The 2024 record of 71 wins and 91 losses was identical to the 2023 record, although finishing fourth in the NL East instead of fifth in 2023 showed some progress.
GM Mike Rizzo has been following the same recipe he used leading up to the 2019 World Champion season. The pieces seem to be in place for an exciting season ahead.
August 2, 2022, was a hugely significant moment in Nationals history. The trade that sent Juan Soto and Josh Bell (now back with the Nats this season) to the Padres for MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams, James Wood and Robert Hassell III was an amazing bit of business. As 2025 unfolds, remember those names. They will all play significant roles in the Nats’ upcoming success.
The only significant offseason trade saw Nate Lowe arrive from the Rangers, with consistent reliever Robert Garcia going the other way. Slightly risky at the time as it left the bullpen light. However, the subsequent signing of reliever Lucas Sims and the re-signing of Kyle Finnegan to close out games have filled the gap.
Lowe will provide much-needed experience and maturity to support a lineup loaded with young talent.
Free agent signings of Josh Bell, Paul DeJong and Amed Rosario will offer similar support. The signing of Michael Soroka is typical of the Nationals. At first glance, 0-10 with the White Sox last year does not look good. However, there are some good stats in his performances (BA against him .224), and he knows the division well from his time with the Braves.
The signing of Japanese star Shinnosuke Ogasawara could go either way. Spring Training has been tough for him, but he has the tools to play a significant role.
With so much young talent, it is hard to single out someone under the radar. Robert Hassell III was an all-star in the 2024 Arizona Fall League and has been tearing up opposition pitchers in Spring Training. He is likely to start the season at Triple-A, but will be one to watch closely when called up later in the season.
So, why am I so optimistic about 2025?
- The depth of the starting pitchers. Gore, Jake Irvin, Trevor Williams, Soroka, DJ Herz and Mitchell Parker. With all-star Josiah Gray due back for the second half of the season.
- The powerful hitting combination of James Wood and 2023 number 2 draft pick Dylan Crews (DC, a marketing dream for Washington) alongside stolen base machine CJ Abrams.
- Kyle Finnegan closing out games under the guidance of pitching strategist Sean Doolittle.
- Nate Lowe. Likely to relish the opportunity to lead such a talented young team whilst offering stability at first base and having a career-best season with the bat.
- A front office and coaching team who know how to win.
I predict the Nats will leave the last two years well behind, have a winning season and make the play offs as a wild card team. And, as 2019 proved, anything could happen after that.
Debut article by Kev Orchard. Hopefully, we will get more content from Kev during the season. You can find him on Facebook – search for Kevin Orchard.
