The Washington Nationals revealed on Thursday that left-handed pitcher Konnor Pilkington, recently designated for assignment, has cleared waivers and declined an outright assignment to their Triple-A affiliate, Rochester. As a result, Pilkington has officially entered free agency and is available to sign with any team.
Pilkington’s Performance and Career Overview
At 28 years old, Pilkington pitched 28 1/3 innings for the Nationals in the 2025 season, posting a 4.45 ERA and an impressive 27.6% strikeout rate. However, his control issues persisted, as evidenced by a high 13.8% walk rate that has been a recurring challenge throughout his professional career. Initially a starter, Pilkington transitioned fully to a bullpen role, which coincided with an increase in his fastball velocity, reaching a career-best average of 94.5 mph.
Selected in the third round by the Chicago White Sox, Pilkington has accumulated 88 1/3 innings in Major League Baseball, maintaining a 3.97 ERA and an approximate 22% strikeout rate. Despite the promising strikeouts, his 12.9% walk rate has hindered his ability to maintain a consistent presence in the majors. His track record at the Triple-A level reflects similar struggles, with a 6.10 ERA driven largely by an elevated 14.1% opponent walk rate.
Recent Development and Potential Moving Forward
Though Pilkington’s overall minor league performance has been uneven, he demonstrated improvement last season with the Nationals’ top affiliate in Rochester, registering a commendable 2.59 ERA over 42 1/3 innings. This uptick, paired with his improved velocity and elevated strikeout rates—11.6% swinging strikes in the majors and 13.8% in Triple-A—could attract interest from other organizations seeking bullpen depth.
He retains one minor league option year, which could facilitate a minor league deal for interested teams. However, to establish a lasting role in the majors, Pilkington will need to significantly reduce his walk rate and improve command.
Outlook for Pilkington’s Career
Konnor Pilkington’s transition to free agency opens the door for new opportunities, as several clubs might be drawn to the potential shown by his recent gains in velocity and strikeout ability. Although his control challenges present obstacles, teams willing to invest in his development could help him refine his approach on the mound. His future in professional baseball will depend on how effectively he addresses these weaknesses and adapts to the demands of sustained major league competition.
