In a move that brings hope for the future, the Washington Nationals have signed right-handed reliever Mason Thompson to a one-year contract as he returns from his second Tommy John surgery. The deal, which helps the two sides avoid arbitration, will pay Thompson $770,000 while in the majors and $374,600 if he spends time in the minors.
A Pitcher With Promise
Thompson, who will turn 27 in February, missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction – better known as Tommy John surgery – on March 1. It was the second time the Texas native had the procedure, previously having it done as a high school junior in 2015.
Despite the setbacks, Thompson has shown flashes of the talent that made him a third-round draft pick by the San Diego Padres in 2016. He made his MLB debut with the Padres in June 2021 before being traded to the Nationals a month later in a deal that sent veteran reliever Daniel Hudson to San Diego.
Mason has electric stuff and a great competitive spirit. We believe in his potential and look forward to having him back healthy and contributing to our bullpen.
– Mike Rizzo, Nationals General Manager
Road to Recovery
Thompson’s recovery and rehabilitation from his second Tommy John surgery has been a long process filled with small victories. After months of rest and physical therapy, he began a throwing program in late 2024 and has been gradually building up strength and stamina.
While the road back is challenging for any pitcher, those who have undergone the procedure twice face even steeper odds of returning to their pre-injury form. However, success stories like Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Capuano provide hope that it can be done with hard work and perseverance.
What Thompson Brings to Washington
In parts of three major league seasons, Thompson has appeared in 106 games, all in relief, compiling a 6-8 record with a 4.53 ERA. His arsenal features a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a sharp slider that serves as his put-away pitch.
If healthy, Thompson profiles as a valuable middle relief option for Washington, capable of pitching multiple innings and bridging the gap to the late-inning arms. His signing also represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for a Nationals team in the midst of a rebuild.
I’m beyond excited for this opportunity with the Nationals. The last few years have been challenging, but I’ve never lost belief in myself. I’m ready to prove what I can do.
– Mason Thompson
A Fresh Start in the Nation’s Capital
For Thompson, signing with the Nationals represents a chance at a fresh start after an injury-marred stint with his hometown Padres. The move to the National League East also takes him out of the hitter-friendly confines of Petco Park and into the more spacious Nationals Park.
While there are no guarantees in baseball, especially for a pitcher coming off his second major surgery, Thompson’s talent and drive make him an intriguing bounce-back candidate. If he can recapture the form that made him a top prospect, the Nationals may have unearthed a diamond in the rough.
As spring training 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Mason Thompson as he looks to complete his comeback and establish himself as a mainstay in the Nationals bullpen. His journey is a testament to the resilience and unbreakable spirit that defines baseball and its players.
