The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles jointly announce the final resolution of all issues related to the MASN dispute.

For the 2025 season, Washington Nationals games will continue to be televised locally exclusively by the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) under a new, one-year contract.  After this term, the Nationals will be free to explore alternatives for their television rights for the 2026 season and beyond.  As part of the settlement, all disputes related to past media rights between the Nationals, Orioles, and MASN have been resolved, and all litigation will be dismissed.

The Nationals and Orioles extend their gratitude to Commissioner Manfred and his team at MLB for their efforts in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion.  Both Clubs thank our fans for their support and look forward to continuing their partnership with MASN for the upcoming season.

The Washington Nationals will host Negro Leagues Night at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 18, teaming up the Josh Gibson Foundation to recognize the achievements of the Homestead Grays and Black players in Washington, D.C., prior to MLB’s integration. The evening will feature a pregame panel discussion of the impacts of the Negro Leagues in American baseball as well as a Josh Gibson bobblehead giveaway. To join the celebration of Black history and culture, visit nats.com/Promotions.

As part of Negro Leagues Night, the Nationals will host a panel, including Sean Gibson, great-grandson of Josh Gibson and other distinguished guests, to discuss last year’s inclusion of the Negro Leagues statistics into the Major League Baseball record books, the way that the Negro Leagues shaped baseball today and more. The pregame panel is open to all fans with a ticket to that day’s 6:45 p.m. matchup versus the Rockies.

Additionally, 20,000 fans in attendance for that evening’s game will receive a Josh Gibson bobblehead. One of the greatest home run hitters and most feared sluggers of any era, Gibson began his career in 1930 and played for the Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays through 1946. The catcher from Buena Vista, Ga., was a 12-time All-Star, two-time Negro Leagues World Series champion, three-time Negro National League batting champion, two-time Triple Crown winner and, in 1972, became the second Negro Leagues player to be inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

In May 2024, Major League Baseball officially incorporated statistics from the Negro Leagues, which resulted in Gibson becoming MLB’s career leader in multiple offensive categories. With a .372 career batting average, he officially surpassed Ty Cobb (.367) as the all-time career leader in average. Often called the “Black Babe Ruth,” Gibson also overtook Ruth’s records as the career leader in slugging percentage (.718 vs. .690) and on-base plus slugging percentage (1.177 vs. 1.164). He also holds the all-time single-season record in those same categories. Gibson’s statue outside Nationals Park recognizes his Hall of Fame career, and he is one of six Grays players featured in the Ring of Honor. Gibson is also featured in the Homestead Grays exhibit in the ballpark’s Champions Club.

“Josh’s family and the Foundation are grateful that the Nationals are honoring the Negro Leagues and Josh on June 18,” said Sean Gibson, Executive Director, Josh Gibson Foundation. “For Josh and the Grays, Washington was their second home from 1940 onward. They played proudly before the local fans, delivering them multiple championships, and for Washington to celebrate their legacy and serve the community as we at the Foundation seek to do, well, it does justice to their memory. Thank you to the Nationals, and we look forward to a long partnership together.”

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Kyle Finnegan on a one-year contract and designated Stone Garrett for assignment on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

A National League All-Star in 2024, Finnegan, 33, rejoins the Nationals after he ranked third in Major League Baseball with a career-high 38 saves last season. Those 38 saves were the fourth-most in a season in Nationals history (2005-pres.). He finished the year with a 3.68 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 63.2 innings, including an 11.0-inning hitless streak from April 13-May 8, the second longest hitless streak in team history (2005-pres.).

Since the beginning of the 2021 season, Finnegan’s 266 relief outings rank tied for sixth in Major League Baseball, while his 88 saves rank ninth. He is also the only pitcher in baseball during that span to save 70 games and collect at least 35 holds.

After signing with Washington as free agent in December of 2019, Finnegan has gone 22-26 with a 3.56 ERA and 288 strikeouts in 290.1 innings. During his five seasons in Washington, he’s pitched in 291 games and collected 88 career saves, both good for third in Nationals history. He has also been voted Nationals Pitcher of the Year by the D.C. Media three times (2022, 2023, 2024) and is one of only two pitchers to have won the award more than once.

A native of Detroit, Mich., Finnegan was originally selected by the Athletics in the sixth round of the 2013 First Year Player Draft out of Texas State University.

