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Who Should Play in the Nats Outfield?
Headlines and potential don't mean anything in MLB. That is all Crews has at this point.
Key Points
Crews' Struggles and Uncertainty: Dylan Crews, despite high expectations, had an unimpressive performance compared to other potential outfielders, raising doubts about his readiness for a starting role in 2025.
James Wood's Potential and Concerns: James Wood showed promise with a solid half-season after his call-up, but there's concern about the "sophomore jinx."
Alex Call's Inconsistencies: After playing 75 games in Triple-A with a poor 0.222 average and striking out 60 times, Alex Call had a stronger showing in the majors before an injury.
Robert Hassell III's Potential: Robert Hassell III is a promising player with strong minor-league numbers, but injury concerns have limited his progress.
Many think it a foregone conclusion James Wood, Jacob Young, and Dylan Crews will be the Nationals starting outfield in 2025 and want to speculate on who the fourth man will be. Not so fast. Headlines and potential don't mean anything in MLB. That is all Crews has at this point.
When the young right fielder got a cup of coffee last season, he hit 0.218. I wasn't impressed, and I doubt any objective observer was. Crews hit better than Andres Chaparro and Trey Lipscomb, both on the 40-man roster at this writing, but worse-hitting scrubs Nick Senzel, Eddie Rosario, and Joey Gallo are off the Washington payroll.
Unless Crews is the best hitter in spring training, other players could send him back to Rochester to play daily and work on his skills.
Wood had a solid half-season after getting his call, and he has more minor-league experience than Crews. I believe in the sophomore jinx, so coaches should keep an eye on the centerfielder. If Wood continues to develop, that's great.
Alex Call played 75 games in Rochester in 2024, where he was over-aggressive at the plate. He struck out 60 times and only hit 0.222, his lowest in seven minor league seasons. Call hit 0.343 for the Nats before a season-ending injury on Aug. 23.
And then there is Stone Garrett, who only played two games in a Nationals uniform last year after recovering from a broken left leg and ankle suffered in the 2023 season. He played 79 games in the minors before getting called up Sept. 27.
Another possibility is Robert Hassell III. Hassell is another player with potential written all over him. When healthy, he has torn up the minors at every level. Hassell's visited rehab lists three times in his four-year minor league career. I think this guy has too much potential to force forward now.
I see Wood and Young on the opening-day lineup as the roster stands now. Crews would need a monster spring to earn a job. If he doesn't do it, Call and Garrett should platoon.
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