Washington Nationals Face Arduous Future with Keibert Ruiz After Tumultuous 2025 Season
The Washington Nationals are grappling with a potentially disastrous outcome from an $8-year,$50 million contract extension given to catcher Keibert Ruiz before the 2023 season. Once viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise, Ruiz’s performance and, more recently, his health, have raised serious questions about his future with the team.
A Once-Promising Investment Turns Sour
Of all their young players in recent years, the Nationals only extended one: Ruiz. Though, just three years into the deal, it appears to be an “anchor rather than an asset,” according to sources familiar with the team’s internal assessments. Heading into 2026, the outlook for the catcher is increasingly uncertain. 2025 proved to be a particularly brutal year, marked by both poor performance and meaningful health setbacks.
Despite still having $37 million remaining on his contract, Ruiz no longer appears to be a starting-caliber catcher, and concerns are mounting about his ability to continue playing the position due to recurring concussions.
From Early Promise to Rapid Decline
being hit by a foul ball in the dugout, forced him to the injured list. He returned to the lineup on July 4th, but only played two more games before suffering another concussion from a foul tip.
These concussions led to post-concussion syndrome, sidelining him for months. Attempts at a rehab assignment were repeatedly thwarted as symptoms resurfaced. The situation highlighted a pattern of potentially rushing back from injury, fueled by Ruiz’s desire to play thru pain. “He takes days off as an insult and will never say he is not good to go,” a source close to the team revealed.
The repeated head injuries raise serious concerns about the long-term viability of Ruiz’s career as a catcher, drawing parallels to the case of Joe Mauer, who was forced to transition away from the position due to similar issues. However, unlike Mauer, Ruiz has not demonstrated the offensive prowess to be valuable at another position.
Navigating a Difficult Offseason
The Nationals now find themselves in a challenging position.While Ruiz is no longer a viable starting catcher, his contract makes it difficult to simply release him. There are no elite catchers available in free agency, but the team should consider acquiring a veteran to fill the starting role, with players like Danny Jansen, Victor Caratini, and JT Realmuto as potential upgrades.
The team must also weigh the possibility of designating Ruiz for assignment (DFA) and allowing him to attempt a comeback in Triple-A. While Ruiz is out of options, making a DFA necessary, it’s a path the Nationals have taken with other players whose extensions didn’t pan out, such as Scott Kingery, Evan White, and Rusney Castillo.
“It may not be time to do that with Ruiz yet, but we are getting there,” one team insider admitted. Ruiz has posted negative fWAR in each of the three years as signing his extension, prompting “uncomfortable conversations” about his future.
A New Era of Leadership
The change in leadership from Mike Rizzo to Paul Toboni has created a more open environment for making difficult decisions regarding Ruiz. The previous attachment to a player who was the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade and a significant financial commitment is no longer a factor.
Ruiz’s contract extends through 2030, but at his current trajectory, it’s unlikely he will remain in MLB for the duration. Despite the on-field struggles, Ruiz is widely respected by his teammates and coaches, and described as a “great guy” with a heartwarming connection to his family.
Though, as one source emphasized, “this is a results-based business.” While his contract may afford him another possibility to prove himself, the Nationals are in a precarious position with a player they once placed so much faith in.