Fan-selected top 20 moments will be displayed throughout the ballpark;
three will be featured in Mystery Bobblehead giveaway on May 24

The Washington Nationals asked, and thousands of fans cast their ballots to choose the NATS20 Fan Favorite Moments, part of the Washington Nationals season-long 20^th Anniversary celebration. Images representing the fan-selected top 20 will be prominently displayed throughout the ballpark beginning this season, and three will be featured as part of the Mystery Moments Bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, May 24. To learn more about the Nationals 20^th Anniversary festivities and purchase tickets, visit nats.com/NATS20.

From the Ryan Zimmerman walk-off homer that rang loud as liberty to open Nationals Park in 2008, to a 2019 World Series Championship celebration that lasted until the dawn’s early light and Teddy’s hard-fought first win in the Presidents Race, there has been no shortage of legendary memories in the Nationals’ first 20 years in Washington, D.C. A group of panelists, including Zimmerman; broadcasters Bob Carpenter, Kevin Frandsen, Dave Jageler, Dan Kolko and Charlie Slowes; public address announcer Jerome Hruska; and organist Matthew Van Hoose, helped select an initial list of favorites, which was then whittled down to 20 during a two-week online voting period in which thousands of Nationals fans submitted their selections.

Three NATS20 Fan Favorite Moments – Jayson Werth’s 2012 National League Division Series walk-off, Howie Kendrick’s 2019 World Series home run off the foul pole and a career worth of Ryan Zimmerman walk-offs – will be featured as part of the Mystery Bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, May 24, when the Nationals host the San Francisco Giants for a 4:05 p.m. matchup. Twenty-thousand fans in attendance will receive one of the three collectibles. Click HERE to purchase tickets. Additionally, the top 20 will be celebrated throughout the season with snapshots around Nationals Park.

The complete list, in chronological order:

Hall of Fame sportswriter Thomas Boswell, whose columns chronicled the return of baseball to the nation’s capital, the Washington Nationals 2019 World Series run and everything in between, will throw out the ceremonial Opening Day first pitch as the Club begins its 20^th Anniversary celebration on Thursday, March 27. Visit nats.com/February to secure tickets to all Nationals home games with no fees through the end of the month.

“It's my great honor to throw out the first pitch on Opening Day,” Boswell said. “I'd be better suited to write about and perhaps make fun of someone else doing it. But, for a D.C. native who waited 33 years for a team to return to town and then win the World Series six years ago, fantasy-come-true is an understatement. 

“Thanks to the Nats. And to Washington's fans for our rich, fun 50-year ride together.”

Boswell spent more than 50 years as a sportswriter and columnist at The Washington Post and was named the 2025 winner of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s Career Excellence Award. He will be honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., during this summer’s induction weekend and will be included in an exhibit alongside other writers and broadcasters.

“We are honored to have Tom throw out the first pitch on Opening Day. He’s been a tremendous champion of Major League Baseball in Washington, D.C., and he is truly deserving of this honor,” said Mark D. Lerner, Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals. “We were so happy to see Boz recognized by the Hall of Fame, and there is no better person to help us start our 20^th Anniversary season. My father was such an admirer of his work, and we are all so excited to see him in Cooperstown this summer.”

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Lucas Sims on a one-year contract and transferred right-handed pitcher Mason Thompson to the 60-day Injured List on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Sims, 30, joins the Nationals after he pitched to a 4.38 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 49.1 innings of work between Cincinnati and Boston in 2024. He produced 43 scoreless outings in 58 total games and ranked fourth in average exit velocity (86.1 MPH) and 20^th in hard hit percentage (31.3%) among all Major League pitchers last season. He finished his campaign by stranding the final 11 runners he inherited.

Since the beginning of the 2019 season, Sims ranks eighth in Major League Baseball in opponents’ batting average (.192). In eight big-league seasons, he is 22-19 with a 4.50 ERA and 12 saves in 245 games (14 starts) between Atlanta (2017-18), Cincinnati (2018-24) and Boston (2024). He has struck out 353 in 306.0 career innings.

A native of Lawrenceville, Ga., Sims was originally selected in the first round of the 2012 First Year Player Draft out of Brookwood (Ga.) High School.

