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Washington Nationals: Three Biggest Surprises To Start The 2022 Season

By Max Rayman |
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 18: Victor Arano #64 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch during the tenth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 18, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 18: Victor Arano #64 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch during the tenth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 18, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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It should come as no surprise to anyone that 39 games in and the Washington Nationals are in the cellar of the NL East. Sitting at 13-26, Washington has the second worst record in the league, ahead of only the Cinncinatti Reds (11-26). Starting pitching and offensive consistency have plagued the Nats — with the team unable to get out of its own way. They also lead the league in errors (32), with five coming in their last three games. Despite the struggles, a few players have found a way to stand out.

Here are the three biggest surprises to the start of the Washington Nationals’ 2022 season

The Bullpen

Entering the 2022 season, the Washington Nationals’ biggest weakness was the bullpen — having finished 2021 in all of baseball in losses (42), tied for last in FIP (4.86) and blown saves (34), 29th in ERA (5.08), and fWAR (-0.2), and 28th in LOB% (67.7%). Despite having one of the worst relief cores in 2021, they decided against completely revamping the group. They signed veteran Steve Cishek and brought back old friend Sean Doolittle on respective one-year deals.

Additionally, they signed a plethora of aging veterans and players coming off of injuries to minor league deals. Mike Rizzo and Dave Martinez decided to trust their incumbent group and hoped for Tanner Rainey, Kyle Finnegan, and Mason Thompson to take the next steps.

Through 37 games, the Nationals bullpen has been inconsistent, going 2-3, with a 4.08 ERA, and a 3.61 FIP. They’ve only stranded 70.7%  of runners and are a measly 4/8 in save opportunities. Yet, compared to last year this group is drastically improved, though that’s not saying much.

Part of the bullpen’s recent struggles is due to injuries, with Doolittle and Thompson having both been placed on the 60-day IL. A bright spot has been Victor Arano posting a 1.36 FIP in 16 2/3 innings.

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 03: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park on October 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 03: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park on October 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Juan Soto’s Struggles With Runners On Base

Since the second he was called up to the Nationals in 2018, Juan Soto has made a case for the best hitter in baseball. Across five seasons in D.C., he’s slashing an absurd .298/.429/.545, with 105 homers, 322 RBIs, and an OPS of .974. Last season he finished second in NL MVP voting after slashing .313/.465/.534 and entered this year as the favorite.

On the season, he’s slashing .250/.394/.496, with eight homers, 11 RBIs, and an OPS of .890– while drawing more walks (32) than strikeouts (26). His numbers are down compared to last season, but leads the league in walks, proving pitchers are still scared to pitch to him.

In years past, Soto has been one of the most dangerous hitters with runners on, but this season has been held in check. In 56 ABs, with runners on, he’s slashing .217/.319/.283, with one homer, four RBIs, and an OPS of .602. His numbers with runners in scoring position are even worse — slashing .071/.212/.071, with two RBIs, and an OPS of .283 in 28 ABs.

Comparatively, last year in 106 ABs with runners in scoring posting, Soto slashed .396/.577/.689, with 10 homers, 64 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.265. Part of Soto’s struggles has stemmed from him swinging more at pitches outside of the zone. Last year his chase rate (swings at pitches outside of the zone) was 15.1%, compared to 23.3% this season.

PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 15: Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on April 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 15: Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on April 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Josh Bell And Yadiel Hernández Carrying The Offense

After finishing second in NL MVP voting last year, it would have been absurd to predict Soto wouldn’t be carrying the Nationals offense for a third straight year, but the superstar has been putting up pedestrian numbers. In his stead, Josh Bell and Yadiel Hernández have been playing out of their minds.

Bell has picked up where he left off last year, slashing .316/.405/.456, with four homers, 22 RBIs, and an OPS of .861. He leads the Nats in RBIs (22) and OBP (.405), is second in OPS (.861), hits (43), and bWAR (1.1), and is tied for second in homers (4).

Hernández spent the majority of his career in the minors, before making his MLB debut in 2020 with the Nats. Last year he was given extended playing time after the Nat’s firesale, slashing .273/.329/.413, with nine homers, 32 RBIs, and an OPS of .742.

Entering the season, he was named the team’s fourth outfielder, but with Victor Robles and Lane Thomas struggling, has emerged as a starter in left. This year he’s slashing .327/.366/.490, with three homers, 20 RBIs, and an OPS of .856. Already 34, the Nats would be wise to explore Hernández’s trade stock at the trade deadline in order to bolster the team’s farm.

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