Connelly Early will be an integral part of the Washington Nationals rotation in 2027

Federal Baseball's Sam Sallick argues that left-handed pitcher Connelly Early will become an integral part of the Washington Nationals' starting rotation in 2027. Acquired by Nationals executive Paul Toboni from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Curtis Mead before the 2026 trade deadline, Early missed several months with arm issues before making an impressive three-inning season debut against the New York Mets.

Sallick projects Early to serve as an ideal number-three starter alongside Cade Cavalli. Over the 2026 campaign, the 24-year-old posted a combined 3.33 ERA across 94.2 innings, demonstrating a deep six-pitch arsenal that Sallick believes will yield sustainable success as Early builds physical strength.