The Washington Nationals have made a significant addition to their roster by selecting infielder Nasim Nuñez in the Major League phase of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. This move, announced by Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, marks a notable acquisition for the team.
Nuñez, aged 23, comes from the Miami Marlins system, where he was recognized as a highly talented prospect. Baseball America ranked him as the No. 6 prospect in Miami’s system for the 2024 season. His skills have been widely acknowledged, with Baseball America citing him as having the best strike-zone discipline, being the fastest baserunner, the best defensive infielder, and having the best infield arm among Marlins Minor Leaguers. His prowess was further highlighted by being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and a Rising Star in the 2023 Arizona Fall League.
As a switch-hitter, Nuñez demonstrated his abilities in the 2023 season with Double-A Pensacola. He led the Southern League and was tied for third in all of Double-A with 52 stolen bases. Additionally, he ranked fourth with 87 walks in 125 games. His overall performance included a batting average of .224 with 11 doubles, two triples, five homers, 43 RBIs, and 84 runs scored.
Nuñez also made an impact in the 2022 season, tying for third in all of Minor League Baseball with 70 stolen bases. Since the start of the 2019 season, he has accumulated 155 career stolen bases, the fifth-most in all of Minor League Baseball during this period.
Before joining the Marlins, Nuñez was recognized as the best defensive shortstop in the 2019 First-Year Player Draft by MLB.com. He was selected by the Marlins in the second round out of Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia.
With Nuñez’s addition, the Nationals’ 40-man roster now stands at 39 players. This strategic move is expected to enhance the team’s infield depth and bring dynamic skills to the Nationals’ game plan.
