Exciting young hitters
In addition to Crews and Wood, the Nationals have a couple of other young hitters who are making waves in the majors. Catcher Jeremy De La Rosa, 21, has shown promise with his power and plate discipline, posting a .275/.358/.487 slash line in his first full season in the big leagues. Third baseman Brady House, 20, is another top prospect who has already made an impact with his bat, hitting .295/.368/.521 in his first 50 games.
These young hitters, along with Crews and Wood, give the Nationals a dynamic and potent lineup that should only get better as they continue to develop.
5. Bullpen depthWhile the Nationals’ rotation has been a pleasant surprise this season, their bullpen has been equally impressive. Closer Cole Henry has been lights out, converting 25 of 27 save opportunities with a 1.82 ERA and 13.2 K/9. Setup man Cade Cavalli has also been dominant, with a 2.10 ERA and 12.1 K/9 in 60 innings of work.
With a strong rotation and a deep bullpen, the Nationals have the pitching depth to compete with any team in the league. If their young hitters continue to produce and Crews lives up to his potential, the Nationals could be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
The Nationals have had a challenging season, and one player who has struggled is catcher Keibert Ruiz. Acquired in the Max Scherzer trade in 2021, Ruiz was given an eight-year extension worth $50 million, indicating the team’s belief in his potential. However, at 26 years old, Ruiz has not yet lived up to expectations. His offensive performance has been below average, and his defensive skills have also been lacking.
This season, Ruiz’s struggles have continued, as he ranks near the bottom among catchers with at least 200 plate appearances. His hitting has declined, with a lower walk rate and more swings overall. While he has shown improvement in August, batting .290 with four home runs, consistency remains a concern. The Nationals may need to reevaluate their strategy with Ruiz moving forward.
On a positive note, the Nationals have promising prospects in the pipeline. Right-hander Cade Cavalli, who was sidelined with injuries, is expected to return in 2025 and could bolster the rotation. Third baseman Brady House, known for his power at the plate, could also make an impact at the major league level soon. With these reinforcements on the horizon, the Nationals have reason to be hopeful for the future. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.