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[Washington Nationals]

Washington Nationals claim Joey Wiemer off of waivers

Paul Toboni has made his first move of 2026. The Nats claimed Joey Wiemer off of waivers from the San Francisco Giants. Wiemer was a former top 100 prospect in the Brewers system, but his unrefined offensive game has led to him struggling to lock down an MLB role.

Sources: The Nationals have claimed outfielder Joey Wiemer off waivers. Wiemer, a former top prospect with the Brewers, was most recently designated for assignment by the Giants.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 5, 2026

The Nats appear to be giving Wiemer a chance. He is a 6’4 226 pound outfielder with elite athleticism. However, he has big whiff and plate discipline issues. So far in his career, the 26 year old has played for the Brewers, the Reds and the Marlins. He was picked up by the Giants this offseason, but was later DFA’d. Now he is with the Nats.

Wiemer’s best tools are his legs and his glove. Last season, Wiemer posted three outs above average in just 27 games. When he got real playing time back in 2023, Wiemer had a fielding run value of +10. His range combined with an absolute cannon of an arm makes him a weapon in the outfield.

Nats have claimed Joey Wiemer off waivers

pic.twitter.com/ExLoBSUJNY

— Kev (@klwoodjr) January 5, 2026

Wiemer also has big time power. In 499 career plate appearances, Wiemer has 16 homers. His exit velocities are also very good. However, his aggression and strikeouts have made him a liability at the plate. For his career, Wiemer has a .203 average with a .638 OPS.

Last season, Wiemer was solid in a brief stint with the Marlins. He posted a .715 OPS in 61 PA’s. However, he did strike out 37.7% of the time and only walked 3.3% of the time. At the plate, you just hope Wiemer can run into one.

However, his splits do intrigue me a bit. Wiemer is much better against left handed pitching. For his career, Wiemer has a .255 average with a .779 OPS against lefties. Meanwhile, he has a .178 average with a .559 OPS against righties.

If Wiemer sticks on the roster, he will probably be a platoon center fielder. Given the volume of outfielders the Nats have, I would not be surprised if he is DFA’d again at some point. The Nats probably hope he would go unclaimed and be a part of their system.

With this move, the Nats 40 man roster is full. If/when the Nats make another move, they are going to have to DFA somebody. To be honest, there are plenty of candidates, including Wiemer himself. Hopefully Joey Wiemer can establish himself as a strong center field defender who can crush lefties.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/was...ngton-nationals-claim-joey-wiemer-off-waivers

 

[Washington Nationals]

Washington Nationals claim Blue Jays RHP Paxton Schultz off of waivers

After claiming Joey Wiemer on Monday, Paul Toboni is using the waiver wire again. This time he has claimed Blue Jays pitcher Paxton Schultz. I like this claim, and think Schultz will have a place on the roster. He is a swing man, who can fill a variety of roles and also has solid stuff.

The Nationals have claimed pitcher Paxton Schultz off waivers, per source.

Schultz pitched in 13 games for the Toronto Blue Jays last season. Was used as a reliever/opener in 2025. He was DFA’d so Toronto could clear space on their roster for Kazuma Okamoto.

— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) January 9, 2026

Last season, Schultz made his debut for the Blue Jays, making 13 appearances, with two of them being starts. He held his own at the MLB level posting a respectable 4.38 ERA in 24.2 innings. Schultz’s combination of strikeouts and solid command makes him an interesting arm.

With the Blue Jays, Schultz struck out 25.5% of hitters and walked just 7.3% of them. He does this with a strong four pitch mix. His fastball averaged a touch below 94 MPH, but the pitch has a lot of carry. That movement profile is why Schultz had a 26.3% whiff rate on his heater. His most used secondary pitch is a cutter, which also has good whiff numbers. Schultz throws a changeup, mostly to lefties and a slider, mostly to righties. It is a solid mix that can get results in the MLB.

Recently-DFA'd RHP Paxton Schultz could be worth a #Padres waiver claim.

In 2025 at the MLB level:
– 25.5% K | 7.3% BB
– 27.4% Whiff & Chase (32.7% vs FC)
– 1.46 HR/9, .333 BABIP can indicate positive regression

Has 2 MiLB options left, solid swingman addition? pic.twitter.com/fTZ3531TtD

— Diego Garcia (@StatNerd_Base) January 5, 2026

He may not have a true plus pitch, but he has a solid mix and good control. Schultz gives up more hard contact and home runs than you would like to see though. He struggled with the long ball in his first MLB stint.

Schultz will be a multi inning relief option for the Nats. With guys like Schultz, Brad Lord, Andrew Alvarez and Mitchell Parker, I wonder if the Nats get more creative in how they deploy their pitchers. Do not be surprised if we see more bullpen games in 2026.

At 28, Schultz is not a youngster, but he is not old either. There could be more untapped potential, though I am not sure how much. He grinded his way to the MLB as a former 14th round pick, earning everything he has gotten.

Nats have claimed Paxton Schultz off waivers

Check out his story:

pic.twitter.com/SgQRSj7tr0

— Kev (@klwoodjr) January 9, 2026

I think Schultz has a good chance of sticking on the Nats roster for a while. He has two option years, so he can go up and down when needed. Optionable arms are something GM’s like to have. It gives them more flexibility. If the Nats just need innings to fill, they can turn to Schultz.

This claim is probably going to be more impactful than the Wiemer claim. Schultz has a clearer path to playing time and has been more productive. He may not be a flashy piece, but Paxton Schultz will fill a role for the Washington Nationals.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/lat...ls-claim-blue-jays-paxton-schultz-off-waivers