Jacob Alu: Everything you need to know

Alu retired from professional baseball Thursday. Alu exceeded expectations as a 24th-round pick in reaching the majors in 2023, but he had just a .571 OPS during his stint with the Nationals that year and put up a .670 OPS at Triple-A Rochester in 2024. The 27-year-old will now move on to the next phase of his life.

Alu cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports. Alu was designated for assignment Tuesday and will stick in the organization after he went unclaimed on waivers. The 27-year-old struggled to .538 OPS in 65 plate appearances at Rochester before he lost his place on Washington's 40-man roster.

The Nationals designated Alu for assignment Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports. Alu at one point looked like a good bet to carve out a super utility role with the big club, but he posted just a .571 OPS in the majors last season and had an even-worse .537 OPS this year at Triple-A Rochester. The 27-year-old could still draw some interest via trade or waivers from a club looking to add versatility.