Former Marlins prospect Nasim Nuñez makes Nationals Opening Day roster

Following a series of transactions on Tuesday, infielder Nasim Nuñez has secured his place on the Washington Nationals' Opening Day roster. Developed by the Miami Marlins for the first four-plus years of his professional career, Nuñez will be making his major league debut with one of their NL East rivals.

Nuñez was the Marlins' second-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. His blazing speed and stellar shortstop defense stood out throughout his time in the organization. He averaged a stolen base every other game during his minor league journey (184 SB in 366 G), represented the Fish in the 2023 Futures Game, was named MVP of said game and participated in the Arizona Fall League.

However, Nuñez was left unprotected entering December's Rule 5 Draft when the Marlins declined to select him to their 40-man roster. He was the first hitter and the fifth overall player taken in the major league phase of the Rule 5.

Why would the Marlins be willing to lose a toolsy 23-year-old who plays a premium position when their farm system is already so thin? Well, it's premature to say that they've lost Nuñez for good considering the concerns about his hitting ability. Nuñez had a career 89 wRC+ in the minors and posted a 79 wRC+ at Double-A last season, and those numbers were buoyed by a tremendous walk rate that is unrealistic for him to maintain against MLB pitching. As a Rule 5 guy, he cannot be optioned to the minors during the 2024 season despite lacking any Triple-A experience.

Nuñez predictably struggled in the Grapefruit League. In 22 games played, he slashed .152/.200/.182 with a 2 wRC+ and two stolen bases. Only one of his five hits came off of a notable major leaguer (bunt single vs. Miles Mikolas). The bright spot was his excellence at shortstop.

Even on a Nats team that's in rebuilding mode, Nuñez must perform significantly better at the plate during regular season action to justify his roster spot. If not, there could come a point where they offer to return him to the Marlins for $50k (like how the Marlins returned RHP Nic Enright to the Cleveland Guardians in the middle of last year).

In the meantime, though, Nasim Nuñez is on the verge of playing in The Show. The 2019 Marlins draft class has produced a surprising number of big leaguers already: JJ Bleday, Peyton Burdick, Bryan Hoeing, Easton Lucas, Andrew Nardi and Jeff Lindgren. Still with Miami, Anthony Maldonado is a near-lock to debut in 2024 himself and reigning Marlins Minor League Player of the Year Troy Johnston ought to get an opportunity before season's end.

The first regular season meeting between the Marlins and Nats will be April 26-29 at LoanDepot Park.