Washington Nationals Players Salary: Abrams’ $3.2M Deal Leads MLB’s Fifth-Lowest $109M Payroll

Washington operated with just $109 million in payroll for 2025, ranking 25th among MLB’s 30 teams. CJ Abrams leads active players at $3.2 million through arbitration while the Nationals continue rebuilding after trading away veteran talent.

Patrick Corbin ($35M final year), Trevor Williams ($6M), and Keibert Ruiz ($3.8M) form the veteran core. Young stars like James Wood ($780K) and Dylan Crews ($775K) provide exceptional value as Washington builds around cost-controlled prospects.

Explore Washington Nationals player biography and roster information for complete team analysis.

Washington Nationals Top 10 Highest-Paid Players

Corbin earned $35 million in his final contract year completing his disastrous six-year, $140 million deal signed in December 2018. His production never justified the investment making him one of baseball’s worst contracts before expiration.

Williams makes $6M providing rotation stability. Abrams collected $3.2M through arbitration anchoring shortstop. Ruiz earned $3.8M as the primary catcher through arbitration settlement.

Thomas earned $8.5M before his trade to Cleveland shed payroll. Gore makes $2.8M through arbitration providing left-handed rotation depth. Young collected $1.2M patrolling center field.

Patrick Corbin’s Contract Legacy and Nationals Salaries

Corbin accumulated $180 million in career earnings building a $115 million net worth across Arizona and Washington. His six-year, $140 million contract represented Washington’s biggest free agent gamble producing 5+ ERA across multiple seasons.

Williams earned $42 million creating a $25 million net worth across Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York, and Washington. Ruiz collected $12 million building a $7 million fortune. Abrams accumulated $8 million creating a $5 million net worth.

Thomas earned $18 million building an $11 million net worth. Gore collected $6 million creating a $3.5 million fortune. Most Nationals build wealth slowly given organizational minimal spending approach during rebuild.

James Wood and Dylan Crews Provide Future Star Value

Wood earns just $780K despite being the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball entering 2024. His elite tools create exceptional value while costing league minimum salary through 2027 before arbitration eligibility.

Crews makes $775K as the No. 2 overall pick in 2023. His five-tool potential positions him as Washington’s center field cornerstone. Brady House collected $770K at third base representing organizational infield depth.

Washington spreads limited resources across positions. Their $109 million payroll requires contributions from pre-arbitration prospects to field competitive rosters while developing future core.

Nationals Starting Rotation Salary and Rebuild Approach

Washington allocated $48 million to starting pitchers—44% of total payroll. Corbin’s $35M consumed majority before contract expiration. Williams ($6M) and Gore ($2.8M) provide affordable depth through arbitration.

DJ Herz ($785K) and Mitchell Parker ($770K) fill rotation spots at league minimum. The Nationals develop pitching internally rather than pursuing expensive free agents during their organizational rebuild.

Jake Irvin ($1.5M) rounds out rotation depth. Washington’s pitching strategy emphasizes volume of young arms accepting inconsistent results while prospects develop. This approach minimizes costs during non-competitive seasons.

How Nationals Build Around Young Position Players

Abrams leads position player spending at just $3.2M anchoring shortstop. His speed and defensive tools provide foundation for Washington’s rebuilt infield. Ruiz makes $3.8M as one of baseball’s youngest starting catchers.

Luis García Jr. ($2.5M) plays second base through arbitration. Trey Lipscomb ($770K) offers third base/corner infield depth at pre-arbitration rates. Washington’s position player spending ranks among MLB’s lowest.

Wood ($780K), Crews ($775K), and Young ($1.2M) form the outfield at combined $2.76M total. This cost structure allows Washington to absorb Corbin’s contract burden while maintaining minimal overall payroll.

Nationals Bullpen Spending and Relief Strategy

Washington allocated just $12 million to relievers—11% of total payroll. Kyle Finnegan leads at $6.5M as the closer through arbitration. Hunter Harvey ($3.5M) provides setup depth before potential trade discussions.

The Nationals cycle through undervalued relief options identified via waivers and minor league signings. Derek Law ($1.5M) and Jordan Weems ($850K) fill middle relief roles. Washington avoids heavy bullpen investment during rebuild.

Robert Garcia ($2.2M) offers high-leverage depth. The Nationals’ bullpen strategy accepts higher ERA rates from inexpensive relievers rather than investing $10+ million annually like competitors during non-competitive seasons.

FAQs

Who is Washington Nationals’ highest-paid player?

Patrick Corbin earned $35 million in his final contract year completing his six-year, $140 million deal before expiration, with CJ Abrams ($3.2M) leading active roster.

What is James Wood’s salary?

Wood makes just $780K as baseball’s No. 2 overall prospect in his pre-arbitration years, creating exceptional roster value through 2027.

How much do Nationals spend on young players?

Washington’s roster features predominantly pre-arbitration talent with Wood ($780K), Crews ($775K), and House ($770K) representing cost-controlled future core.

Why does Washington have such low payroll?

Washington operates at $109 million ranking 25th while rebuilding through prospects after trading veterans, prioritizing player development over competitive spending until core matures.