The Nationals announced Thursday that they’ve designated outfielder Stone Garrett for assignment. His roster spot goes to righty Kyle Finnegan, whose one-year deal to return to the Nationals is now official.
Garrett, 29, has appeared in parts of three big league seasons between the Nats and D-backs. He’s a lifetime .276/.341/.492 hitter in the majors, good for 25% better than average at the plate, by measure of wRC+. However, that production has been buoyed by a hefty .369 average on balls in play that’s not going to be sustained over a larger sample than Garrett’s 361 MLB plate appearances. He’s also fanned in 30.2% of his career plate appearances, leading to further questions about his ability to sustain his level of output.
Garrett also saw only six big league plate appearances in 2024, spending the rest of the season in Triple-A with a disappointing .249/.348/.333 slash. That lack of production is likely attributable — to at least some extent — to left ankle/leg surgery performed in Aug. 2023. Garrett sustained fractures in his fibula and ankle when chasing down a fly-ball and crashing into the wall at Yankee Stadium. He spent eight-plus months recovering from that gruesome injury.
The strikeout issues Garrett has faced have plagued him against righties and lefties alike. However, Garrett has shown considerably more power against southpaws. With a 30.8% strikeout rate and .362 BABIP against lefties, he’s not going to sustain his .279/.333/.541 output against them. That huge .262 ISO against southpaws should be enough to make him a viable platoon candidate, even if his average and OBP are ticketed for decline. The Nats already have a full outfield with James Wood, Jacob Young and Dylan Crews, though, and righty-swinging Alex Call is a similar platoon fourth outfielder with roughly half the strikeout rate and better defensive skills.
While Garrett has some notable red flags, he’s still an optionable corner outfielder with genuine power against lefties. That’s a skill set that could fit him into the bench mix for plenty of clubs. He’s coming off a down year, but teams might take an optimistic outlook now that he’s 18 months removed from that devastating injury. The Nats will have five days to trade Garrett, and if they don’t have a deal in place at that point he’ll be placed on outright waivers and learn whether he’s been claimed or cleared 48 hours later.
Royals should grab him with their shallow OF depth.
Yeah, he has fairly solid numbers actually…
But that’s on offense. I did not look up his defensive ratings.
Thats the rub hes coming back still from a broken leg..
Hes hit in MLB opportunities though
I turn to stone when you are gone I turn to stone.
Thank you Jeff Lynne.
Everybody must get Stone
Like a Rolling Stone
I thought this guy was gonna be the second coming
The White Sox should pick him up as he has several more years of control. They will need at least one major league outfielder after they trade Robert, Tauchman, Slater and possibly Benintendi by the deadline.
If someone is stupid enough to trade for Benintendi they should be removed from their job.
Not if the Sox pay most of the salary. He had a good second half and if he starts out well this year he could get moved if the Sox eat enough of the contract. Not likely.
My point is that the Sox should pick up Stone because they will have no help in the OF from their minor leaguers this year.
I guess they don’t think Stone has progressed enough from his injury. I thought it would be one of Yepez or Chaparro.
I’m guessing he’s out of options, so he won’t be unemployed for long.
He actually has 2 options and has performed.. Hes just moreso a DH after his leg injury who Ks a ton.
Seems very likely to be claimed.. could see a minor trade.
This guy could be fun to watch in Colorado. They seem set with corner outfielders though
Out of options but has a lot of potential. Demolishes lefties, but questionable vs. Righties. Downside is that he’s approaching 30. Hope the Rangers can grab him to strengthen the offense.
He has 2 options
Now I’m baffled. This is a costly risk/mistake by the Nationals.
Man, Spring Training just started and he’s already DFA”d?
Astros should probably jump here. He would probably mash the Crawford boxes
Hell of a guy. Sad to see him go but probably a necessary cut with the strength of the current outfield. If only he could pitch.
Get him DD!
Alas, the one man that should have a statue.
He’s already 100% Stone
Lol Nats broadcast during a ST game was pumping him up so much and replaying his big HR and being all cheesy about his perseverance and how hard work pays off and all’s well that ends well….DFA’d 96 hours later
Wish him well just hasn’t been the same since the injury against the wall in the Bronx a few years ago
whats wrong with this kid? he has decent numbers but he keeps getting tossed around
– hits .600 last year
– handed walking papers in Offseason
Go get him, AJ!
Remember Rock Shoulders?
I thought it was Garrett Stone.