Washington Nationals DFA former first round pick Jackson Rutledge
It is safe to call Jackson Rutledge another Nats first round bust with the new regime DFA’ing the righty for Max Kranick
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Jackson Rutledge #44 of the Washington Nationals reacts after giving up a triple in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Nationals have admitted defeat on yet another first round draft pick from the 2010’s.
While the Nats were having a magical turnaround in the summer of 2019, Mike Rizzo drafted Jackson Rutledge with the 17th overall pick. He did not work out, and the Nats new regime officially admitted that last night when they DFA’d Rutledge. Max Kranick signing is now official.
One year deal with club option for 2027. In a corresponding move, the Nats designated Jackson Rutledge for assignment. — Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) May 6, 2026 The Nats needed to remove someone from the 40-man roster to add new signing Max Kranick, and Rutledge was the guy.
Despite Rutledge’s pedigree, the fact he was DFA’d did not come as much of a surprise. He just has not been productive enough to stick around in the big leagues. Rutledge has appeared in 71 games, with five starts.
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