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with infielder Paul DeJong (de-Young) on a one-year contract and transferred Josiah Gray to the 60-day Injured List on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

DeJong, 31, joins the Nationals after he hit .227 with 17 doubles, 24 home runs, 56 RBI, two stolen bases, 23 walks and 54 runs scored in 139 games between Chicago (AL) and Kansas City in 2024. He ranked ninth among American League infielders in home runs, and 41 of his 101 hits (40.6%) went for extra bases.

After playing shortstop for all but 22 games in the first seven years of his career, DeJong saw his first action at third base last season, producing five outs above average in 41 games at the hot corner, tied for fourth in the American League.

A National League All-Star with St. Louis in 2019, the Orlando, Fla., native is a career .229 hitter with 137 doubles, four triples, 140 home runs, 400 RBI, 25 stolen bases and 395 runs scored in eight Major League seasons between St. Louis (2017-23), Toronto (2023), San Francisco (2023), Chicago (AL) (2024) and Kansas City (2024). His 115 homers for St. Louis are the most in Cardinals history by a shortstop.

Since his debut in 2017, DeJong has played 784 games at shortstop, 41 games at third base and 22 games at second base.

Eight brand new events like Hello Kitty® Day, Friends® Day and Golf Day join returning favorites like
Night OUT, Pups in the Park, Cat-urday and more 

Whether you like golf or Hello Kitty®, binge-watch Friends® re-runs, or simply love to take your pup everywhere you go, the Washington Nationals have a date on the calendar just for you. The Nationals’ 2025 season schedule is highlighted by more than 50 special ticket events, complementing the promotional schedule released in December. This year’s special events include the return of fan-favorites like Night OUT and Ladies Night; season-long series like College Days and heritage days; games dedicated to our furry friends, including Cat-urday presented by Temptations and Pups in the Park presented by PEDIGREE Foundation; kid-friendly events like Youth Baseball & Softball Days presented by Inova Sports Medicine; and events new to Nationals Park. Special tickets are limited; for more information and to purchase, visit nats.com/Special.

Eight brand new events, including Hello Kitty® Day, Friends® Day and Golf Day, join the slate of returning favorites.

· On Tuesday, April 8, fans are invited to enjoy Hello Kitty® Day at Nationals Park alongside fellow red bow-wearers… After all, you can never have too many friends! Fans with a special ticket will receive an exclusive Hello Kitty® light-up figurine.

· The Nationals will bring the Central Perk vibes to the ballpark on Tuesday, May 6, with the first-ever Friends® Day at Nationals Park. So, grab your closest friends – whether they want good eats at the concessions like Joey, to go shopping at the team store like Rachel, or to get their head in the game like Ross – and head over to Nationals Park for a 6:45 p.m. matchup versus the Guardians. Fans with a special ticket will receive an exclusive Screech and Teddy “Pivot!” bobblehead.

The Washington Nationals announced their 2025 Spring Training non-roster invitees on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

RHP: Daison Acosta, Joan Adon, Marquis Grissom Jr., Clay Helvey, Brad Lord, Jack Sinclair, Tyler Stuart, Jarlin Susana

LHP: Konnor Pilkington

C: Andrew Knizner, Caleb Lomavita, Max Romero Jr.

INF: Brady House, Yohandy Morales, Cayden Wallace

Voting is now open for NATS20 Fan Favorite Moments, part of the Washington Nationals season-long 20^th Anniversary celebration.

A panel of former players, broadcasters and longtime employees submitted their favorite memories from the first two decades of Nationals baseball, but fans will have the final say on which moments will be prominently featured throughout Nationals Park this season.

The initial list, curated by panelists like Mr. National, Ryan Zimmerman; broadcasters Bob Carpenter, Kevin Frandsen, Dave Jageler, Dan Kolko and Charlie Slowes; public address announcer Jerome Hruska; and organist Matthew Van Hoose, includes game-changing moments like Howie Kendrick’s foul-pole home run; franchise firsts like Jordan Zimmermann’s no-hitter; and even Teddy’s first win in the Presidents Race.

The top 20 moments, as chosen by the fans, will be announced in February, and images representing the selections will be prominently displayed throughout the ballpark, including around the concourse and hanging from the outfield garages. Plus, three of the top moments will be featured as part of the Mystery Bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, May 24, where 20,000 fans in attendance will receive one of the three collectibles.

Voting is open now through Thursday, Jan. 30, at nats.com/NATS20.

