In the final weekend of Spring Training, there are still roster decisions for the Nationals to make before Opening Day against the Phillies on Thursday (4 p.m. ET, live on MLB.TV). This is the third of several projections from camp of who could make the 2025 squad.
Catcher (2): Keibert Ruiz, Riley Adams
Ruiz and Adams are set to return as the backstop tandem. Ruiz is focusing on being consistent at the plate throughout the season.
First baseman (1): Nathaniel Lowe
The Nationals acquired Lowe from the Rangers in exchange for reliever Robert Garcia. Lowe won a Gold Glove Award at first base in 2023.
Second baseman (1): Luis García Jr.
Garc¨ªa looks to build on the momentum of being named a Silver Slugger finalist. Last season, he was one of just six players to bat over .280 with at least 40 extra-base hits and 20 stolen bases.
Shortstop (1): CJ Abrams
Abrams, who was optioned to Triple-A at the end of last season, will be the Nationals' starting shortstop this season. He led the Nats in extra-base hits in 2024.
Third baseman (1): Paul DeJong
The Nationals signed the veteran DeJong to a one-year deal on Feb. 16. DeJong, a former All-Star shortstop, has shifted smoothly to third base.
Outfielders (3): LF James Wood, CF Jacob Young, RF Dylan Crews (Nationals¡¯ No. 1 prospect, MLB No. 4)
The young trio will play their first full season together in the Major Leagues. Young earned Gold Glove finalist honors in 2024 and led the NL in outs above average.
DH (1): Josh Bell
Bell returns for his second stint with the Nationals. The veteran, who also plays first base, looks forward to focusing on the DH role to establish consistency at the plate.
Bench/utility (3): Alex Call, Amed Rosario, José Tena
Rosario signed a one-year deal this winter as a versatile veteran infielder entering his ninth season. Call has proven versatility to play multiple outfield positions. The final bench spot comes down to Tena and Juan Yepez. The infielder Tena could get the edge for his ability as a pinch-runner.
Starting pitchers (5): RHP Jake Irvin, LHP MacKenzie Gore, RHP Michael Soroka, LHP Mitchell Parker, RHP Trevor Williams
Gore earned his first Opening Day start. In the competition for the final spot in the starting rotation, Parker edged out fellow southpaws DJ Herz and Shinnosuke Ogasawara.
Relief pitchers (8): RHP Kyle Finnegan, RHP Jorge López, LHP Jose A. Ferrer, RHP Lucas Sims, LHP Colin Poche, RHP Eduardo Salazar, RHP Orlando Ribalta (No. 30), RHP Brad Lord (No. 23)
The Nationals will open the season without right-hander Derek Law, who pitched 90 innings last season, because of right arm soreness. Washington selected the contract of Poche on March 22, and manager Dave Martinez said he will make the Opening Day roster. Right-handers Jackson Rutledge, Lord and Ribalta are competing for the final two bullpen spots.