Blue Jays Pitcher Paxton Schultz Stunned Nationals on Waivers
In a move that could have significant implications for the Washington Nationals' rotation, the team has claimed 28-year-old right-hander Paxton Schultz off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Schultz, who made his major league debut with the Blue Jays last year, was designated for assignment by the team after Kazuma Okamoto's contract became official.
Schultz had an impressive rookie season, posting a 4.38 ERA and 1.419 WHIP across 24.2 innings in 13 appearances. However, he failed to make any postseason appearances during Toronto's World Series run. The Nationals may be able to find a role for Schultz behind established starters MacKenzie Gore, Cade Cavalli, and Brad Lord, or stash him in a bullpen that lacks a clear pecking order.
One thing is certain: Schultz will begin the 2026 season with option years remaining on his contract. According to sources, he could start the season in Triple-A if he doesn't secure a spot on the 26-man roster. This development may raise questions about the Blue Jays' decision-making process, as they had previously touted Schultz's potential.
In terms of performance, Schultz has shown flashes of brilliance, striking out 12 right-handed batters and allowing just one walk against them. However, he also struggled with left-handed hitters, walking seven while allowing three home runs. According to Statcast, Schultz throws a variety of pitches, including a four-seamer that averages over 93 mph.
Schultz's journey to the big leagues began in 2021, when the Blue Jays acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a player-to-be-named-later deal. He has since climbed the minor league ranks, reaching Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons last year. As a native of Utah, Schultz was drafted by the Brewers out of Utah Valley University in 2019.
With this move, the Nationals have added a young arm to their rotation, one that could potentially provide them with depth and excitement in the coming season. However, it remains to be seen how Schultz will fit into Washington's plans.
In a move that could have significant implications for the Washington Nationals' rotation, the team has claimed 28-year-old right-hander Paxton Schultz off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Schultz, who made his major league debut with the Blue Jays last year, was designated for assignment by the team after Kazuma Okamoto's contract became official.
Schultz had an impressive rookie season, posting a 4.38 ERA and 1.419 WHIP across 24.2 innings in 13 appearances. However, he failed to make any postseason appearances during Toronto's World Series run. The Nationals may be able to find a role for Schultz behind established starters MacKenzie Gore, Cade Cavalli, and Brad Lord, or stash him in a bullpen that lacks a clear pecking order.
One thing is certain: Schultz will begin the 2026 season with option years remaining on his contract. According to sources, he could start the season in Triple-A if he doesn't secure a spot on the 26-man roster. This development may raise questions about the Blue Jays' decision-making process, as they had previously touted Schultz's potential.
In terms of performance, Schultz has shown flashes of brilliance, striking out 12 right-handed batters and allowing just one walk against them. However, he also struggled with left-handed hitters, walking seven while allowing three home runs. According to Statcast, Schultz throws a variety of pitches, including a four-seamer that averages over 93 mph.
Schultz's journey to the big leagues began in 2021, when the Blue Jays acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a player-to-be-named-later deal. He has since climbed the minor league ranks, reaching Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons last year. As a native of Utah, Schultz was drafted by the Brewers out of Utah Valley University in 2019.
With this move, the Nationals have added a young arm to their rotation, one that could potentially provide them with depth and excitement in the coming season. However, it remains to be seen how Schultz will fit into Washington's plans.
. i mean, 4.38 ERA is impressive, but so are the walks against lefties 
. i wonder if they'll be able to get him settled in and use his velocity to strike out batters. it's definitely a risk, but nationals could really benefit from having someone like that behind gore and cavalli...
he had some awesome moments on the mound last year but then struggled with lefties 
ugh i hope he finds his groove soon and gets to shine in DC 
maybe he can learn from those established starters and become an even better pitcher 
but then didn't even make the postseason 
anyway i think he could be a great addition to the nationals they've got some open spots in their rotation and he's only on option years so it won't cost them much if he doesn't work out 
