While it is possible, I find it unlikely that the Washington Nationals will be shopping at the top of the free agent market. However, I do think and hope that they attack the middle of the free agent market. The Royals 2023/24 offseason is always one I look at and think why can’t the Nationals do that. With that in mind, I have one under the radar free agent I think the Nats should go after.

That is Willi Castro, who has been one of the most versatile players in all of baseball in recent years. In 2025, Castro played second base, right field, left field, third base, center field and shortstop. He is a true Swiss army knife in the field and has been one of the Twins most underrated players for years. Castro made an All-Star team in 2024 and posted 2.5 and 2.9 WAR seasons in 2023 and 2024.

However, his value is going to be low heading into his free agency. Castro looked like he was on his way to another quality season in Minnesota. He had a solid .742 OPS in 86 games and was playing all over the place like always. After a trade to the Cubs, Castro’s production cratered though. He hit only .170 and posted a .485 OPS.

Despite this, I still think the Nationals should pursue him. Castro did not simply forget how to play baseball overnight. At just 28, this is not an older player falling off a cliff. I just think this was a tough run for a solid but not elite player. Wrigley Field is also a weird hitting environment. In 2024, Isaac Paredes also looked like a shell of himself after a trade to the Cubs. He got moved to the Astros that offseason and looked like a great player again in Houston.

While the Cubs stint will bring down his price and scare teams away, the Nats should be all in. I cannot remember the Nats had a truly high end utility player. They have had guys who can play a lot of positions, but not someone who can do that well and provide a bit of juice offensively. At his best, that is exactly what Castro can do.

The underlying numbers suggest that Castro is a decent hitter, but not an elite one. He is a solid fielder at a bunch of different spots, but does not truly excel at any of them. In Minnesota, he hit .250 and his OPS+ was 103. So he was pretty much an average player. However, the Nationals need average players, especially ones that can play a lot of positions.

The great thing about Castro is that he does not block any of your young guys. Some days he can play third base if Brady House is in a slump, other days he can play second base to take advantage of a matchup. If there are injuries in the outfield he can fill in there. Castro is truly a manager’s best friend. He can be a near everyday player without even being the true starter at a single position.

Castro can even pitch if you need him too. In a blow out game against the White Sox, Castro lobbed in some sub-40 MPH pitches. This man can truly do it all on a baseball field.

MLB Trade Rumors projects his contract to be 2-years $14 million, which is very affordable. I do not want Willi Castro to be the biggest name the Nats bring in. That would be a bad sign and be a tough look for ownership. However, I think he should absolutely be someone the Nats look at.

He has so many desirable traits. Castro does not turn 29 until late April, so he is young for a free agent. He has offensive, defensive and base running skills. Castro will also be inexpensive after his puzzlingly bad stint with the Cubs.

This is one I really think is a realistic option. These new age executives like Paul Toboni love versatile players and Willi Castro is the king of versatility. If Toboni is confident that Castro can be the same player he was with the Twins, he should be all over this. It is not the sexy name, but Willi Castro is a sensible signing for the Washington Nationals.