Projecting the Nationals' 2025 Starting Rotation

Anyone who follows the Washington Nationals knows that the organization has an abundance of young arms that for the most part, showed a lot of growth and promise this season. While I already discussed that acquiring a true veteran ace-caliber starting pitcher should be a need this offseason to lead these young arms, I wanted to make a prediction as to who will make up the rotation next year on Opening Day.

Keep in mind, when making these predictions, there was two very notable omissions due to injury. Josiah Gray will not be available at all next year due to Tommy John Surgery, and if he gets any action at all later in the year it will be at the minor league level while he rehabs. The other pitcher that I don't believe will be on the Opening Day roster is Cade Cavalli, as the former Top 100 prospect is still rehabbing from Tommy John as well, and his current status is unknown moving into next year. I think he could contend for a spot early on, especially if there is an injury, but the Nats might also want him to get some reps in at lower levels before being brought back to the majors.

As for the returning 4 members that will make up the Opening Day rotation in 2025, we have a trio of lefties in MacKenzie Gore, DJ Herz, and Mitchell Parker. Gore finished an up-and-down season on a high note, and should stand to benefit from not having to be the ace of the staff next year. Herz showcased a fantastic ability to miss bats with his strikeout stuff, and Parker proved that although he might not have the most flashy stuff, he was able to consistently able to work deep into ball games at times this year. The final returning member is righty Jake Irvin, who had a very legitimate case to be an All-Star based on the first half of his season, but ended up regressing a lot likely due to wear and tear as the season wore on. Bottom line is that all 4 of these pitchers should be on the Opening Day roster in 2025.

As for the acquisition who will be leading the staff next year? I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that the Nationals sign righty Jack Flaherty. The 29-year-old righty undoubtedly will not be cheap, as he has made himself a lot of money this year by bouncing back in a big way from his subpar 2023 season. Between the Tigers and Dodgers this season he has a combined line of 13 wins, 7 losses, a 3.17 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and has pitched very well so far for the Dodgers in their postseason run so far.

I do think that the Nationals could easily be outbid for Flaherty, but if they want to get a front line member of the rotation, they're going to have to pay up. It's important to note that unless the Nationals trade one of their young lefties or move one to the bullpen, I don't think the team would pursue a big-time lefty like Max Fried in free agency, as having 4 lefties in the rotation likely would not be very favorable.

While my predictions could certainly change as rumors begin to fly after the conclusion of the World Series, this is what I will go with for now.

Who do you think will be in the Nationals' rotation on Opening Day 2025? As always please let me know on X, @DCBerk.