WEST PALM BEACH, FL - The Washington Nationals made a surprising roster move today, designating outfielder Stone Garrett for assignment while announcing Kyle Finnegan's new contract. Ultimately, Garrett's promising 2023 season, cut short by a serious leg injury, wasn't enough to keep him in Washington. Although he returned late last year, his role as a 29-year-old, bat-focused player, primarily suited for a platoon DH role, made him vulnerable.

With the Nationals' young outfield developing, Garrett unfortunately became expendable. He leaves the Nationals with a .276/.341/.492 slash line (125 wRC+) in 361 plate appearances with the team.

Stone Garrett's spring training performance strongly indicated a complete recovery from his serious leg injury. He showed no signs of limitation, running well and making impressive plays, including a diving catch in right field during Wednesday’s game. The diving catch clearly showed his regained agility, underscoring his comeback. Manager Davey Martinez confirmed Garrett's progress after Wednesday’s game, stating, "He’s a lot better this spring than he was last spring, obviously. He looks like he’s moving around pretty good. … He definitely looked like he was running the way he should be running." Garrett went 0-for-6 with a sacrifice fly and two strikeouts in three of the first four Grapefruit League Games.

The decision to designate Garrett, despite his apparent full recovery and demonstrated potential, highlights the difficult choices teams face when balancing player development with roster construction. While Garrett's offensive capabilities and recent health were promising, the Nationals' focus on their younger core ultimately outweighed his contributions. This move signals a strategic shift for Washington, prioritizing long-term growth over immediate returns.

For Garrett, it represents a potentially challenging but also opportunistic moment. His proven ability to hit at the major league level, combined with his demonstrated resilience, should make him an attractive option for other teams seeking a power bat. Whether he finds a new home or not, Garrett’s story serves as a reminder of the often-harsh realities of professional baseball, where talent and determination are sometimes not enough to secure a roster spot.