Griff McGarry was drafted by the Nationals on the final day of MLB’s Winter Meetings towards the end of last year. Later that day came the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft an event that doesn’t generate the same headlines as the Major League version but can be just as important for organizational depth and development.

Players eligible for the Minor League Rule 5 Draft have at least three or four seasons of professional experience and were left off both the 40-man roster and their Triple-A affiliate’s reserve list. After releasing more than 30 players at the end of the 2025 season, Washington made a splash by drafting five pitchers and one outfielder.

All five pitchers selected by Paul Toboni and his front office are relievers, and all six draftees have been initially assigned to Triple-A Rochester. By the end of spring training, they may be reassigned to any level of the system unlike Major League Rule 5 picks, they do not need to be returned to their previous clubs.

Let’s dive in.

Age 24
Position: Right Handed Pitcher
Sandy Gaston

Gaston headlines this group with one of the biggest arms available. His fastball sits 96–98 mph and has touched 100 repeatedly, featuring late life and heavy movement. Command remains his biggest challenge due to inconsistency with his arm slot and release point. Improving that synchronization will be a top spring training focus.

Last season, Gaston appeared in 36 games at High-A and four in Triple-A, where he struggled with an ERA above 13.00.

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Prediction: If he sharpens his command, he could earn a bullpen spot in Rochester, but after skipping Double-A last year, Harrisburg feels more likely.

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