We are now 25 games into the 2025 MLB season. The Washington Nationals are fresh off of a series victory over the struggling Baltimore Orioles, and will be facing Juan Soto for the first time since he became a New York Met over this weekend in DC. While he was an offseason addition for the Mets, let's take a look at the Nationals' offseason acquisitions, and how they have fared 25 games into the '25 season.
DH Josh Bell
Unfortunately, Josh Bell has yet to live up to the "Designated Hitter" role. While it is nice to have a familiar face back in the district, the numbers have been lackluster. Over 20 games, Bell is hitting .141 with 4 homers and 11 RBIs heading into Thursday's game. As someone who was signed to be a power bat, Bell has yet to deliver those numbers. However, he is a notoriously slow starter, so perhaps he can turn things around soon.
1B Nathaniel Lowe
The gem addition of the offseason, Nathaniel Lowe, has been playing like a top-10 first baseman in baseball so far in 2025. At the time of writing, Lowe is hitting .291 over his first 24 games as a National before Thursday's action, while hitting 4 homers and driving in 19 so far. Lowe has been the first baseman the Nats have been looking for since Ryan Zimmerman's 2021 retirement.
INF Amed Rosario
With CJ Abrams and Paul DeJong dealing with injuries, INF Amed Rosario has gotten a bit more playing time than expected. In 13 games, Rosario has been the perfect "bench bat" that he was signed to be, hitting .244 with a homer and 2 RBI so far. He should continue to see playing time against lefties, as we know Davey Martinez loves to handle Luis Garcia Jr. with kid gloves when it comes to playing him against lefties.
RHP Lucas Sims & LHP Colin Poche
Unfortunately, bullpen pieces Lucas Sims and Colin Poche are stuck in the same category as the worst relievers in the league, and are no longer worth rostering. In 12 games, Sims has a 15.26 ERA, while in 9 games, Poche holds a 15.88 ERA. Neither reliever has been worth while, but with Zack Brzycky and Orlando Ribalta on the injured list, the Nats do not have many other options. However, once both players are eligible to be reinstated, I expect them to be the first names on the chopping block.
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