WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Kansas City Royals at Nationals Park on September 26, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals are in last place in the NL East and 15 games back from a wild-card spot.
Washington finished 2024 with a 71-91 record, placing fourth in the NL East. Washington made multiple moves in the offseason in hopes of providing production in areas of need.
The Nationals signed starting pitchers Trevor Williams and Michael Soroka, designated hitter Josh Bell, third baseman Paul DeJong and utility player Amed Rosario.
Washington’s offense has struggled this season, led by James Wood and CJ Abrams.
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The Nationals are in the bottom 10 for on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs. The Nationals are also in the bottom half of the league for batting average and RBIs, but are in the top 10 at avoiding striking out.
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Washington’s pitching has also struggled this season, led by MacKenzie Gore and Jake Irvin.
The Nationals are in the bottom three for ERA and batting average allowed, and the bottom five for walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP) and strikeouts. Washington is also in the bottom 10 for home runs allowed.
Despite all of the struggles, Wood has been a bright spot for the Nationals. He leads the team in home runs, RBIs, hits and on-base percentage.
At only 22 years old, Wood has a ton of potential and profiles to be one of the better hitters in baseball for years to come.
Washington also had the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting shortstop Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma.
The pick was a shocker to baseball fans as pitcher Kade Anderson seemed like a no-brainer selection considering the need for pitching. However, at only 17 years old, Willits is the third-youngest player to be drafted first overall, and his potential is high.
Aware it won’t be contending the rest of the season, Washington traded relievers Andrew Chafin and Luis García to the Los Angeles Angels for starting pitcher Jake Eder and prospect Sam Brown. Washington also traded Rosario to the New York Yankees.
Even though the Nationals won’t be competing, it’s nice to know that the organization has what looks to be a superstar in the making in James Wood.
The Nationals’ odds of making the postseason are +2200. Its odds of winning the National League are +50000, and its odds of winning the World Series are +100000.
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