Though lefthander Andrew Alvarez wasn’t added to the Nationals’ 40-man roster in advance of the 2024 Rule 5 draft, he pitched his way into becoming a possible piece of Washington’s future.

The 26-year-old received a September callup and was poised in his five major league starts. He recorded a 2.31 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 23.1 innings. Opponents hit just .184, including .091 in at-bats ending in a slider that he threw 29% of the time.

He also relies heavily on his 91 mph four-seam fastball and curveball, and he has a changeup and a sinker. He credited his coaches and catchers with helping develop his mental approach to the game.

“We just come up with a good plan, and I’ve been executing pitches decently well,” Alvarez said. “I think the pitch mix has helped a lot in being able to keep hitters off-balance.”

The Nationals drafted Alvarez in the 12th round in 2021 after his senior season at Cal Poly.

He became the first Nationals pitcher to throw at least five scoreless innings in his Washington debut when he threw the first five innings of a 2-0 shutout against the Marlins. In that game, catcher C.J. Stubbs also was making his MLB debut.

“I couldn’t have been more happy when Stubbs got called up,” Alvarez said. “He’s just such a great guy, such a great teammate. I’ve had the privilege to throw with him in the minors. Having that connection made me even more comfortable and calm.”

Alvarez posted a 4.10 ERA with 114 strikeouts in 123 innings for Triple-A Rochester during the season. His breakout year in the Nationals’ system came in 2023 at High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg.

That year, he led Washington minor leaguers with a 2.99 ERA and 129.1 innings. He was second with 116 strikeouts.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Alvarez pitched at two levels in 2024 and again in 2025, with the highlight coming as a major leaguer.

“I’m just happy to contribute in any way that I can,” Alvarez said. “The ultimate goal is to win games, and it’s just an amazing opportunity.”

CAPITAL GAINS

— The Nationals outrighted C.J. Stubbs to Triple-A Rochester after the season. He made franchise history as the first Nationals player to catch a shutout in his MLB debut.

— The Nationals announced their minor league awards for 2025, honoring outfielder/second baseman Phillip Glasser as hitter of the year, righthander Riley Cornelio as pitcher of the year, outfielder Cristhian Vaquero as defensive player of the year, shortstop Seaver King as baserunner of the year and outfielder Andrew Pinckney as winner of the Nationals Way Award. The Nationals Way Award is presented annually to a minor league player who exemplifies professionalism, leadership, loyalty, passion, selflessness, durability, determination, and a strong work ethic, according to the organization.

— New Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni hired Devin Pearson as an assistant GM after the pair helped build the Red Sox farm system. Former Pirates scouting director Justin Horowitz was also named an assistant GM. Mike DeBartolo, who was the interim GM between Mike Rizzo and Toboni, remains in the Nationals’ front office.