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Story Type
Nationals' young players make a strong impression in the first two Spring Training Games.

Spring Training always ignites speculation about the upcoming Major League season: roster composition, surprise cuts, and team outlooks. For the Washington Nationals, a central narrative revolves around developing their young core. Can these rising stars propel the team to a World Series championship? The Nationals' front office has staked its future on the abundance of young talent acquired through trades and drafts, banking on them to form the bedrock of a winning franchise. Is this the right approach? Only time will tell. However, the strategy might pay off if the first two games this weekend are any indication.

Even at this early stage, it's evident that this infusion of young talent permeates the Nationals' minor league system. The Nationals appear to have done an excellent job building depth, from pitching prospects like Brad Lord, Jarlin Susana, and Tyler Stuart, to infielders like Brady House and Yohandy Morales, and outfielders like Robert Hassell III. The future looks promising. This weekend, the young core showcased their potential with aggressive baserunning, smart decision-making, and—most importantly—demonstrated impressive power at the plate.

Over the weekend on the mound, we saw some impressive pitching from Brad Lord, who, in his first appearance for 2025 and first inning of work, easily retired the side by only throwing eight pitches. Overall, this pitching performance was quite impressive. Suppose he does continue with this type of performance during Spring Training. In that case, there should be a serious discussion on him making the Opening Day Roster either in the Bullpen or until Josiah Gray returns from the IL.

PROSPECT PROFILE
Robert Hassell III

In the first two games, Robert Hassell III has been on fire, going 3-for-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI, SB, and making impressive catches in the outfield. Hassell is making a case for starting his 2025 season up in Rochester.

Hassell went 3-6 in the two games with 3 RBIs, two extra-base hits, and one stolen base. Defensively, Hassell also made a spectacular diving catch, robbing Wyatt Ford of a hit. Going into today’s day off, Hassell must feel good about how well his Spring is starting on his quest to make the Nationals’ Opening Day Roster.

On August 2, 2022, Hassell, along with CJ Abrams, Luke Voit, MacKenzie Gore, James Wood, and Jarlin Susana, were traded to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Juan Soto and Josh Bell. Six of those players were in the Nats’ uniforms this weekend, proudly playing for Washington. At the time of the trade, Rob Hassell III was the number #1 prospect in the San Diego organization.

When Hassell first arrived to begin play in the Nationals’ organization in August 2022, he was first assigned to A+ Wilmington, where he played ten games before being promoted to AA Harrisburg. After the 2022 season ended, the Nationals sent Hassell to the Fall League in Arizona. He then received what had proven to be a devastating injury when the left-handed batter fractured the hamate bone in his right wrist when a pitch hit him. This injury set the stage for his next two seasons. It would become a story of recovery, frustration, and perseverance. For the hamate bone surgery, if it’s a simple fracture, the player can usually return to play after two months. This injury proved not to be simple.

2025 SPRING TRAINING COVERAGE
Dylan Crews shows promise in early Spring Training action

Washington Nationals' top draft pick, Dylan Crews, is making a strong impression in spring training in the two games that have already been played. In Sunday's 11-6 victory over the New York Mets, Crews tripled, walked twice, scored two runs, and stole a base. This performance follows a 1-for-2 outing in the Nationals' opening game against the Houston Astros. The 22-year-old outfielder, who debuted late last season, is projected to be the starting right fielder this year.

Crews played 31 games for the Nationals after his August 26th debut, hitting .218 with five doubles, a triple, three home runs, eight RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. He views last season as a learning experience, focused on establishing routines and acclimating to the major league environment. "Last year was kind of like a year where I was trying to figure out routines and everything, just figuring out what I need to do to be a part of the team, really,” Crews told MLB.com. “But I feel like this year, I have a good feeling of what to do and how the whole thing operates. Now, it's just full go from here. I know what to expect and what I’ve got to do to be prepared for the season.”

Nationals manager Dave Martinez has confirmed Crews' role in right field and praised his work ethic and attention to detail. "Yeah, look, I told him [Dylan Crews] right now, he's the right fielder, right?" Martinez said. He highlighted Crews' dedication to improving his swing and his understanding of the strike zone, noting his exceptional plate discipline from his college career.

Martinez also emphasized Crews' defensive abilities and baserunning skills, expressing excitement about his potential impact this season. "He's definitely going to help us win games. And he’s the one, the one kid that we have that pays attention to detail. I mean, day in, day out," Martinez added. He described how Crews diligently studies opposing pitchers and hitters, demonstrating a strong desire to learn and improve.

"He watches everybody's at-bat," Martinez explained. "He's really learning. He's watching all the pitchers that he faces because he knows these guys are going to be in the league, and they're going to; he's going to face him again this year." Martinez also confirmed Crews' routine and preparation for the season, stating, "He's scheduled to start in a couple of days. That's his routine, like he hasn't really.

He's worked on some things, but he's been, he's been really good. He's very routine-oriented in a good way." The team's focus for Crews, according to Martinez, is to "focus on staying in the middle of the field, hitting the ball."

⏳ SPEED READS

What we think the Washington Nationals front office is reading

📌 Westbrook inks Minors deal, ready for next chapter with Rays (MiLB) 

📌 Rangers Sign Kevin Pillar To Minor League Deal (MLB Trade Rumors)

📌 Redbirds president Craig Unger on the challenge of selling the minor league baseball experience in Memphis (Memphis Business Journal)