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When Spring Training begins next month, players on Minor League contracts will be vying to earn consideration for a spot on the Nationals’ big league roster in 2024. Before the new year, the Nats signed four free agents to Minor League deals. Let’s take a look at these players who will be looking to make an impression in West Palm Beach, Fla.

INFIELD
Major League needs: The Nationals are looking for candidates to cover the first-base role with Joey Meneses, who is expected to spend time at first and as the designated hitter. Washington values defensive versatility, where there could be an opportunity for playing time backing up Nick Senzel at third base. Both players noted here have experience at each position.

3B Dérmis Garcia 
Age: 25 
Major League debut: July 12, 2022 

Garcia, who the Nats signed to a Minor League contract in December, played 39 games at the Major League level with the Athletics in 2022. Last season, he hit .263 with a .891 OPS and 12 home runs in 45 games with the A’s Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas before he was released in mid-June. Garcia has logged the most innings at first base, including 28 starts with Oakland. He also has played more than 1,000 innings at third base in the Minors.

1B Juan Yepez 
Age: 25 
Major League debut: May 4, 2022 

Yepez has two seasons of Major League experience, appearing in 104 games with the Cardinals from 2022-23. He hit .183 with two home runs in 28 games with the Cards last year, and he batted .255 with nine homers in 86 Triple-A contests. Yepez has played first and third base at the big league level, with experience in the corner outfield as well. He was non-tendered by the Cardinals in November before the Nats inked him to a Minors deal in December.

BULLPEN
Major League needs: Bullpen depth is a priority for Washington, especially on a staff with young starters. Last season, 20 pitchers on the Nats made relief appearances.

RHP Samuel Reyes
Age: 27
Major League debut: N/A

Reyes went 6-3 with a 3.19 ERA in 33 games (six starts, one save) last season between the Cubs Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. He posted a 1.227 WHIP and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings (SO/9) in 67 2/3 frames. Reyes elected free agency in November, and the Nats signed him to a contract the following month.

RHP Ty Tice 
Age: 27 
Major League debut: April 9, 2021 

Tice pitched for the Braves’ Double-A and Triple-A affiliates last season, when he went 3-2 with a 6.37 ERA, 1.882 WHIP and 13.9 SO/9 rate across 53 2/3 innings. He appeared in 45 games, including two starts and three saves. Tice has played one season in the Majors with five games out of the bullpen between the Blue Jays and Braves in 2021 (0-0, 4.50 ERA). The Nationals signed the free agent to a Minor League deal in December.