The Washington Nationals kick off their Spring Training schedule against the Houston Astros on February 22, a crucial time for a young, rebuilding team. The team is watching several players closely this spring, including third baseman Brady House, the No. 11 overall pick in 2021, who must improve from a disappointing .250 BA last season in Triple-A. Right fielder Dylan Crews, the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, needs to solidify his Rookie of the Year candidacy after a challenging debut. Starter Cade Cavalli returns from Tommy John surgery with high expectations, while relief pitcher Jose Ferrer, the youngest in the Nationals’ bullpen, aims to become a key player. Veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, coming from the Texas Rangers, is expected to provide stability in this youthful roster.

Spencer Horwitz, recently traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, is set to miss most of spring training due to wrist surgery. The 27-year-old first baseman, who posted a .265 average with 12 home runs in 2023 while with Toronto, is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. Pirates GM Ben Cherington confirmed that the team was aware of Horwitz's chronic wrist issue, but new symptoms prompted the surgery. In Horwitz's absence, the Pirates have several options to fill the first base role, including Jared Triolo and Darick Hall, both of whom have shown promise in prior seasons.

While Bryan Reynolds was briefly considered for first base duties during practice, the team's focus remains on his role as an outfielder. Endy Rodriguez, another key player, will continue as catcher as he recovers from elbow surgery. The Pirates seem poised to adapt quickly to Horwitz's absence, leveraging their internal talent to maintain competitiveness as they head into the new season.

The Washington Nationals are gearing up for a competitive spring training camp, filled with intriguing battles for their starting pitcher slots. With the recent returns of Trevor Williams and the signing of Michael Soroka, the Nationals have four candidates vying for the fifth starting spot behind MacKenzie Gore and Jake Irvin. Notably, Japanese talent Shinnosuke Ogasawara has been brought in specifically to compete for this role, boasting a commendable 3.62 ERA over 161 games in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Performance during camp will be critical, as Ogasawara could also start in the bullpen if he doesn't secure a starters' position right away. Other contenders include Mitchell Parker, DJ Herz, and Cade Cavalli, each bringing their own strengths. While Cavalli is still recovering from injury, Parker and Herz aim to leverage their strong rookie seasons to secure a spot. Ultimately, the competition remains open, and only the top performers will earn a place in the rotation when the season begins.