The Washington Nationals today announced an agreement with Costa Media, extending the official Spanish-language radio broadcast partnership through the 2027 season. During the Nationals’ upcoming season, fans can tune in to DC 87.7 FM and La Pantera WFAX 100.7 FM/1220 AM for live Spanish-language broadcasts for both home and away games, with in-game play-by-play analysis, 15-minute pre- and postgame shows, in-depth organizational reporting and player interviews.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Nationals organization and deliver first-class Spanish-language play-by-play to the DMV Latino community,” said Jose Villafane, Founder and Managing Partner of Costa Media.

Luciano Rodríguez and Gustavo Salazar will once again team up and return to the Nationals’ Spanish-language radio booth for the upcoming 20^th Anniversary season. Rodríguez, a Venezuelan native, provides play-by-play and is a 40-year veteran of D.C. Latin sports broadcasts. He began his Spanish-language radio career in the late 1980s at WILC 900 AM, and in 1993, became the first Spanish-language color commentator for the Baltimore Orioles. From 2005 to 2015, he worked for SiriusXM as a Spanish-language host, commentator and producer covering baseball and other sports. Born in Bolivia, Salazar serves as the color analyst and producer. A third-generation broadcaster, Salazar’s family has combined for nearly 100 years in the Latin broadcast industry. Salazar was an integral part of CBS Radio and iHeart Radio’s Latino radio market growth in D.C. and Philadelphia, and from 2013 to 2022, he served as a Spanish radio broadcaster for the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, including calling the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship season.

The continued partnership with Costa Media is an extension of the Nationals’ ongoing engagement with the area’s Spanish-speaking community. Each season, the Nationals celebrate the rich history and culture during Hispanic Heritage Day at Nationals Park. In 2024, the Nationals held its first-ever dual-language Spanish/English Q&A session with Salazar and Nationals players on Hispanic Heritage Day. Additionally, Manager Dave Martinez shows his appreciation for his Hispanic roots through his Davey’s Dugout initiative – a monthly event held during the season that invites families and individuals of Hispanic heritage to join a special Q&A with Martinez and Spanish-speaking players, as well as stay to enjoy that day’s game.

For more information on Costa Media, visit costa-media.com and nats.com.

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with infielder Amed Rosario on a one-year contract and designated pitcher Joan Adon for assignment on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Rosario, 29, joins the Nationals after he hit .280 with 18 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 32 RBI, 13 stolen bases and 29 runs scored in 103 games between Tampa Bay, Los Angeles (NL) and Cincinnati in 2024. He began his season by recording 10 multi-hit games in his first 18 starts and finished the year with 26 multi-hit efforts in 82 starts.

A versatile defender, Rosario played 27 games at second base, 26 games in right field, 15 games at third base and 14 games at shortstop last season.

A veteran of parts of eight Major League seasons, the Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic, native is a career .273 hitter with 157 doubles, 46 triples, 63 home runs, 366 RBI, 109 stolen bases and 449 runs scored between New York (NL) (2017-20), Cleveland (2021-23), Los Angeles (NL) (2023-24), Tampa Bay (2024) and Cincinnati (2024). Rosario has played 766 games at shortstop, 63 games at second base, 26 games in right field, 18 games in center field, 15 games at third base and seven games in left field since his debut in 2017.

Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by New York (NL) in 2013, Rosario played his way onto the Baseball America top 100 prospect list beginning in 2015 and peaked at No. 8 in 2017.

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell on a one-year contract on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Bell, 32, joins the Nationals after he hit .249 with 23 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs and 71 RBI in 145 games between the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024. He capped off the season by batting .304 with six doubles, a triple, 10 home runs and 31 RBI in 48 games after July 21.

Bell returns to Washington after he hit .278 with 48 doubles, four triples, 41 home runs and 145 RBI in 247 games with the Nationals between 2021 and 2022. During those two seasons, he hit .302 with 25 doubles, two triples, 22 home runs and 72 RBI in 125 games at Nationals Park.

A National League All-Star in 2019 and Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winner in 2022, the nine-year Major League veteran has hit .258 with 209 doubles, 19 triples, 171 home runs, 613 RBI, four stolen bases and 550 runs scored in 1147 career games.

The Washington Nationals selected right-handed pitcher Evan Reifert in the Major League phase of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Reifert, 25, joins the Nationals after spending the last three seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He pitched in 35 games for Double-A Montgomery in 2024, going 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA (9 ER/41.1 IP). He struck out 65 and allowed just 22 hits, holding opponents to a .155  batting average, earning a Southern League All-Star nod at season’s end.

