The Washington Nationals' organization is one player lighter this week.
Darren Baker requested his release, according to Talk Nats. And the Nationals granted it. Baker is now a free agent.
Baker is the son of Dusty, the long-time player and manager who is likely ticketed for the Hall of Fame in the next couple of years.
Darren Baker hasn't had the same kind of career, but he's stuck around the game for a long time.
He was originally a 10th-round pick in 2021 out of Cal-Berkley.
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Now 26, Baker has made it to the majors for 14 at bats. He has seven hits, a .500 average.
Baker didn't get to MLB in 2025, though. That all came in 2024.
The second baseman spent the entire season at Triple-A Rochester.
Baker played 107 games for Rochester in 2025, batting .256. He homered just once, but he did steal 26 bases.
Given his genetics and his contact skills and speed, Baker will likely get a minor league contract elsewhere.
He must've decided the Nationals' organization wasn't the best place for him to ascend to the major leagues again.
So next year, Baker will take his shot in a new home.
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