Key Offseason Changes
MacKenzie Gore Traded to Texas Rangers
Five-for-one deal brings prospect haul headlined by infielder Gavin Fien. Major rotation piece dealt for future assets.
Jose Ferrer Traded to Mariners
Closer dealt for prospects Harry Ford and Isaac Lyon. Bullpen role now open for young arms.
Foster Griffin Signed ($5.5M)
NPB veteran joins rotation after three successful seasons with Yomiuri Giants. Brings experience to young staff.
Griff McGarry Selected (Rule 5 Draft)
High-upside pitching prospect from Phillies system. Power arm with strikeout stuff joins bullpen.
New Front Office Under Paul Toboni
35-year-old former Red Sox AGM hired as president of baseball ops. Complete organizational overhaul underway.
Josh Bell, Paul DeJong Departed
Veteran bats hit free agency. Opens playing time for young talent to develop.
Projected Starting Lineup
| Order | Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SS | CJ Abrams | Star SS, speed/power combo |
| 2 | LF | James Wood | Top prospect, elite tools |
| 3 | RF | Dylan Crews | #2 overall pick 2023, star potential |
| 4 | CF | Robert Hassell III | Former top prospect, contact hitter |
| 5 | 2B | Luis Garcia Jr. | All-Star experience, power bat |
| 6 | 3B | Brady House | 2021 1st rounder, power upside |
| 7 | C | Keibert Ruiz | Young catcher, switch-hitter |
| 8 | 1B | Andres Chaparro | Developing power bat |
| 9 | DH | Gavin Fien | Acquired from TEX, prospect bat |
Projected Starting Rotation
| Slot | Pitcher | Throws | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiah Gray | RHP | Team ace, developing into star |
| 2 | Cade Cavalli | RHP | Former top prospect, high upside |
| 3 | Foster Griffin | LHP | $5.5M signing from NPB |
| 4 | Jackson Rutledge | RHP | 2019 1st rounder, power arm |
| 5 | Cole Henry | RHP | Young arm, competing for spot |
Bullpen & Closer Situation
With Jose Ferrer traded to Seattle, the closer role is wide open. Griff McGarry brings strikeout upside from the Rule 5 Draft. The bullpen is young and unproven, typical of a rebuilding team. Multiple arms will compete for high-leverage roles in spring training.
| Role | Pitcher | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CL | Griff McGarry | Rule 5 pick, power arm |
| SU | Clayton Beeter | High-leverage depth |
| SU | Orlando Ribalta | Young arm, developing |
| MID | Brad Lord | Swing-man role |
| MID | Luis Perales | Acquired from BOS, TJ recovery |
| LR | Paxton Schultz | Claimed off waivers from TOR |
Prop Betting Angles
Abrams has 20-20 (HR-SB) upside at shortstop. His season props are likely conservative given age. In his age-24 season, expect counting stats to jump significantly. Over season HR and SB totals are attractive long-term plays.
The #2 overall pick from 2023 has elite tools. His rookie props will generate massive interest. If he starts hot, early season over totals become valuable before books adjust to his production level.
Wood was a consensus top-10 prospect before 2025. His power/speed combo makes every daily prop interesting. Season HR props could be undervalued if oddsmakers are cautious about prospect hype.
Gray has developed into a legitimate rotation piece. His K props are increasingly reliable as he matures. Target strikeout overs against free-swinging lineups. Ace-level upside at mid-rotation price.
Crews, Wood, and Hassell give the Nats elite young talent. Combined, they could hit 60+ HRs. Target individual over HR props when any of them face favorable pitching matchups.
With no established closer and young arms throughout, save props are risky. Focus on position player props where the talent level is clearer. Pitching props require careful research into opposing lineups.