Nationals’ Rule 5 Radar: Hidden Gems Who Could Make an Impact in 2025

The Rule 5 Draft remains one of the most underrated pieces of the MLB offseason. While it’s never a surefire route to success, there are countless examples of players thriving with new clubs—just look at Shane Smith, whom the White Sox plucked from Milwaukee’s system. He posted a 3.81 ERA and a 2.2 fWAR season. For the Washington Nationals, Nasim Nunez could be another hidden gem. Though there’s no guarantee Washington makes a pick, holding the No. 3 selection provides a prime chance at one of the draft’s better talents. Let’s break down a few intriguing names left unprotected this year.

As a fellow Virginia Tech alum, TJ Rumfield is a personal favorite. Unlike most first basemen, he’s a contact-first bat with a clean approach, boasting outstanding zone swing and contact rates matched by a lower-than-average whiff rate. This produced strong strikeout and walk numbers. Rumfield still flashes some pop—a 90th percentile exit velocity of 103.7 mph—and a notably high 21.8% pulled fly ball rate, maximizing his average power profile. Across the last two seasons, he tallied 31 homers. Defensively, Rumfield stands out as a MiLB Gold Glove winner and could offer a steadier glove than Nats fans have seen from Nathaniel Lowe or Josh Bell. The ceiling may not be sky-high, but Rumfield’s offensive stability and plus defense make him a great fit at first base for the coming years.​

Monegro is a unique option this winter. Recovering from a torn UCL, he’s set to miss all of 2026, but Rule 5 quirks allow a team to place him on the 60-day IL before stashing him on the 2027 MLB roster. Despite only 33 AA innings, Monegro ran a 2.67 ERA, 2.34 FIP, 35.8% strikeout, and 5.8% walk rates. Even factoring in the pitcher-friendly environment, the combination of swing-and-miss and control is rare. The fact he’s a high-upside international signee from Boston—where scouting director Paul Toboni has roots—adds intrigue. At just 24 in 2027, the Nats could bet on top-tier stuff, even if his future role remains undetermined.

The Rule 5 is often a goldmine for overlooked relievers. Peyton Pallette from the White Sox—a former Arkansas ace—fits the bill. After struggles as a starter, he flourished in a bullpen role, ranking among AAA’s best in swinging-strike rate. His 25.5% groundball rate poses some risk for home runs, but the swing-and-miss upside is the serious draw given the Nats’ bullpen finished with MLB’s 2nd-lowest K-BB%. Pallette works with three above-average pitches: a 95-mph four-seamer, low-80s curve, and mid-80s slider, giving him weapons to handle hitters on both sides. While bullpen picks rarely excite, Pallette’s profile is exactly what Washington’s relief corps needs.

Rumfield is the preferred first base target, but Blaze Jordan deserves a mention. The Paul Toboni connection is clear; the Red Sox went over slot for Jordan in 2020 when Toboni ran their draft. Once known for elite amateur power, Jordan has struggled to unlock that pop in pro ball, never posting an isolated power above .200.

He is, however, an exceptionally high-contact hitter, both in and outside the zone, but his aggressive approach hurts his walk rate (and leads to weak contact on chased pitches). If Toboni believes he can coax more pull-side power, Jordan could become a bigger threat. Though the defense isn’t a calling card, the history with Toboni adds a layer of intrigue if the Nats want to bet on a bounce-back.

Catcher remains a burning question for Nationals fans, especially after the Keibert Ruiz contract and underwhelming replacements. While many focus on Daniel Susac, Luca Tresh is a more interesting option—likely best considered with a 2nd round Rule 5 pick. Tresh is prized for his poise: he brings solid exit velocity, disciplined plate approach, decent contact, and reliable defense, all rare for the Nats’ recent catching mix. While his ceiling seems to be a backup, the lack of organizational depth behind the plate makes Tresh a justifiable roll of the dice.