Nationals' Bernabel Misses Roster Spot After Spring Training Bid

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Warming Bernabel, a 25-year-old infielder, was reassigned to the Nationals' minor-league camp on Wednesday after failing to secure a spot on the team's Opening Day roster. Bernabel, who was previously with the Rockies, had been trying to earn a role with the Nationals, who are heading into 2026 without an established everyday option at first base. Despite going 3-for-9 with a walk and no strikeouts in his first five Grapefruit League games, Bernabel was unable to make a compelling enough case for a roster spot. He is now expected to start the season with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings.

Why it matters

Bernabel's inability to crack the Nationals' roster is a setback in his quest to establish himself as a major league regular. As a former Rockies prospect, he was hoping to capitalize on the Nationals' need at first base, but ultimately fell short in his spring training bid. This move sends Bernabel back to the minors, where he will need to continue developing his skills in order to earn another shot at the big-league level.

The details

Bernabel, who was previously with the Rockies, was signed by the Nationals to a minor-league deal in December. He was looking to earn a spot on the Nationals' Opening Day roster, particularly with the team lacking an established everyday option at first base. However, despite a solid start to his spring training campaign, going 3-for-9 with a walk and no strikeouts, Bernabel was ultimately reassigned to the team's minor-league camp on Wednesday, indicating he did not make a strong enough impression to secure a roster spot.

• Bernabel was reassigned to minor-league camp on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
• Bernabel signed a minor-league deal with the Nationals in December 2025.