Washington Nationals Stone Garrett is enjoying success this season and continues to gain confidence playing the corner outfield spots. With another disappointing season for the Nationals, the front office will be looking to see what players will be coming back and Garrett hopes to be included for the 2024 season.
Long time in MiLB
Garrett was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB draft. After spending six years and putting up decent offensive numbers, he was never able to get past Double-A with them. He elected minor league free agency in November 2020. Possibly thinking his baseball career was over, he was selling real estate and thinking about playing independent ball.
Diamondbacks Take a Chance
One of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ professional scouts had recommended Stone Garrett as a possible player to sign and thinking a change of scenery and a new set of coaches would help, they took a chance on him. Well, it certainly paid off! He put up impressive numbers at Double-A Amarillo in 2021, with 25 home runs and 81 RBI while hitting .280. In 2022 season at Triple-A Reno he hit .275 with 28 home runs, 95 RBI, and five stolen bases.
The Call-Up
On August 17, 2022, he received his long-awaited call-up to the Big Leagues. He made his debut against the San Francisco Giants and went two-for-three with two doubles. He hit his first major league career home run, on August 28. Overall, Garrett appeared in 27 games that season, hitting .276 with four home runs and 10 RBI.
Designated for Assignment
Washington Nationals Stone Garrett is enjoying success with his new team. Everyone knows that the Diamondbacks have a deep, young outfield with Corbin Carroll, Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas so it was not a surprise that they designated Garrett for assignment in November 2022.
However, the Nationals, looking for outfield depth, signed him and invited him to Spring Training 2023. Although he did not make the Opening Day roster, he was recalled April 2 to replace the injured Corey Dickerson and has been a major contributor.
His Opportunities
Garrett has certainly grown accustomed to making the most of his opportunities. So far this season, he has appeared in 86 games with 17 doubles, nine home runs, and 40 RBI in his 221 at-bats. He has played 506 innings in the outfield and has 112 putouts and only one error. He has shown a decent throwing arm and even shown he can chase down a power alley fly ball.
Players Come to him
Stone Garrett does not have much MLB experience but continues to grow and gain confidence. The other players come to him to get advice. Maybe the reason is because he spent so much time in the minors and can relate that to other players. He has the ability to analyze his teammates’ routines which can also be a contributing factor into his popularity with his teammates.
No Expectations
The Nationals were expected to finish with at least 100 losses or more this season. They were going to go with the younger players to get them MLB experience. Having a player like Garrett, with his positive approach to the game, has been a benefit. Not only has he been playing well, but he has also been a good mentor for the younger players.
The Nationals will be looking at their roster to decide which players will be back for the 2024 season. Garrett signed a one year $720,000 contract and will be looking for a long-term deal to be part of young team that is looking up. With the numbers he’s been putting up and the mentorship he’s been providing, a future with the team could be possibility.
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