It seems like forever ago when guys like Max Scherzer and Bryce Harper were the faces of the Washington Nationals. Washington is in the process of rebuilding and has a young core taking center stage. The franchise in D.C. hasn’t had a winning record since 2019. I’m not sure if things will change there, but I expect the team to have at least 70 wins. This could be one of the harder teams to bet on this season with so many question marks. I wouldn’t expect them to reach .500, but there could be a sweet spot between 71-76 wins.
Nationals Win Total OVER 70.5 (-120)
Outlook Based Off Last Season
The 2024 Washington Nations ended the season with a 71-91 record, finishing 4th in the National League East only above the Miami Marlins. Like the Marlins, the Nationals are the second youngest team in Major League Baseball, with an average age of 26.4. Unlike the Marlins, this team seems to have a little more MLB experience under their belts. Their record was consistent throughout the season, playing just under .500 each month for the most part.
Having a losing record towards the end of July, Washington found itself in the selling market. Parting ways with Hunter Harvey, Jesse Winker, Lane Thomas, and Dylan Floro had the team building for the future. Despite ranking in the middle of MLB in average, the Nationals were second worst in home runs. They were only ahead of the record-setting worst team in modern baseball history, the Chicago White Sox. They also ranked in the bottom five in RBI and third worst in fielding percentage.
Offseason Moves
Most of the “offseason” moves were actually made at the trade deadline in 2024 when Washington acquired a ton of prospective talent for the future. Starting pitchers Patrick Corbin and Trevor Williams left in free agency. They also lost bullpen arms Kyle Finnegan, Tanner Rainey, and Jacob Barnes. The club came to a mutual decision and declined the option for Joey Gallo, making him a free agent as well.
The Washington Nationals focused on bringing in a lot of veteran players on one-year deals for the 2025 season. First Basemen Josh Bell will make his return to Washington since leaving in 2022 via trade. Bell will most likely be the Designated Hitter for the team. Infielders Amed Rosario and Paul DeJong should add a spark to this young lineup. Nathaniel Lowe was acquired from the Texas Rangers as the first baseman every day. Starting pitcher Michael Soroka and bullpen arms Lucas Sims and Colin Poche will provide some depth to the pitching staff. Japanese pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara will make his MLB debut after signing a two-year deal.
Final Thoughts
I think the Nationals are ahead of the Marlins when it comes to their rebuild. The NL East will simply be too competitive with the bottom feeders. That doesn’t mean Washington can’t hit above the season win total. They are coming off back-to-back seasons with 71 wins. Their young core of Gore, Ruiz, Abrams, Crews, and Wood could take another step up. These guys may be young, but they are getting some serious MLB experience under their belts.
The Pick Is In: Washington Nationals OVER 70.5 Wins (-120)
