Washington Nationals DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

MLB.com's Jessica Camerato projects Washington Nationals outfield prospect Dylan Crews to hit second in the batting order in 2025, behind leadoff man and shortstop CJ Abrams. Crews, the second overall pick in 2023 out of LSU, has nothing left to prove in the minors. The 22-year-old made his major-league debut late in 2024 and went 26-for-119 (.218) with three home runs, eight RBI and 12 stolen bases in 31 games (132 plate appearances). Washington led all of baseball with 223 steals a year ago, so Crews should have plenty of chances to run in his first full big-league season, which gives him a nice fantasy floor heading into his first full year in D.C. Crews may not have the power that you desire from a top-40 outfielder, but he'll be an everyday player and is a good bet to steal 30 bases in 2025. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 37 fantasy outfielder.

According to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, Texas Rangers relief pitcher Robert Garcia (forearm) will throw a bullpen on Tuesday. The 28-year-old has been sidelined since the start of camp due to nerve irritation in his forearm. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Tuesday after his bullpen in case he faces a setback. Earlier in the offseason, Garcia was traded to Texas from Washington in exchange for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. Last summer in Washington, Garcia served as a high-leverage option out of the bullpen. He tossed 59 2/3 innings and held a 4.22 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He tallied 75 punchouts. He also generated a stellar 2.53 xERA which suggests he should face some significant positive regression during the 2025 campaign. If healthy on Opening Day, Garcia should slot in as high-leverage option in the bullpen.

According to Andrew Golden of the Washington Post, Nationals right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list. This transaction opened a roster spot for shortstop Paul DeJong, who the team signed to a one-year contract earlier on Sunday. Gray underwent Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure during July and is not expected to return until late in the 2025 campaign. Gray began his throwing program in January but is still several months away from embarking on a potential rehab assignment. Before his injury, Gray was only able to log eight 1/3 innings with Washington last season. During the 2023 campaign, the 27-year-old held a 3.91 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP across 159 innings of work. Fantasy managers should expect Gray to contend for a rotation spot in the second half of the season but should not be targeted in any drafts, given his lengthy recovery process.

According to Spencer Nusbaum of the Washington Post, Nationals right-handed pitcher Mason Thompson (elbow) could be ready for Opening Day. The 26-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery last March but could be able to ramp up in time due to him being a relief pitcher. However, Thompson has yet to throw off a mound. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training. During the 2023 season, Thompson logged 54 innings of MLB action with a 5.50 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. He tallied punchouts out a low 18.3 percent strikeout rate and held a high 9.2 percent walk rate. However, he generated ground balls at a strong 50.6 percent rate, placing him in the 84th percentile among qualified pitchers that season. If he were to be cleared for action, he would likely contend for a spot in the Washington bullpen.

According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, the Chicago White Sox have signed free-agent first baseman/outfielder Joey Gallo to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Gallo spent the entire 2024 campaign with the Washington Nationals. Across 76 games in D.C., Gallo posted a .161/.277/.336 line with 10 home runs and nine doubles. Under the hood, he generated a strong 13.1 percent barrel rate but held a hefty 39.2 percent strikeout rate. However, he was able to draw walks at a hefty 12.3 percent rate. During the 2023 campaign, Gallo held a .177/.301/.440 line with 21 home runs. Fantasy managers should expect the 31-year-old to compete for a spot on the Chicago Opening Day roster during camp. If he does make the roster, he will likely see most of his starts at first base or right field.