Washington Nationals DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The Washington Nationals are re-signing right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan to a one-year, $6 million deal on Tuesday, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. The All-Star closer will return to D.C. after the Nationals non-tendered him late last year. The 33-year-old had a 3.68 ERA (4.25 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, a career-high 38 saves, 60 strikeouts and 24 walks in 63 2/3 relief innings for Washington in 2024 and should now be considered the favorite for closing duties again in 2025. Other than the 33-year-old, the Nationals' best options for high-leverage innings late in games are Jorge Lopez and Jose A. Ferrer, which makes sense why the Nationals chose to bring Finnegan back to pitch the ninth. Finnegan also had 28 saves in 2023, but his elevated hard-hit rate last year could be a sign of trouble to come. Even though the Nats don't have other great closing options, Finnegan could be on a short leash.

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez said that if everything goes according to plan, outfielder James Wood (quadriceps) could serve as the designated hitter in a Grapefruit League game on Thursday. The Nationals have held Wood out of Grapefruit League games early in spring training as a precaution due to left-quad tendonitis, but it looks like he'll be making his debut later this week, barring a setback. As of right now, there's no reason to believe the young left-handed slugger won't be ready in plenty of time for Opening Day in late March. The 22-year-old former second-rounder of the San Diego Padres in 2021 made his major-league debut last year and slashed .264/.354/.427 with a .781 OPS, nine home runs, 41 RBI, 14 stolen bases and 43 runs scored in 79 games. Wood's issues making consistent contact could be a problem, but his raw-power upside makes him the No. 17 fantasy outfielder at RotoBaller.

Washington Nationals outfield prospect Dylan Crews has showcased his elite skill set early in spring training. Across his first two games, the LSU product has gone 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI, and a stolen base. The former second overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft made his MLB debut last season. Across his first 31 MLB games, Crews held a .218/.288/.353 line with five doubles, three home runs, and 12 stolen bases, He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 19.7 percent strikeout rate, which placed him in the 93rd percentile in sprint speed. Through 49 games with Triple-A Rochester, the 22-year-old posted a .265/.340/.455 slash line with 10 doubles, eight home runs, and 10 stolen bases. Crews is projected to be Washington's everyday right fielder and potentially bat in the top half of the lineup. If he continues to show five-category upside during camp, he could be an intriguing breakout pick in drafts.

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood (quad) participated in defensive drills on Sunday. He was held out of Saturday's game due to a left quad issue. He continues taking part in batting practice without any issues. This doesn't like a long term issue, but the Nationals are going to continue being cautious with their star outfielder. The expectation is that Wood should be back on the field at some point this week. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about his availability for Opening Day.

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood (quadriceps) is not in the starting lineup for their opening spring training game. The former top prospect has been dealing with left quad tendinitis throughout the week and will be given additional time to recover. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status but should not be overly concerned as he has ample time to prepare for Opening Day. Wood made his MLB debut on July 1 and remained in the majors until the end of the season. Across 79 games, the 22-year-old posted a .264/.354/.427 line with nine home runs and 14 stolen bases. He generated an elite 52.0 percent hard-hit rate and a 10.6 percent barrel rate. When cleared for action, he should have an everyday role in left field.