The Nationals opted to stand pat at the trade deadline, leaving Josh Bell and Paul DeJong in Washington as the roster shifts around them unfold. While management’s goal is clearly to cultivate a young core for the future, interim manager Miguel Cairo expressed a genuine appreciation for the leadership and work ethic the two veterans bring to the clubhouse.
Cairo praised Bell and DeJong for how they conduct themselves and how they engage younger players, saying their presence helps the team navigate a frustrating season. Bell and DeJong may not be part of the Nationals’ long-term plans for 2025, but their influence on the clubhouse has been felt in recent weeks, especially during a productive three-game series at Oracle Park.
Bell was the standout on the field for Washington in that series, reaching base in 9 of 12 plate appearances and collecting two doubles and a homer. His overall season has been uneven, but his late resurgence has been notable. Over his last 69 games, Bell is batting .288 with an .845 OPS, a remarkable rebound after an opening slump. That stretch has helped him climb to a .731 OPS for the season, just above the league average of .718. Bell has joked about his evolving targets, joking that he’s aiming for eight on the OPS scale after flirting with the .700 mark earlier in the year.
DeJong, who was sidelined in April by a frightening injury when hit in the face by a fastball, has shown resilience since his return. Filling in at second base while Luis Garcia Jr. dealt with a minor back issue, DeJong went 5-for-10 with a homer and three RBIs across the weekend, and he contributed solid defense up the middle. He’s been moving around the infield, getting time at third (where Brady House is now entrenched), second, and even some first-base work in pregame sessions to stay ready for any roster needs.
The shifting roles reflect a broader organizational focus: develop the next wave of talent while still leveraging Bell and DeJong’s experience to guide them. DeJong has already carved out time at multiple positions, including his first extended run at second base since his rookie season in 2017, and he’s also taking infield work at first base as a precaution. Bell’s veteran presence is no less important, even if his future with the team beyond this season remains uncertain for now.
Bell’s trade history has been a recurring storyline in recent years. He’s moved at the deadline in each of the last three seasons—exiting Washington for the Padres in 2022, then the Guardians to the Marlins in 2023, and the Marlins to the Diamondbacks in 2024—making this summer’s non-deal a notable deviation. Yet for Bell and his wife, staying put brought stability amid a year of contradictions: the chance to mentor young players and finish the season with a team that has given him a chance to rebound personally and professionally.
From DeJong’s perspective, the experience of remaining with the Nationals through the trade deadline offers an opportunity to demonstrate value as a versatile veteran stepping into a central role as the team looks ahead. Bell’s renewed production and the leadership he provides at every at-bat are the kinds of contributions that can pay dividends beyond the current season, both for the immediate roster and for the development paths of younger players.
In the end, the deadline wasn’t about immediate contending moves; it was about sustaining a culture of hard work, accountability, and growth. The Nationals seem to be prioritizing the long game, and Bell and DeJong are contributing in real time—scoring runs, playing multiple positions, and guiding a burgeoning group of prospects through a challenging, if incomplete, season. The two veterans leave the door open for a productive finish to 2025, with Bell aiming to extend his strong form and DeJong proving his value as a flexible, steady presence in the infield.
Additional note: Bell’s ongoing performance and DeJong’s versatility help create depth that could shape offseason decisions. Their example in the clubhouse and on the field may be a quietly powerful factor as Washington looks to convert late-season momentum into a more competitive 2025 campaign.