It has been 26 days since pitchers and catchers reported to West Palm Beach for spring training. Sixteen days ago, the Nationals opened Grapefruit League play at CACTI Park with a win over the Houston Astros. Through the first stretch of camp, Washington sits at 9-4-3.
A few days ago, we highlighted several early standouts from Nationals spring training such as Brady House, Seaver King, Robert Hassell III and Jake Irvin. But this time of year always shows two sides. Some players are heating up while others are still searching for their timing.
Let’s take a look at three notable Nationals who are struggling to get going this spring. All three players have fewer than 20 at bats so far, so there is no reason to panic.
Daylen Lile
Daylen Lile burst onto the scene last season and quickly became one of the Nationals’ most exciting young hitters. The 23-year-old finished 2025 hitting .299 with an .845 OPS. He recorded 96 hits with nine home runs, 41 RBI and eight stolen bases. Lile also made a big impact with his speed and ability to drive the ball into the gaps.
His strong rookie campaign only improved as the season went on. During the final month of the 2025 season, Lile hit .391 with six home runs, seven triples and a 1.212 OPS. One of the hottest runs by any rookie in baseball helped him finish fifth in National League Rookie of the Year voting despite playing just 91 games.
That momentum has not carried over into spring training. Through seven games, Lile is just 1 for 18. His lone hit happened to be a home run but the overall numbers are rough. He owns a .056 batting average with a .100 OBP and a .322 OPS. He has also struck out six times.
Considering how electric he looked late last season, his stats stand out. Of course, spring training is about getting comfortable again at the plate. Lile still has time to get rolling before Opening Day. But after the way he ended 2025, his slow start has definitely caught some attention.
CJ Abrams
Another key Nationals hitter still trying to find his rhythm this spring is CJ Abrams. The former All-Star provided a steady presence near the top of Washington’s lineup last season. In 2025, Abrams hit .257 with 19 home runs, 60 RBI and 31 stolen bases. The former top-10 pick continued to build on what has been a strong start to his career in Washington.
However, so far this spring, the bat has been quiet. Just two hits in 17 at bats gives Abrams a .118 average through eight games. He has not homered yet and has driven in one run.
His patience at the plate offers at least one encouraging sign. Abrams has drawn five walks compared to four strikeouts, which suggests he still sees the ball well even if the hits have not started falling. Still, when a player as important as Abrams opens spring 2 for 17, people notice.
The Nationals are not concerned. Abrams is locked into an everyday role and remains one of the key players in Washington’s lineup. If he can get going over the final weeks of spring training, it would set him up well heading into the 2026 season.
James Wood
Yes, the Nats’ biggest star makes this list too. James Wood turned into one of the most exciting young hitters in baseball last season. The towering 6-foot-6 Maryland native hit .256 with a .825 OPS while crushing 31 home runs and driving in 94 runs. The 23-year-old even earned an All-Star selection and participated in the Home Run Derby.
When Wood steps to the plate, fans expect damage. That has not happened yet this spring.
Wood is hitting .118 through his first 17 at bats. He has just two hits with no home runs and three RBI so far this spring. This makes for a quiet start by a hitter who crushed 31 home runs last season.
But that is exactly why spring training exists, offering players like Wood the opportunity to get their groove back by the time it really matters.