[6] Also losing their roster spots during the offseason: swingman pitchers Cory Abbott[7] and Roddery Muñoz, the latter of whom was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates;[8] relievers Joe La Sorsa[8] and Andrés Machado, the latter of whom was released to pursue an overseas playing opportunity;[9] infielder Jeter Downs, who was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees;[10] and catcher Israel Pineda.

[7] In the Rule 5 draft, the Nationals made a selection themselves for the second straight year, adding infield prospect Nasim Nuñez of the Miami Marlins to their roster.

[12] Active on the free agent market, the Nationals were linked in rumors to starting pitcher Michael Wacha;[13] infielders Jeimer Candelario[14] (ultimately signed with the Cincinnati Reds)[15] and Rhys Hoskins;[16] and outfielder Jorge Soler.

Non-roster invitees to spring training included left-handed pitchers Richard Bleier and Joe La Sorsa; right-handed pitchers Jacob Barnes, Matt Barnes, Zach Davies, Robert Gsellman, Derek Law, and Luis Perdomo; catchers Brady Lindsly and Israel Pineda; infielders Darren Baker, Lewin Díaz, Brady House, Trey Lipscomb, and Juan Yepez; and outfielders Travis Blankenhorn, Dylan Crews, Robert Hassell III, Eddie Rosario, Jesse Winker, and James Wood.

They teed up their Opening Day roster as they selected the contracts of Law, Rosario, Winker, and Matt Barnes, with Lipscomb the last non-roster invitee to be reassigned to minor league camp following the Nationals Park exhibition.