The state of the Nationals' (now-full) 40-man roster

You can be forgiven if you missed this news item while paying attention to football, snow prep or both on Sunday, but the Nationals officially announced the Josh Bell signing. That one-year, $6 million deal was agreed to one week earlier but wasn’t done-done until Bell passed his physical, which has now happened.

There’s an important side note to mention with this transaction. Bell’s addition now leaves the Nats’ 40-man roster entirely full for the first time in months. They had maneuvered their way to create four openings heading into the Winter Meetings in December, then proceeded to fill those spots with the signings of free agents Bell, Trevor Williams and Michael Soroka, the selection of Evan Reifert in the Rule 5 Draft and the one-for-one trade of Robert Garcia to the Rangers for Nathaniel Lowe.

What that means: If they want to acquire any more major league players this winter, the Nationals will first need to clear more 40-man spots to make that possible. Considering they are still woefully thin on experienced relievers, while also potentially still looking for a more established third baseman, it’s safe to say moves are forthcoming.

You never want to have to drop someone from the 40-man, but a scan of the Nats’ current roster reveals more than a few names who will probably be under consideration when the time comes.

Here’s a look at the full 40-man roster as it now stands, broken down by position …

CATCHERS (3): Riley Adams, Drew Millas, Keibert Ruiz

It’s unlikely the Nationals would part ways with any of these three guys at this point. Ruiz is the only player on the team with a long term contract. Adams was already tendered a contract in November and is out of options. Millas still has two options and may be ticketed for Triple-A Rochester, where he would once again be on-call if needed.

INFIELDERS (10): CJ Abrams, Darren Baker, Josh Bell, Andres Chaparro, Luis Garcia Jr., Trey Lipscomb, Nathaniel Lowe, Nasim Nunez, Jose Tena, Juan Yepez

Four starters (first base, second base, shortstop, designated hitter) are already known: Lowe, Garcia, Abrams, Bell. Tena would probably be the third baseman if they had to field a roster today, with Lipscomb (who has options) also a possibility. As things stand, either Yepez or Chaparro is likely to make the team as a right-handed first base/DH complement to Lowe and Bell. Nunez will either stick as the utility infielder or be sent to Rochester, no longer constrained by Rule 5 restrictions. Baker, who made his major league debut in September, has options but could potentially be on the 40-man bubble if the team needs to clear a spot.

OUTFIELDERS (6): Alex Call, Dylan Crews, Stone Garrett, Robert Hassell III, James Wood, Jacob Young

Crews, Wood and Young can be penciled into the everyday lineup. (Truth be told, it’s probably safe to use ink.) The Nationals will keep at least one, maybe two backup outfielders, with Call the safest pick of this current group. Garrett had an inspiring return to the majors in late September, but is he able to physically handle the rigors of full-time play again? Hassell should make his MLB debut sometime this year, but the team doesn’t need to rush that move.

STARTING PITCHERS (12): Joan Adon, Cade Cavalli, Josiah Gray, MacKenzie Gore, Cole Henry, DJ Herz, Jake Irvin, Andry Lara, Mitchell Parker, Jackson Rutledge, Michael Soroka, Trevor Williams

Gore and Irvin are locked into the Opening Day rotation, and Soroka and Williams each said he’s been told he’ll be starting as well. That leaves one starter’s job for Herz or Parker, the odd man out ticketed for Triple-A. Gray, who will miss most of the season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, can come off the 40-man roster and go on the 60-day IL but not until late March. Cavalli could either begin on the IL or start the season in Rochester building his arm back up. Lara, 22, was just added to the 40-man this winter and will continue to be protected in the minors. That leaves Adon, Henry and Rutledge potentially on thin ice. Adon is out of options and maybe out of time with the organization. Rutledge still has one option but has been leapfrogged on the organizational depth chart, while Henry (who has battled injuries) is now 25 and has yet to make it to the majors.

RELIEF PITCHERS (9): Zach Brzykcy, Jose A. Ferrer, Joe La Sorsa, Derek Law, Evan Reifert, Orlando Ribalta, Eduardo Salazar, Mason Thompson, Amos Willingham

There isn’t much experienced major league talent on that list, and there’s a good chance the Nationals add two, three, even four more arms to the mix before it’s all said and done. For now, Law and Ferrer are the two Opening Day locks. Reifert, as a Rule 5 draftee, figures to make it provided he doesn’t look overwhelmed this spring. Thompson is trying to return from the second Tommy John surgery of his career. Brzykcy and Ribalta probably need more seasoning in the minors. Salazar and La Sorsa were both waiver claims from other clubs and could be in trouble if roster paring is needed. Same for Willingham, who has one option remaining but was called up for only one game last season, a red flag if ever there was one.