As the Wizards’ and Capitals’ seasons come to an end, DC residents are looking forward to another season of our nation’s pastime to enjoy with friends or family. In recent years, the Nationals (Nats) have not given fans the season they hoped for. Back in 2021, Nats general manager, Mike Rizzo, made a controversial move to trade star players Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. Then, in 2022, the trading of Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres caused uproar amongst avid Nats fans, especially after the moves resulted in two seasons with some of the worst records in the league. Regardless of these questionable decisions, Nats fans are hopeful this year.
Although the Nats are not at the heights they used to be, there are still qualities of the team that fans can look forward to. Team managers have spent time finding new and young players to spring their season into action. Nats manager Dave Martinez told the Washington Post that their goal is to fill the team with coachable players, build them up and start them at the beginning of the season. Moreover, Martinez mentioned that just from spring training he could see the new players competing very well.
Right handed pitchers Joan Adon, Cole Henry and Amos Willingham are top choices for Martinez along with lefties DJ Hertz and Mitchell Parker. While there are an abundance of players joining the team for spring training, the Nats have had to make cuts and be strategic.
The pitchers have so far made a good impression. On Sunday, March 14, Adon showed his worth when he pitched 3 scoreless innings. However, along with Henry, Hertz and Parker, Adon is a long shot to make the Nats Opening Day roster. These players will likely start in the minors and move up when their time comes. However, Nats managers have very high expectations for this season’s players.
For outfielders Dylan Crews and James Wood, spring training has been a breeze. Crews, the number two overall pick, has shown his worth in his outstanding fielding and excellent batting average. Wood has been the team player Martinez has been looking for, and has excelled in his spring training games, batting around .291.
Overall, this year’s spring training has been successful, the Nats have won 12 out of their 21 games. Still, they have time to show their potential. Although their win to loss ratio is average, the Nats have already scored more runs than they did in last season’s spring training, bringing home 112 points so far. Their final preseason game will be on March 26 versus (team), and tickets are being bought fast.
Despite the low standards for this year’s season, the Nats will be a good watch this year, and their growth from 2023 will be captivating. The roster has not been set, but fans are eager to see how the new players will do in the last few games of spring training. And, no matter the success of a team, the environment and excitement that comes with going to the ballpark is unmatched. Buy your tickets, and enjoy another season of Washington baseball!
