Overview
- The Nationals placed LHP Jake Bennett, RHP Riley Cornelio and OF Christian Franklin on the 40-man roster before Tuesday’s 6 p.m. protection deadline.
- Bennett returned from Tommy John surgery with a 2.27 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 75 1/3 innings across three levels, then led the Arizona Fall League in strikeouts.
- Cornelio, the organization’s 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, logged a 3.28 ERA with 135 strikeouts in 134 1/3 innings while rising from High-A to Triple-A.
- Franklin, acquired in the Michael Soroka trade, hit .272/.390/.427 with 12 homers and 19 steals in Triple-A and ranked among Minor Leaguers in on-base ability and walks over the last two seasons.
- Notable unprotected names include RHP Tyler Stuart, RHP Marquis Grissom Jr. and INF Cayden Wallace, with the Rule 5 Draft set for Dec. 10 at the Winter Meetings in Orlando under rules that require draftees to remain on an MLB roster all season.