📰 Driving the Day at the Nats Report

Here are some top stories we are keeping track of here at the Nats Report Newsroom.

Roster News

Nationals sign two free agents to minor league contracts

Talk Nats reported last night that the Washington Nationals have signed free agent RHP Ivan Armstrong and OF Carlos De La Cruz to minor-league contracts.

Right-handed pitcher Ivan Armstrong enjoyed a successful 2024 season with the Salt Lake Bees, the Los Angeles Angels' Triple-A affiliate. He compiled a 7-4 record with a 3.41 ERA in 32 appearances, racking up 65 strikeouts over 68.2 innings pitched. Armstrong continued his season south of the border in October, joining the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Republic.

Outfielder Carlos De La Cruz progressed through the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system in 2024, starting with the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils and advancing to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Across both levels, De La Cruz batted .234 with 11 home runs, 53 RBIs, and a .669 OPS in 411 at-bats.

Prospect Profile

Drew Millas 

Earlier this week, Bill highlighted Washington Nationals prospect catcher Drew Millas in our Rochester Report. Millas has experienced a yo-yo effect between the majors and Triple-A Rochester over the past two seasons. “In Rochester, Millas’ defense was spectacular. Immediately, Millas became the everyday catcher. He became a pitcher’s best friend from the way he called a game and his ability to frame pitches. He also showed the pitchers that if they can hold runners close to a base when leading off, he will throw them out when they try to steal. In one game, he even threw out a runner, leading off second from his knees.”

⏳ SPEED READS

What we think the Washington Nationals front office is reading