The Washington Nationals are still one of the worst teams in the National League, judging by their 71-91 record in 2023.
That record, however, represented an improvement over the horrible 55-107 performance of 2022, or the 65-97 mark they had in 2021.
It means they finally have some promising players and might be on the right path.
However, to reach their potential, they still need to find lots of impact players and get rid of those who have gotten opportunities to produce and haven’t.
Dominic Smith fits the second description, and the team announced he is no longer on the 40-man roster.
“The Nationals are designating Dominic Smith for assignment, per @ByRobertMurray,” MLB on FOX tweeted.
The Nationals are designating Dominic Smith for assignment, per @ByRobertMurray pic.twitter.com/SY6O1qxhHK
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 14, 2023
By designating Smith for assignment, the Nationals create a 40-man roster spot that they will likely use to add a prospect ahead of Tuesday’s 6 p.m. deadline (ET) and protect him from being taken in December’s Rule 5 Draft.
Smith had his chances to secure a future with the Nationals, but had a .692 OPS in 527 at-bats this year.
That’s more than enough time and reps to show something, but he failed.
In fact, Smith hasn’t cracked the .700 OPS threshold since 2020, when he had a .993 mark in the shortened season.
He did hit a career-high 12 home runs in 2023, and perhaps another team will elect to sign him and give him another MLB shot on a cheap deal.
If not, the Nats will be more than happy to welcome back Smith as depth in Triple-A.
He is likely to get another MLB shot, though.
Time will tell.
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