Keibert Ruiz

Adams has the right to become a free agent, but he'll probably stay put; he knew this might be coming when he signed a one-year, $1 million contract before the non-tender deadline and the split contract guarantees him a $500,000 salary in the minors. He'll still have a chance to battle for a backup gig in spring training. As things stand now, it'll probably be either he or Drew Millas backing up Keibert Ruiz initially, though Harry Ford could spoil things for everyone.

This is the countermove for the Gus Varland waiver claim. Adams was thought to be a non-tender candidate two months ago, but the Nationals wanted him back as a reserve catcher option and signed him to a cheap one-year deal. He'll probably clear waivers and stick around as a potential backup to Keibert Ruiz. He presumably would be squeezed out if Harry Ford makes the team.

One imagines there's some pressure on the newly acquired Ford to be in Nationals camp gaining reps with all of the team's pitchers, but at least Great Britain probably isn't in for a lengthy WBC run. It still might lessen his chances of breaking camp with the Nationals, though giving Keibert Ruiz one last chance as a starter is probably the team's plan anyway.