Nationals designate catcher Riley Adams for assignment

The Washington Nationals have designated catcher Riley Adams for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for newly claimed RHP Gus Varland. Adams, 30, acquired in 2021, posted a .640 OPS in five seasons with the Nationals. Despite possessing elite bat speed (78.3 MPH average swing speed) and a strong arm, he struggled to consistently put his tools together. Now out of options, it's uncertain if he will be claimed by another team.