Blankenhorn elected free agency Monday after being outrighted off the Nationals' 40-man roster.
At this point in the calendar, Blankenhorn is unlikely to land a minor-league deal with another organization before the season ends, but he'll get a head start in finding his next employer ahead of 2025. He was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Aug. 20 and later designated for assignment after he slashed .129/.156/.161 over 32 plate appearances in 13 games with the Nationals.