The Washington Nationals are actively finalizing agreements with arbitration-eligible players to avoid hearings scheduled for February. Catcher Riley Adams and relief pitcher Derek Law have successfully reached contracts, leaving four players still in negotiations. One notable player, starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore, secured a one-year deal with the team, although contract details have not been disclosed.

Gore, who earned $749,600 last season, is expected to receive a significant raise following a strong performance in 2024. The young pitcher notched career highs with ten wins, a 3.90 ERA, and 181 strikeouts over 166.1 innings, showcasing the potential that made him a top prospect.

Despite leading the league with 14 wild pitches, many of Gore's advanced metrics point to an upward trajectory in his performance. In the last month of the season, he emerged as one of baseball's top pitchers, achieving a remarkable 1.26 ERA across five starts with 35 strikeouts, making it clear he is a key asset for the Nationals moving forward.

Several Major League Baseball players are poised for salary arbitration, with 29 players eligible after two to three years of service time. Notable names include Boston's Jarren Duran and Kutter Crawford, along with Seattle's George Kirby and Tampa Bay's Shane Baz.

The eligibility cutoff has been adjusted to 2 years and 132 days of service, impacting players like Washington's Michael Rucker and Atlanta's Angel Perdomo. The arbitration process will see proposed salaries exchanged on January 9, with hearings scheduled for late January to mid-February.

The Washington Nationals are looking to bolster their roster this offseason, with a clear focus on acquiring a middle-of-the-order bat, particularly at first or third base. Free agency presents several options, including Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez for third base, while Pete Alonso and Christian Walker are potential fits at first base.

Additionally, the team is eyeing improvements at the catcher position, as Keibert Ruiz's performance has not met expectations. General Manager Mike Rizzo emphasized the need for better defensive skills, particularly in pitch framing and managing base runners. Despite having a trio of catchers, Rizzo acknowledged the potential for upgrades, possibly through free agency or trades, with Willson Contreras being a notable target.