When Paul Toboni and the Washington Nationals front office hit the waiver wire this past winter, they didn't just dip their toes in—they dove headfirst. With roster spots up for grabs and a clear mandate to find hidden gems, the Nats claimed, flipped, and traded their way through a flurry of activity between January and March. Now, about six weeks into the season, it's time to check the scorecard on those moves.
Out of the eight players who landed on the 40-man roster through waiver claims or small trades, the returns have been a mixed bag. But here's the good news: several of these pickups are already proving their worth. Before the season started, I highlighted three names to watch: Andre Granillo, Paxton Schultz, and Gus Varland. I'd say I went two-for-three on that call.
So who's been hitting? In my book, the five most impactful waiver additions so far have been Richard Lovelady, Paxton Schultz, Gus Varland, Curtis Mead, and Joey Wiemer. Each has brought real value to the roster, whether through steady relief work, timely hitting, or defensive versatility. Let's break down the standouts and see what the future holds for them in D.C.
Curtis Mead: The Steal of the Winter?
Technically, Mead isn't a pure waiver claim—he came via a trade that was born from the waiver process. After the White Sox designated him for assignment in late March, the Nats didn't want to risk losing him in the shuffle. So they swung a deal, sending 2025 sixth-round pick Boston Smith to Chicago to cut the line. Why the urgency? Simple: the organization already knew Mead's game inside and out. He's got the kind of bat-to-ball skills and positional flexibility that could make him a long-term piece in the infield. Early returns suggest he might just be the best of the bunch.
The Arms Are Holding Up
On the mound, Lovelady, Schultz, and Varland have given the Nats exactly what they hoped for: reliable innings from the bullpen. Lovelady's experience has added a steady veteran presence, while Schultz and Varland have shown flashes of swing-and-miss stuff that could make them fixtures in the late innings. For a team still building toward contention, these low-cost, high-upside arms are exactly the kind of finds that deepen a roster without breaking the bank.
Joey Wiemer: Tools That Translate
Wiemer's athleticism and outfield defense have already made an impact. While the bat is still finding its groove, his ability to cover ground and throw runners out gives the Nats a valuable defensive weapon off the bench. If the hitting catches up, this could be another savvy pickup.
Of course, not every swing connected. A few of the waiver claims have struggled to find their footing, and we'll get into why some haven't clicked yet. But for a front office that took plenty of chances, the early returns suggest Paul Toboni and Ani Kilambi might have found a few diamonds in the rough. And in a long season, those kinds of finds can make all the difference.