Following the 2023 season, the Wilton, Iowa native struck out 25 and allowed just one hit in 11.2 scoreless innings in the Arizona Fall League, earning the league’s Pitcher of the Year Award.

The hard-throwing reliever ranks sixth in all of Minor League Baseball (min. 140.0 IP) since 2018, holding opponents to a .165 batting average in those six seasons.

Reifert is 12-5 with a 3.01 ERA in 112 Minor League games in his career after he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 30th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft. He has struck out 242 in 146.1 innings of work.

Fans who purchase tickets from Dec. 11-22 will be entered into the
‘Cheers to 20 Years’ Sweepstakes, the biggest giveaway in Club history 
Highlights Include Team Road Trip, 20^th Anniversary Ring,
Spring Training Experience and Free Tickets

Single-game tickets for the Washington Nationals 20^th Anniversary season are now on sale to the general public, and fans who purchase at least one ticket from Wednesday, Dec. 11, through Sunday, Dec. 22, will be automatically entered into the Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 20 incredible prizes. Fans can purchase tickets and learn more about the sweepstakes at nats.com/Cheers.

The Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes – the biggest sweepstakes in Club history – is part of the Nationals’ season-long NATS20 celebration, which will thank fans for two decades of #NATITUDE. One grand prize winner and a guest will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a road trip like a Major Leaguer, from travel on the official team charter, hotel accommodations, game tickets and even per diem for food and drinks during the trip. Additionally, one grand prize winner will receive an authentic 20^th Anniversary ring, commissioned specially for the season, with a retail value of nearly $6,000. One second place winner will receive an all-inclusive Spring Training package for two people, including travel, hotel accommodations, food and premium tickets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Eighteen other winners will each receive 20 tickets to use at any point during the 2025 regular season.

The Nationals’ 20^th Anniversary season begins at Nationals Park on Thursday, March 27, at 4:05 p.m. versus the Philadelphia Phillies. The NATS20 campaign will feature alumni appearances, the chance for fans to relive their favorite moments from the first 20 years of Nationals baseball and special giveaways:

• Friday, April 4 – Replica commemorative ring (20,000 fans)
• Among the 20,000 replicas, 20 lucky fans will find a special “golden ticket” in their giveaway box, which can be redeemed for an authentic commemorative ring valued at nearly $6,000.
• Saturday, April 5 – Replica 2005 jersey (20,000 fans)
• Saturday, April 26 – NATS20 cap (20,000 fans)
• Saturday, May 24 – Mystery moments bobblehead (20,000 fans)
• Fans will receive one of three “mystery moments” bobbleheads, each highlighting a special memory from the first 20 years of Nationals baseball
• Sunday, June 15 – NATS20 Hawaiian shirt (20,000 fans)

The full promotional schedule is available now at nats.com/Promotions. Single-game tickets for the 2025 season, as well as details about the Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes, are available now at nats.com/Cheers.

Twenty lucky fans will receive “golden ticket” redeemable for
authentic 20^th Anniversary commemorative ring

The Washington Nationals today unveiled highlights of the Club’s 2025 promotional schedule, featuring an array of exclusive bobbleheads, collectibles, player-designed wearables and special events for fans of all ages. Single-game tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Dec. 11, with early access for Season Plan Holders.

Throughout the season, the Nationals will celebrate two decades of #NATITUDE with special giveaways, alumni appearances and more. To kickstart the 20^th Anniversary festivities and to mark exactly 20 years since the Nationals’ inaugural game (April 4, 2005, at Philadelphia), NATS20 Anniversary Weekend will feature one of the biggest promotions in team history. While 20,000 fans attending the game vs. Arizona on Friday, April 4, will receive a replica 20^th Anniversary ring, 20 lucky fans will receive a “golden ticket” redeemable for the real thing, valued at nearly $6,000. The celebration continues the following day, as 20,000 fans receive 2005 replica jerseys, with additional NATS20 giveaways scheduled throughout the season.

