About 6 weeks into the 2025 Nationals season, the team sits just a few games below .500 , a clip that leaves the team at 4th in the NL East. While circumstances certainly could be worse, they can definitely be better. A trip back to the postseason is something that the fanbase yearns for, and despite success among a few key players, there has been disruption amongst some others.
Josh Bell - 1B/DH
To begin this season, Josh Bell has been a player that certainly leaves room for improvement. Bell sits at a mere .134 Avg, .510 OPS, -8.9 Offensive Rating and -0.8 WAR, per Fangraphs. He has definitely been on a decline from his prime in his recent years, but a dominant 2021 and 2022 display is not far in the past.
The Nationals re-added Bell in hopes of gaining a reliable bat in the middle of the lineup - something vital to aid guys like James Wood, CJ Abrams, and a hopeful breakout season from rookie Dylan Crews. Bell is coming off a groin issue last week, and the expectation surely will be that the law of averages will provide a positive outlook in his performance.
Trevor Williams - SP
While many can dissect the batting lineup, much of the weakness in the Nats team lies with the pitching. One name drawing criticism from the fans has been veteran Trevor Williams. The team just sent Brad Lord back to the bullpen after the quality pitching he has provided recently, and that leaves many to scratch their heads at the decision made by Dave Martinez.
Williams thus far this year sits with a 5.86 ERA (although offset slightly by an FIP of 4.17 and xFIP of 4.09) and his lowest K/9 in 6 years.. These numbers all rate the worst of the standard rotation and leaves more room to wonder - why was Lord sent to the bullpen? The season is still young, and Dave Martinez will continue to do what he thinks is right for success. We can hope that Williams goes to the bullpen, or simply improves.
Eduardo Salazar - RP
Don't get me wrong here, most of the bullpen can be criticized today. However, Salazar has been the biggest liability on a per-game basis. Across 17 games, he commands a brutal 2.23 WHIP, and a whopping 4/100 xERA and 1/100 xBA on Savant. Although he was recently sent down to Rochester in wake of Michael Soroka's return from the IL, it would be tough to argue that no reliever on the team (minus Colin Poche) had been worse this season.
The historical success of Eduardo Salazar does not necessarily lead to optimism either. Should the Nationals find themselves in playoff contention come this summer, Jim Hickey and Dave Martinez will need to either find some jet fuel or some alternative options to the bullpen. The performance so far is one that must improve to any postseason path. As the kids like to say, Sean Doolittle and Tyler Clippard ain't walking through that door.
Is there anyone else you have been angry with this season? Let me know on X @Jetbets17.