The Washington Nationals are gearing up for their Opening Day game against the Phillies, which is just two weeks away! With that in mind, it’s time to predict the lineup for the day. It’s important to note that the Phillies’ Opening Day starter, Zack Wheeler, throws right-handed.
1. CJ Abrams, SS
This selection is a no-brainer. Manager Davey Martinez has confirmed that Abrams will lead off. Despite a rocky second half last season, the Nationals still believe in their young shortstop. CJ has shown his best performances when batting first, where he appears to play with more confidence. He will take the first at-bat of the season for the Nationals.
2. Dylan Crews, RF
This pick might seem a bit daring given Crews’ limited MLB experience, but it’s likely he’ll be slotted into the second position. A key reason for this is Crews’ right-handed bat, which the Nationals need to balance their left-heavy lineup. Martinez prefers not to have too many hitters of the same handedness in succession, making Crews a good fit for the two-hole.
3. James Wood, LF
The Nationals’ most promising hitter is projected to hit third. Expectations are high for the imposing slugger in 2025, with some suggesting he could hit as many as 35 home runs this season. Wood has the raw power to deliver on this potential, despite needing to improve his ground ball rate. Even so, he had a productive half-season at just 21 years old.
4. Nathaniel Lowe, 1B
Nathaniel Lowe is a key new addition and was the biggest move for the Nationals this offseason. Having been a sturdy presence in a strong Texas Rangers lineup, he offers an above-average bat and a knack for getting on base, which adds depth to the lineup. Although he hasn’t hit for traditional cleanup power recently, Lowe is expected to be a leader among the younger players.
5. Josh Bell, DH
Although Luis Garcia Jr. is a potential candidate here, three consecutive lefties is unlikely to be appealing for Martinez. Consequently, switch-hitting Bell is anticipated to occupy the fifth spot, aiming to regain some lost power. The Nationals are counting on him to slug around 25 home runs this season, and his prior popularity in the community adds to his value.
6. Luis Garcia Jr., 2B
Garcia had an impressive breakout year in 2024 and was arguably the Nationals’ best hitter. There’s a strong case for him to be placed higher in the order, but this lineup suggests the added depth available. If Garcia can maintain or enhance his performance from last season, he could become one of the top second basemen in the league.
7. Keibert Ruiz, C
Keibert Ruiz has been displaying excellent form this spring, showcasing his power with three home runs. This improvement is crucial for him to bounce back from a tough 2024 season. While his bat-to-ball skills have never been in question, he struggled with weak contact last year. The upcoming season is a pivotal one for the 26-year-old catcher.
8. Paul DeJong, 3B
Paul DeJong is likely to be the Opening Day third baseman after signing a one-year contract just before Spring Training. The veteran has stood out defensively at third base and has shown glimpses of his power, hitting 24 home runs last year. The Nationals are in need of power hitters, making DeJong a significant asset.
9. Jacob Young, CF
Jacob Young will serve as an effective second leadoff option for the Nationals. His speed and ability to make contact make him a challenging out for pitchers at the tail end of the lineup. Although not expected to be a power hitter, if he can hit around eight home runs, it would significantly benefit the team. He’s also a stellar defensive center fielder, but his spot could be at risk if his offensive performance doesn’t improve.
This is my prediction for the Opening Day lineup. We will find out how accurate this assessment is when the Nationals take on the Phillies on March 27th for their Opening Day.
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