Paul Toboni’s arrival as Nationals president of baseball operations signals a strategic reset centered on fixing the catching position and accelerating a 2026 return to contention. Washington plans a trade-focused offseason to upgrade behind the plate, moving beyond Keibert Ruiz and leveraging depth at catcher with an eye toward immediate impact.

Targets surface in the form of high-upside prospects like Dalton Rushing and Harry Ford, with current catchers Riley Adams and Drew Millas as potential trade chips. A 0.2 fWAR from catchers in 2025 underscores the urgency, and the winter will reveal whether the Nats land a ready-made backstop or a fast-tracked package that jump-starts the rebuild.

The overarching aim is a faster, smarter path to relevance in 2026, balancing short-term gains with long-term talent. Fantasy managers should monitor catcher market chatter and how Washington slices its depth to land a game-changing upgrade.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches its halfway point, savvy fantasy baseball managers are on the lookout for injured players who have the potential to contribute later in the season. This week, we highlight 25 stash-worthy players residing on the injured list, most of whom are rostered in less than 65% of leagues. Notable names include Anthony Santander, who, despite being sidelined since May due to an oblique injury, could provide significant power once he returns. Other intriguing options are Shane Bieber, recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Zach Eflin, whose back injury hasn’t stopped him from producing quality starts when on the mound.

Stashing players like these allows fantasy managers to maintain a competitive edge, particularly as the playoff race heats up. Keep an eye on these athletes, as their returns could dramatically shift the dynamics of your fantasy roster.

The Washington Nationals have officially placed starting pitcher Trevor Williams on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow sprain. This announcement comes just two days after Williams faced off against the Detroit Tigers, where he allowed a season-high seven runs in a crushing 11-2 defeat. Williams has struggled throughout the season, posting a 3-10 record with a 6.21 ERA over 17 starts.

In a season where he has become tied for the second-most losses in the National League, Williams signed a lucrative two-year, $14 million contract after a promising previous season where he finished with a 6-1 record and a 2.03 ERA, albeit limited to just 13 starts due to a strained muscle in his throwing arm. Meanwhile, the Nationals have recalled pitcher Ryan Loutos from Triple-A Rochester, who has had a rough outing this year with a 13.50 ERA in eight games across the Los Angeles Dodgers and Nationals. In addition, catcher Keibert Ruiz has been activated from the injured list after recovering from a concussion suffered on June 23. Ruiz’s return is timely as the Nationals optioned Drew Millas back to Rochester following a lackluster performance where he hit just .143 with one RBI in three games.

As MLB action kicks off the week, player prop bets are a focal point for savvy gamblers. One standout is Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles, who is on an impressive hitting streak of eight games, with a .433 average. His over 1.5 hits, runs, and RBI bet is set at -135 at DraftKings, reflecting his consistency at the plate and favorable matchup against Ryan Pepiot. In another exciting matchup, Alex Call of the Washington Nationals also shows potential, with an over 1.5 hits, runs, and RBI bet at -125 against the Colorado Rockies' Carson Palmquist, who struggles against left-handed batters.

Keibert Ruiz is another intriguing option, with a bet for over 0.5 singles at -115. While not a power hitter, his ability to find the gaps against lefties makes this a solid bet. With these players highlighted, bettors should find ample opportunities for strategic wagers this Monday.

As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, savvy fantasy baseball players continue to scour the waiver wire for catcher talent. In Week 2, notable streamers include Keibert Ruiz from the Washington Nationals, who has maintained impressive consistency with a .320 batting average and is a secure option behind the plate. Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals, riding a hot streak with four home runs, stands out as a must-add, showcasing elite upside. Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies also deserves attention, particularly with Coors Field's opening series, which could boost his power stats significantly.

For deeper leagues, Sean Murphy's anticipated return from injury could reignite the Atlanta Braves' offense, making him an intriguing pickup. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Dalton Rushing of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who, although currently not called up, has demonstrated immense potential in the minors.