The Washington Nationals entered the 2025 season with expectations of growth. After years of rebuilding following their 2019 World Series title, the franchise hoped this would be the year where the struggle met the success. Instead, the season has become yet another let down with the future of the team now being in question as well. What was once a promising future now has more questions then answers. The current situation is even worse with the team now sitting at 46–70, last in the NL East.
Transitions
The most telling moment of the Nationals' season came about a week before the draft when the team fired championship manager Dave Martinez and GM Mike Rizzo. The duo had been key figures in Washington’s past success, but it was evident they would not be a part of this teams future, especially with rumors of players not being pleased with Martinez following his now infamous comments.
Now under the interim leadership of Miguel Cairo (manager) and Mike DeBartolo (GM), the Nationals are clearly in evaluation mode. Hoping that these guys may be the leaders of the future or they may turn out to be placeholders. However either way they will have an impact on this teams future as the duo drafted Eli Willits with the number one overall pick in the 2025 draft. If nothing else his success or failure will embody this interim regime.
The Young Stars
There’s no doubt the Nationals have exciting talent. However youth can turn into inexperience quickly and that is something that we have seen a lot of this season.
After a hot start, Wood has struggled mightily since July, slumping at the plate and adjusting to major league pitching. Gore, once viewed as a potential ace and possible cy young candidate, has seen his ERA balloon as command issues from previous years have resurfaced. Even bright spots like Jacob Young and Luis Garcia Jr. have been inconsistent, raising questions about whether this core can take the next step without more veteran support.
Looking Ahead
I know it feels like fans always have to look ahead with this team but lets be honest this season is all but over. No point in continued stress. For fans, the 2025 season has been a test of patience. Calls for ownership change have grown louder, and attendance has dipped as frustrations mount. There does continue to be hope in the form of developing prospects, the return of injured arms like Cade Cavalli, and the potential of a high draft pick next summer.
The Nationals may be stuck near the bottom now, but if their young core can learn from this adversity and the front office finally stabilizes, there’s still a path forward. But for now, it’s clear there is alot more work to be done