For the Nationals, the offseason once again featured a lackluster amount of spending in terms of big-name free agents. However, I do believe that the Nationals had the best offseason they've had in 5 years, as the roster has improved, and the team is surrounded by young talent that needs to show out in 2025. Here is my prediction for the 26-man Opening Day roster with Spring Training now underway.
Starting Pitchers: LHP MacKenzie Gore, RHP Jake Irvin, RHP Michael Soroka, LHP DJ Herz, RHP Trevor Williams, LHP Shinosuke Ogasawara
The Nationals would be wise this season to run a 6-man rotation. Names like Jake Irvin and MacKenzie Gore had great seasons in 2024 but eventually ran out of gas by late August. With the additions of Michael Soroka and Shinosuke Ogasawara, and Trevor Williams being resigned, the Nationals should use a 6-man rotation. LHP MacKenzie Gore will likely get the opening-day nod, with the majority of the Phillies' hitters being left-handed. LHP Mitchell Parker is also a name I believe will transition to a long-relief role in 2025.
Relievers: LHP Mitchell Parker, RHP Derek Law, RHP Jorge Lopez, LHP Jose A. Ferrer, RHP Evan Reifert, RHP Eduardo Salazar, LHP Colin Poche
The bullpen went through a full remodeling this offseason, with Ferrer, Law, and Salazar being the only returning names. Mike Rizzo has claimed that he wants to add at least 2 more relievers this offseason, which could lead to the addition of a closer or a reunion with all-star reliever Kyle Finnegan. LHP Colin Poche enters spring training off a MiLB deal, but with the lack of lefties in the 'pen, I'd like to see Poche on the big league team. RHP Evan Reifert will also make the roster due to being a Rule-5 draft pick, the same scenario the Nats have had over the last 2 years with Nasim Nunez and Thaddeus Ward.
Catchers: Keibert Ruiz, Drew Millas
For the first time since 2022, Riley Adams will not make the opening-day roster. With Keibert Ruiz playing in year 3 of an 8-year extension, the backup catcher role will once again go to either Millas or Adams. However, don't count out veteran Andrew Knizner.
First Base: Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Bell, Andres Chaparro
While Juan Yepez had a pretty nice introductory season in 2024, the Nationals added better players at the position in the offseason. The Nationals reunited with 1B Josh Bell, however, he will likely serve as the team's designated hitter in 2025. Nathaniel Lowe was also the best acquisition this offseason for the team and will take over as the first real option since Zimmerman's retirement.
Second Base: Luis Garcia Jr
Garcia Jr broke out in 2024 as a top-10 second baseman in the league, and fans hope that he can produce the same if not better in 2025. If Garcia Jr can play at a high level once again, I expect him to get an extension in the near future.
Third Base: Jose Tena, Amed Rosario
Unfortunately, the Nationals did not spend on a third baseman this offseason, and while Paul Dejong and Justin Turner are still on the market, another position player acquisition does not seem likely. However, Jose Tena did have a decent tenure after being acquired from Cleveland and will get the chance to start every day until Brady House is MLB-ready. The Nationals also brought it veteran utility man Amed Rosario, who will likely serve as a bench bat or pinch hitter/runner in most games.
Shortstop: CJ Abrams
No, the end of the 2024 season was not how anyone (including the Nats organization) wanted for CJ Abrams. Abrams is still an all-star caliber shortstop, and at just 22 years old, the future is still very bright for CJ. Abrams will look to prove everyone (including me) wrong in 2025 and hopefully mature into a top option not only on the Nats but the MLB as a whole.
Outfielders: Dylan Crews, James Wood, Jacob Young, Stone Garrett
The outfield for Washington in 2025 is the star of the team. Fans will get a full season of James Wood and Rookie of the Year favorite Dylan Crews, as well as Gold Glove caliber centerfielder Jacob Young. The fourth outfielder role feels like a toss-up between Alex Call and Stone Garrett, and either could make the team, but I feel that Stone Garrett is a better power option which is lacking in the Nationals' lineup.
Who do you think makes the opening-day roster? Let me know on X, @branlittle58, and follow @nationals_network on Instagram for the latest Nationals news and updates!