The 2025 Spring Training version of the Washington Nationals has actually been a pretty fun team to watch thus far. Between new additions like Nathaniel Lowe or Michael Soroka, or prospects who have flashed their upside like Robert Hassell III, Brady House, or Jarlin Susana, there has been a lot of fun things to keep our eyes on.
However, it has not been all fun and games for some players on the team. Although some players have gotten off to slow starts or have not quite rounded into their best form yet like Lowe or Jacob Young, their positions on the roster appear all but safe. But who are 3 Nationals players that were involved in position battles who might not share a similar fate in lieu of their struggles? Let's take a look.
Drew Millas - Backup C
The backup catcher battle between Drew Millas and Riley Adams was honestly one that I believed was going to be more competitive. Between Adams' subpar play in 2024 and Millas seemingly on the rise, it seemed like the perfect storm for Millas to overtake Adams to be the primary backup behind starter Keibert Ruiz, who is firmly entrenched as the starter after his recent hot streak.
However, with Millas sputtering at the plate with a slash line of .063/.250/.125 for just a .375 OPS in 16 at-bats, it seems like he has pretty much assured he will begin the season with the AAA Rochester Red Wings. Adams has been much better at the plate, with a 1.025 OPS so far in 13 at-bats to go along with a pair of homers and 5 RBIs, it appears as if we will have the same catching duo of the past couple years to begin the season. Millas' defense and overall athleticism and upside made him my prediction to win this battle coming into camp, but he has not lived up to it so far.
José Tena - Starting 3B
It is honestly tough not to feel bad for José Tena. After surviving the entire offseason without the Nationals bringing in any significant competition for Tena at the hot corner, Paul DeJong was signed a couple weeks ago right as camp began, and his play combined with Tena's poor showing has all but assured that the veteran DeJong will be the starter at third base on Opening Day.
While I am sure we will see Tena in the big leagues at some point this year, his performance in spring training has not done him any favors if he wanted to be the guy at the hot corner for the foreseeable future. Tena has just 3 hits in 26 at-bats and has an OPS of just .294 to this point. He seems slated for sort of a utility role down in AAA, and the Nationals have already begun to use him in a variety of different positions in spring training as well.
Shinnosuke Ogasawara - No. 5 starter
After being the first signing out of Japan in Washington Nationals history, lefty Shinnosuke Ogasawara has had a pretty difficult time adjusting to big league hitting in spring training. The 27-year-old figured to have a very good chance to win a spot in the starting rotation, but now it seems all but assured that he will begin the season in the big league bullpen at best, but more than likely down in Rochester as well.
In just 4 appearances and only 8.1 innings, Ogasawara has pitched to a 7.56 ERA and 2.52 WHIP, while strikging out just 6 batters and walking 5. The lefty doesn't throw overly hard, with a fastball topping out around 90-91 MPH, but does have a devastating curveball that even made Juan Soto look foolish earlier this spring. Simply put, allowing 16 hits, 2 homers, 5 walks, and 7 earned runs in just over 8 innings of work in the spring will not be good enough for him to make the Opening Day rotation.
Which of these players do you think can turn it around before spring training ends? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.