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.
| Position | Player |
| SP | Josiah Gray |
| SP | MacKenzie Gore |
| SP | Patrick Corbin |
| SP | Jake Irvin |
| SP | Trevor Williams |
| RP | Kyle Finnegan |
| RP | Hunter Harvey |
| RP | Jordan Weems |
| RP | Robert Garcia |
| RP | Derek Law |
| C | Keibert Ruiz |
| C | Riley Adams |
| 1B | Joey Meneses |
| 2B | Luis Garcia Jr. |
| SS | CJ Abrams |
| 3B | Nick Senzel |
| LF | Jesse Winker |
| CF | Jacob Young |
| RF | Lane Thomas |
| DH | Joey Gallo |
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.
| Player | Position | 2025 Salary | Contract Through |
| Patrick Corbin | SP | $35M | 2024 (expired) |
| Trevor Williams | SP | $6M | 2025 |
| Keibert Ruiz | C | $3.8M | Arb-eligible 2027 |
| CJ Abrams | SS | $3.2M | Arb-eligible 2027 |
| Lane Thomas | OF | $8.5M | Arb-eligible 2026 |
| MacKenzie Gore | SP | $2.8M | Arb-eligible 2027 |
| Jacob Young | OF | $1.2M | Arb-eligible 2027 |
| James Wood | OF | $780K | Pre-arbitration |
| Dylan Crews | OF | $775K | Pre-arbitration |
| Brady House | 3B | $770K | Pre-arbitration |
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.
| Player | 2025 Salary | Career Earnings (Est.) | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Endorsements |
| Patrick Corbin | $35M | $180M | $115M | Rawlings |
| Trevor Williams | $6M | $42M | $25M | Nike |
| Lane Thomas | $8.5M | $18M | $11M | Louisville Slugger |
| Keibert Ruiz | $3.8M | $12M | $7M | Rawlings |
| CJ Abrams | $3.2M | $8M | $5M | Under Armour |
| MacKenzie Gore | $2.8M | $6M | $3.5M | New Balance |
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.
| Position Group | Total Spending | Top Earner | Salary |
| Starting Pitchers | $48M | Patrick Corbin | $35M |
| Outfield | $18M | Lane Thomas | $8.5M (traded) |
| Infield | $22M | CJ Abrams | $3.2M |
| Bullpen | $12M | Kyle Finnegan | $6.5M |
| Catchers | $3.8M | Keibert Ruiz | $3.8M |
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.
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