The optimism around the Washington Nationals is arguably at its highest level in years. There are a few reasons to be excited: the young core of players in Washington, the number one selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, and the fact that the Nats are TV free agents after this season. The Nationals' young core is the reason to be excited for the 2025 season. Dylan Crews, James Wood, and CJ Abrams are just three names that are must-see-TV this season. Let's discuss why the Washington Nationals must trust their young core in the 2025 season.
While having many young players with potential is excellent, developing each player to their ceiling is often complicated. The 2025 season is about providing opportunities for young players while learning from recently acquired veteran players. Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Bell were brought in this offseason to serve as leaders for James Wood and Dylan Crews. Lowe and Bell are proven in the MLB and can lead by example as to how a professional operates daily.
The Nationals have to trust their young players this season because the front office has to determine who's a part of the future. Not every prospect finds a home in the Majors with their original team. Unfortunately, there will be an odd man out in the coming years. It's up to the front office to determine who that will be. For now, the Nats need to "let the kids play."
Who exactly is the "young core" in Washington? I believe Dylan Crews, James Wood, CJ Abrams, Luis Garcia Jr., Jacob Young, and Keibert Ruiz should play every day. It's imperative for the front office to determine the extent of these players' involvement moving forward. If a player cannot produce on a mid-tier team, how can they be expected to perform in the playoffs?
The 2025 season is essential for many reasons, but the top priority is to "see what the kids have." Judging by the first two Spring Training homers off the bat of James Wood, who could potentially emerge as the best player in the NL East, it's safe to say he has a lot. Here is his homer from Friday night:
James Wood clears the outfield berm ... OPPOSITE FIELD 😳
— MLB (@MLB) March 8, 2025
(📹: @Nationals)
pic.twitter.com/O5JVW308al
You read that correctly: over the berm in left field, an opposite-field bomb from James Wood. The raw power from the young left-handed hitter is off the charts. Not only is Wood tearing the cover off the ball, another prospect is attempting to assert his name into the Nationals' young core: Robert Hassell III. The 23-year-old is hitting .370 this spring with an OPS of 1.026 in 27 at-bats, according to mlb.com. Overreacting to Spring Training statistics is easy, but Hassell III can hit his way into the outfield conversation in Washington if this carries over into the regular season.
The young core mentioned above were position players. Let's dive into the pitching side. MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, and DJ Herz are great pitchers on Washington's roster. Cade Cavalli is a wild card if/when he returns from injury. Jackson Rutledge is likely headed to the bullpen, and Michael Soroka shined in his Spring Training debut. Don't forget about Shinnosuke Ogasawara, a recent signing from Japan. The bullpen is loaded with unknowns, including Zach Brzykcy, Jose Ferrer, Evan Reifert, Jorge Lopez, and Lucas Sims. Returning arms in the 'pen include Kyle Finnegan, Derek Law, Orlando Ribalta, and Eduardo Salazar.
There's a story with every pitcher, and the 2025 season is where it will all be written. Like position players, the front office must determine who will be a part of the Nationals' future. If they don't trust their players now, how can they trust them in the playoffs? The Nationals MUST trust their young core in the 2025 season.