As the Washington Nationals wrap up their 2025 spring training, the Grapefruit League has provided a clear picture of a team transitioning out of its rebuild.

At the start of camp, the Nationals faced a glaring lack of bullpen depth, a concern magnified by the departures of key relievers like Kyle Finnegan (initially non-tendered) and Tanner Rainey. However, strategic moves—like shifting 2019 first-round pick Jackson Rutledge to the bullpen and re-signing Finnegan to potentially reclaim his role as closer—may have addressed this weakness. With young prospects stepping up, veterans holding steady, and a few questions still lingering, here’s what the stats and storylines from spring training reveal about the 2025 Nationals.

The Young Core Is Starting to Shine.

The Nationals’ youth movement dominated the spring spotlight, with impressive numbers to match. James Wood, the towering outfielder, hit .283 with four home runs and a 1.007 OPS over 25 games, showcasing both power and consistency. Dylan Crews batted .273 with three homers and 5 RBIs, including a notable RBI single in his second at-bat against the Astros. CJ Abrams, the 2024 All-Star, led the team with a .273 average and two stolen bases, cementing his status as a 20-20 threat. Speedsters Jacob Young (.245, 5 SBs) and Trey Lipscomb (.280, 3 SBs) added dynamism, suggesting this young core is ready to carry the offense.

The big question: can these spring stats translate to the regular season? Pitching Prospects Are Electric—But Raw The pitching staff offered tantalizing glimpses of potential, though the numbers reveal areas for growth. [Jarlin Susana, the 6-foot-6 right-hander, electrified in his spring debut against Houston, hitting 101 MPH and striking out two in a scoreless inning.

Over five outings, he posted a 3.00 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 12 innings, but his 4.5 BB/9 underscores command issues. Travis Sykora, limited by a prior hip procedure, logged a 2.25 ERA with 8 Ks in eight innings across two starts. Alex Clemmey fanned 12 in 10 innings but walked 6, highlighting his swing-and-miss stuff and control woes.] Veterans Jake Irvin (2.45 ERA, 18 Ks in 16.1 IP) and Jose A. Ferrer (0.00 ERA, 10 Ks in 8.1 IP) brought stability, yet the bullpen’s 4.75 ERA as a unit reflects its early uncertainty. Enter Jackson Rutledge: once a starter, his move to relief could bolster depth with his high-90s fastball, though his spring stats (3.00 ERA, 10 Ks in 15 IP) suggest he’s still adjusting.

Bullpen Depth: From Weakness to Workable?

At the outset of spring training, the Nationals’ bullpen was a glaring vulnerability after losing Finnegan and Rainey. The re-signing of Finnegan—a 2024 All-Star with 38 saves—on a one-year deal shifts the narrative. Despite a shaky second half last year (5.79 ERA), he posted a 6.75 ERA, signaling he’s likely to reclaim the closer role. Pairing him with Rutledge’s raw power and Ferrer’s ground-ball tendencies (zero runs in seven outings) could stabilize the late innings. The bullpen’s spring ERA dropped to 4.12 after these adjustments, a sign the Nationals might have patched their biggest hole, though consistency remains unproven.

Veterans Provide Stability, But Not Stardom

New veteran additions delivered solid spring numbers. Nathaniel Lowe hit .200 with two homers and two RBIs, steadying first base. Josh Bell, the DH signee, slashed .130/.448 with three doubles and three homers. Mike Soroka went 2-1 with a 7.47 ERA over 20 innings, offering rotation depth. These stats provide a reliable floor, but without a marquee free-agent splash, the Nats still lean heavily on their youth rather than veteran star power.

Aggressiveness on the Bases: A Double-Edged Sword

The Nationals swiped 25 bases (second in the Grapefruit League), led by Young and Lipscomb, but their eight caught stealing (third-most) exposed risks. A miscue like Alex Call (.333) getting thrown out at home underscores the need to refine this aggressive approach. Spring stats hint at a high-reward strategy that could pay off—or backfire—depending on execution.

The Rebuild Is Over—Sort Of?

With a 16-13 spring record, the Nationals signaled a shift from rebuilding to competing. Their offense averaged 5.2 runs per game (top-five in the league) with 28 homers (tied for third) while pitching held opponents to a .260 average. GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez see this as a .500-ish stepping-stone year, bolstered by depth players like Robert Hassell III (.370, 17-for-46).

Owner Mark Lerner’s conservative spending stance, however, suggests they’re not yet all-in, and the roster still lacks elite pieces for a playoff push.

What’s Next?

Spring training doesn’t guarantee success, but it frames the narrative. The Nationals learned their young could hit, their pitching prospects have upside, and their bullpen—once a liability—might be salvaged with Finnegan’s return and Rutledge’s transition. The offense’s .305 team average and the staff’s 4.12 ERA post-adjustments offer hope, but the bullpen’s late-game reliability and the kids’ consistency will define 2025.

As Opening Day approaches, the Nationals aren’t contenders yet, but they’re no longer doormats—a team on the cusp, with spring lessons setting the stage for what’s next.

IT ALL STARTS RIGHT NOW!!….