NATS20 Promotions

• Friday, April 4 – Replica commemorative ring (20,000 fans)

o   Among the 20,000 replicas, 20 lucky fans will find a special “golden ticket” in their giveaway box, which can be redeemed for an authentic commemorative ring valued at nearly $6,000

NATS20 Celebration Highlights Include:

Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes
Fan Favorite Moments
NATS20 Promotional Items
NATS20 Tuesdays

The Washington Nationals today announced the launch of NATS20, a season-long 20^th Anniversary celebration, thanking fans for two decades of #NATITUDE. Highlighted by the Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes, the campaign features in-park giveaways, special alumni appearances and the chance for fans to relive their favorite memories from the first 20 years of Nationals baseball. Details of the sweepstakes – the biggest in Club history – will be unveiled next week when single-game tickets go on sale.

“From our first game at RFK, to Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off to open Nationals Park and of course 2019 World Series, the last 20 years have been filled with so many amazing and memorable moments,” said Mark D. Lerner, Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club. “And while the players, the ballpark and even the logo have changed, our fans have remained constant, which is why we’re so excited to put them at the forefront of our 20^th Anniversary celebration. We look forward to hearing their stories and to making many more with the next generation of our players and fans.”

The Nationals 2025 promotional calendar, including exclusive NATS20 giveaways, will be unveiled next week when single-game tickets go on sale, alongside details of the Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes.

The Washington Nationals have been named the recipient of the 2024 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence in recognition of a decade of community impact through the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday. The Academy, the signature program of Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the Club’s charitable arm, uses baseball and softball as vehicles to foster positive character development, academic achievement and improved health among youth living in underserved communities.

Established in 2014, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy embodies the broader mission of Nationals Philanthropies in fueling access and opportunities for all of D.C.’s children, families and communities to thrive. In the decade since, the Academy has served more than 6,000 children ages 5 to 18 through a continuum of holistic youth development programs. Six classes have matriculated from third through eighth grade in the core after-school and summer program, going on to excel on and off the field at some of the region’s most competitive high schools and, more recently, enrolling in colleges across the country.

“Throughout its first 10 years, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy has grown into a community pillar, helping children, families and communities thrive through year-round programs,” said Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, founding chair and board member of Washington Nationals Philanthropies and president of The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation. “We are extremely honored that the Nationals Academy, the signature program of Nationals Philanthropies, has been selected by Major League Baseball and its fans as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence. We are proud of the decade of impact the Academy has made thus far, and we remain committed to serving our neighbors across the District with continued resources and programming for years to come.”

“The Nationals Youth Baseball Academy is a terrific example of how our Clubs are making a difference in the lives of young people with opportunities on and off the field,” said Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. “I congratulate the Lerner family, the Washington Nationals organization, Nationals Philanthropies, and the entire staff at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy for this well-earned recognition. We are proud to celebrate their efforts and we look forward to their continued impact throughout the Greater D.C. region.”

The Academy provides a range of free youth development and baseball/softball programs, from fun, free clinics for beginners to structured programming that includes training, tournament play, participation in MLB events and more. Academy offerings have evolved over the last decade in response to community need and the growth of youth participants. 

The Washington Nationals selected the contracts of outfielder Robert Hassell III and right-handed pitcher Andry Lara on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

Hassell III, 23, joins Washington’s 40-man roster following his second full season with the organization. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, Hassell was acquired at the 2022 Trade Deadline in the deal that also brought CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, James Wood and Jarlin Susana to the Nationals.

Washington’s No. 13 prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com, Hassell III is coming off a strong Arizona Fall League season in which he hit .281 with seven doubles, one triple, four homers, 19 RBI, eight walks, five stolen bases and 17 runs scored in 22 games for the AFL Champion Salt River Rafters. His 12 extra-base hits ranked third in the league, while his 19 RBI were tied for seventh.

A native of Franklin, Tennessee, Hassell III hit .241 with nine doubles, two triples, five home runs, 28 RBI, 35 walks, 15 stolen bases and 44 runs scored in 85 games between Single-A Wilmington, Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester in 2024. He reached base safely in 24 straight games for Harrisburg from April 9 to May 11, tied for the fourth-longest streak in the Eastern League in 2024. Within that streak, he was named Eastern League Player of the Week on May 6 after going 12-for-24 (.500) with two home runs in six games during the week.

Lara, 21, paced Washington’s system in wins (11) and WHIP (1.16), ranked second in innings pitched (134.2 IP) and third in strikeouts (132) in his fourth professional season in 2024. He ranked second among qualified Nationals Minor Leaguers in ERA (3.34) and opponents’ batting average (.227) in 25 games between High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg.