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Nationals Outright Former First-Round Pick to Triple-A

The Washington Nationals announced Wednesday that third baseman Carter Kieboom has cleared outright waivers. He will be sent to Triple-A Rochester despite no signs of him being removed from the 40-man roster. The 26-year-old was the Nationals first round draft pick in 2016. He hit well enough in the minors that he was considered one of the best prospect. Baseball America ranked him No. 41 in the majors in 2019 and No. 15 in 2020.

Nationals’ Carter Kieboom Outrighted to Triple-A

His development in the minors didn’t translate well to the majors. Between 2020 and 2021, Kieboom hit .206/.315/.285. Then, he needed Tommy John surgery early in 2022, losing the entire season. He returned last year but health issues were a factor. Kieboom was out due to a shoulder impingement then was optioned to the minors when he was activated. He suffered from lat soreness but eventually made his way back to the big league club. He hit .207/.266/.368 with the Nationals and .256/.362/.411 in the minors.

Where Does He Go From Here?

Once Washington traded Jeimer Candelario, they had no replacement at third base for the remainder of the season. Ildemaro Vargas and Jake Alu had chances to play there, but it seemed best to promote Kieboom to prove himself yet again.

Kieboom is coming off two injury-plagued seasons as he’s running out of options. Washginton didn’t anticipate giving him much playing time after they signed Nick Senzel who will be their everyday third baseman. Plus, it doesn’t help much that 29 other clubs passed on the chance to grab him off waivers. For now, he will be with the Nationals without taking up a spot on the 40-man roster. To Kieboom’s advantage, players with three years of service time can reject an outright assisngment in favor of free agency.

If he stays healthy and productive this year, he may work his way back into the Nationals’ plans. Senzel is under team control through 2025 but could be on the trade block if he’s playing well.

Nationals Bought Low On Senzel

The impact of Senzel’s signing isn’t high. The Nationals have brought in yet another non-tender former top prospect to play third base. The former No. 2 draft pick hasn’t lived up to expectations as he’s a career .239/.302/.369 hitter. Similar to Kieboom, Senzel has been dealt with injuries who’s been on the injured list seven times. It shouldn’t be a surprise if Kieboom is moved in a trade later this spring or even after a DFA. It’s fair to say that the Nationals are ready to move from him after injuries and parts of four unproductive seasons.

Main Photo: © Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

 

Matt Graves, Site Manager

Matt Graves, Site Manager

Matt Graves is an experienced baseball writer, and co-manager of LWOS Baseball. He is a graduate of the Radio Broadcasting program at Fanshawe College who has worked as a writer in radio, journalism, and digital media.

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