The Washington Nationals have opened a 40-man roster spot by requesting unconditional release waivers for right-handed reliever Sauryn Lao, allowing him to pursue a new opportunity in Japan with the Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball. This move comes as a surprise, given Lao's recent performance and the team's need for bullpen support.
Lao's journey with the Nationals began when he was claimed off waivers in September 2025. He had previously pitched for the Seattle Mariners, making his major league debut in April 2025. Despite a strong start, pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings, the Mariners designated him for assignment. The Nationals saw potential in Lao, utilizing him in the final stretch of the campaign, where he allowed three earned runs across six outings and 7 2/3 innings pitched.
However, the 26-year-old reliever may have felt that consistent opportunities were limited, prompting his desire to explore overseas options. The Nationals' decision to request unconditional release waivers for Lao opens up a valuable roster spot, enabling them to add a player via free agency or a waiver claim without the need for a corresponding move. This move is particularly intriguing given the team's ongoing need for bullpen reinforcements before the start of the season.
The Nationals have been relatively quiet on the open market, but they have internal options they can promote to the 40-man roster without the need for waiver processing. The question remains: how will the Nationals fill this roster hole, and what impact will this have on their overall team strategy and performance?
