next week, leading up to the start of Spring Training on February 21 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Trevor Gott will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the active roster during this period. His performance in the training camp and subsequent games will determine his role in the upcoming season. The Nationals' management will likely continue to evaluate their roster and make additional moves to strengthen their team before the regular season begins.
