Can Andrés Chaparro be the Nationals’ Answer at First Base?

The Washington Nationals have promoted Andrés Chaparro to their Major League roster, adding excitement and potential answers to one of the franchise’s biggest questions: Who will be the team’s first baseman moving forward?

With the Nationals weighing options between the free-agent market and internal talent for the position, Chaparro’s late-season call-up gives him an opportunity to make a strong impression at both first base and as a designated hitter (DH).

Chaparro began the 2025 season recovering from an injury sustained during spring training in early March. Assigned to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings on May 23, he essentially started a delayed spring training as he worked to regain his timing at the plate. June proved to be a challenging month, marked by timing issues that caused him to swing late on fastballs and chase pitches out of the strike zone. His batting line for the month was a modest .171 average, a .256 on-base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .627. Despite these struggles, Manager Matt LeCroy showed confidence in Chaparro by keeping him in the lineup every day, a decision that would pay dividends down the road.

By July, Chaparro’s bat was heating up. His monthly numbers improved to a .203 batting average, a strong .356 on-base percentage, and an .849 slugging percentage. He displayed his growing power with five doubles and five home runs, driving in 17 runs overall. This period marked a turning point as he began to consistently make solid contact, setting the stage for an impressive second half of the season.

Following the All-Star break, Chaparro’s performance blossomed further. He embarked on a 20-game streak of reaching base safely and maintained an 11-game hitting streak. Throughout August, his numbers soared, as he hit for a .333 average while maintaining a .406 on-base percentage and an outstanding 1.038 slugging percentage. Notably, Chaparro continued to display his power, hitting five home runs after the break and another five in August alone.

Chaparro was especially dominant against left-handed pitching, where he batted an eye-popping .439, drawing a .531 on-base percentage and accumulating a jaw-dropping 1.604 OPS — a phenomenal display that adds a valuable right-handed power bat to a Nationals lineup that otherwise skews left-handed.

Defensively, Chaparro has been an asset at first base. Over the season, he recorded 160 putouts and 10 assists while committing just one error, which translates into an impressive .994 fielding percentage. His steady glove and reliable range complement his offensive contributions, giving the Nationals a well-rounded player at a position currently in need of clarity.

Originally signed by the New York Yankees as a 16-year-old international free agent, Chaparro climbed steadily through the minor league ranks, making his first Triple-A appearance in 2023 with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Over his minor league career, he has amassed nearly 2,500 at-bats and compiled a solid batting line of .264 average, .353 on-base percentage, and .821 slugging percentage. His power is evident in his 115 career home runs and 159 doubles. Chaparro made a brief Major League debut for the Nationals last September, offering a glimpse of his potential at the highest level.

At just 26 years old, Chaparro presents a blend of experience, power, and defensive capability that could earn him a long-term role as the Nationals’ first baseman or designated hitter.

As the Nationals approach the critical final stretch of their rebuild, Chaparro’s performance in the coming weeks will be closely watched. His promotion signals that Washington is eager to see if he can stabilize the first base position internally or if they will need to seek solutions elsewhere. Fans should keep an eye on his progress, as he may prove to be an essential piece of the Nationals’ future lineup.