Sep 27, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals outfielder Stone Garrett (36) looks toward the crowd during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images James A. Pittman
The Washington Nationals designated outfielder Stone Garrett for assignment Thursday, potentially setting the Phillies up to have a chance to obtain the 29-year-old.
It's possible that at least one other team will claim Garrett, who isn't even yet eligible for arbitration. If a team that had a worse record in 2024 claims Garrett, the Phillies would not get him even if they placed a claim as well. Still, it's worth a shot.
Just two years ago, he homered nine times and drove in 40 runs in just 89 games for the Nationals. Unfortunately, he fractured his left fibula trying to make a catch at Yankee Stadium late in the 2023 season, which essentially turned 2024 into a wash. Garrett appeared in just two games for the Nationals last season, and now has been DFA'd to clear a 40-man roster spot for reliever Kyle Finnegan:
Ideally, the Phillies would add an outfielder before the season that's capable of playing center field. Garrett does not fit that bill. As he continues to return from a major leg injury, it's unclear exactly how effective he'll be defensively moving forward. For what it's worth, though, he had five defensive runs saved in left field in 2023. He also made a nice diving catch in right field in a Grapefruit League game yesterday, in what will likely turn out to be his final time in a Nationals uniform:
Nationals OF Stone Garrett (George Ranch HS) had a nice diving catch today: pic.twitter.com/ZIluyE9CmE
At the very least, Garrett could join the Phillies in camp and add competition for the bench. Weston Wilson appeared to have a real shot at the Opening Day roster because he's a right-handed bat on a team with so many left-handed hitters. Granted, Wilson can also play in the infield and probably could go to center field in a pinch. But he's now out with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, which will prevent him from being ready for the start of the season. A healthy Garrett would give you a similar right-handed presence on the bench at least until Wilson gets back. Even once Wilson comes back, he has a remaining minor-league option, so you could send him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley if Garrett is giving the Phillies a bench bat that occasionally gets into the starting lineup over Max Kepler in left field.
Some of this will come down to the rest of the roster construction. Will the Phillies carry Kody Clemens, who is out of minor-league options, but would be another left-handed hitter? Can Edmundo Sosa prove capable of playing in the outfield, specifically center field? If he can, maybe Johan Rojas will open the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To his credit, Rojas crushed a home run off of Carlos Rodón Thursday, and while he's working his way back from a minor injury to his right shoulder, is an excellent defender. If he's hitting, the Phillies will want him on the MLB roster.
Again, it's also possible that a lesser team will claim Garrett before the Phillies have an opportunity. But he's got two home runs and six RBIs in five career games at Citizens Bank Park. Garrett just feels like someone worth taking a flier on, because it's possible you might uncover a hidden gem.
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