Warming Bernabel: Everything you need to know

The Nationals released Bernabel on Saturday. Bernabel reached the big leagues with the Rockies in 2025 and produced a .698 OPS in 146 plate appearances, but after being non-tendered following the season, he landed with the Nationals on a minor-league deal. Though he looked to be a serious candidate for Washington's wide-open first-base job heading into spring training, Bernabel was cut early in camp and will now be in search of a new organization after getting released.

The Nationals reassigned Bernabel to minor-league camp Wednesday. Pushed off the Rockies' 40-man roster in the offseason after posting a .698 OPS in 146 plate appearances with the big club in 2025, Bernabel caught on with the Nationals on a minor-league deal in December. Though Washington is heading into 2026 without an established everyday option at first base, Bernabel apparently didn't make a compelling enough of a case for a spot on the Opening Day roster, despite going 3-for-9 with a walk and no strikeouts over his first five Grapefruit League games. Bernabel should be in line for an everyday role in the corner infield at Triple-A Rochester to begin the season.

The Nationals signed Bernabel to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports. Bernabel elected free agency earlier this month after being removed from the Rockies' 40-man roster, and he's quickly latched on in a new organization. The 23-year-old slashed .252/.288/.410 with four homers in 40 games with the big club in 2025 and had a .301/.356/.450 batting line with eight long balls at Triple-A Albuquerque. Bernabel plays both corner infield spots and the Nationals don't have much at those positions, so he could find his way onto the Opening Day roster.