The Nationals are in the middle of a rebuild but have a few talented players who could contribute to a winning baseball team. They need a few pieces from outside the organization to take them to the next level. While we could speculate on who the Nats are targeting in Free Agency, we will assemble an in-house lineup. What would the Nationals' Opening Day lineup look like if the season started today? Here's my prediction.
1. CJ Abrams, shortstop 2. Dylan Crews, right field 3. James Wood, left field 4. Luis Garcia Jr, second base 5. Andres Chaparro, first base 6. Jose Tena, third base 7. Juan Yepez, designated hitter 8. Keibert Ruiz, catcher 9. Jacob Young, center field
It may not be the silver-slugging New York Yankees, but this lineup wouldn't be the "worst" I've seen in my tenure as a Nationals fan. Dylan Crews and James Wood, the team's top two prospects, would receive a ton of at-bats. Andres Chaparro showed raw power against left-handed pitchers last season. Can he replicate that success in 2025? Catcher Keibert Ruiz had a disappointing statistical season in 2024. Can the now-veteran show why the Nats invested in him? In the nine-hole is Jacob Young. Why? Because placing him on the bench is too tricky, his defensive skill and presence on the basepaths are too valuable.
The in-house lineup lacks power. It would be smart of GM Mike Rizzo to add power to the Nationals organization this Winter. The clock is ticking though, as I anticipate the stove will begin to get hot in the next few weeks. Winter Meetings are fast approaching, and Nationals' fans are eager to read their team in the headlines. This begs the question, who should Mike Rizzo target in Free Agency? How would they fit in the Nats lineup?
Alex Bregman would fit in the Nationals lineup, as much as it would infuriate some Nats fans. The veteran is a winner and could lead a group of up-and-coming players to the next level of their careers. Bregman could serve as the "Jayson Werth" signing of the 2020s. If the Nats are serious about building a winner, they must bring in players who understand how to win. Bregman fills that criterion.
Pete Alonso could strike the nerve of Nats fans, but he too could fill a void on the Nationals. The "Polar Bear" is known for hitting home runs, something the Nats have struggled to do in the last two seasons. Washington ranks in the bottom of the league in most power-hitting categories. Alonso has slugged at least 34 home runs in the previous four seasons, something desperately needed in Washington. Alonso could either play first base or be the designated hitter.
The Nats in-house lineup would be serviceable, but not what you'd like to see this far into a rebuild. Let's hope Washington is active in the free agent market this Winter.