Dougherty speculates that, with the signing of Candelario and Garrett, a pitching may be the Rule 5 priority. Notes it is easier to stash a pitcher on the roster. with Palacios sent to AA, he'll be available in both the MLB and the AAA phases of the Rule 5 draft. Antuna is at AAA so will be available only in the MLB portion.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/12/02/yasel-antuna-josh-palacios-nationals-roster-space/The Nationals had already been busy this week, signing third baseman Jeimer Candelario and outfielder Stone Garrett to major league contracts. Bringing in Garrett, a 27-year-old from the Arizona Diamondbacks, seemed to complicate Palacio’s future with Washington, given that they are the same age and Palacios had already slipped behind Alex Call in the organizational pecking order. And because the additions address two needs — outfield depth from Garrett; third base assurance and a DH option from Candelario — the Nationals could very well mine the Rule 5 Draft for pitching.
With Antuna and Palacios outrighted, they can choose to make up to two Rule 5 selections. It is a particularly good year to have that flexibility. Last winter’s lockout led Major League Baseball to cancel the Rule 5 Draft, so there is a bigger pool of first-time eligible players, including 10 former first-round picks — including Mason Denaburg, who the Nationals took 27th in 2018 and are comfortable exposing because of his extensive injury history. Among Baseball America’s top available players are pitchers Antoine Kelly (Rangers), Andrew Schultz (Phillies), Ryan Fernandez (Red Sox) and Thad Ward (Red Sox).
This was published 12/2. Since then, Cammerato has mentioned they are still interested in both another bat as well as starting pitching. To my eye, that may mean using the #1 on a good position player (some discussed above). I don't know if these guys can be plugged into a rotation right away.
