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.

The Washington Nationals are looking to turn the page on a challenging phase of their franchise history as Manager Dave Martinez enters his eighth season in charge. Following a tumultuous decade that included a World Series championship, the focus is now on building a competitive roster. Emphasizing a winning culture, Martinez has instilled a new mindset among his core players, urging them to perform at their best as they prepare for the 2025 season.

With promising young talents like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams set to be integral parts of the lineup, optimism is brewing. Recent acquisitions such as Paul DeJong, Nathaniel Lowe, and Amed Rosario are expected to bolster the batting order, providing stability and depth. The team aims to improve on last season’s 71-91 record, and with a revamped bullpen and developing pitching staff, the Nationals are eager to rise once again in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.

With spring training approaching, CBS Sports has compiled a top 50 prospects list based on insights from scouts and analysts. The rankings reflect a blend of statistical analysis and individual scouting reports, showcasing players poised to impact Major League Baseball soon.

Leading the list is Boston Red Sox's Roman Anthony, a young outfielder with impressive metrics from Triple-A play. Right behind him is Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals, who possesses solid offensive potential. Other notable mentions include Kristian Campbell, Walker Jenkins, and Jackson Jobe, all showcasing a blend of talent and promise as they prepare for their MLB debuts.

Batting average, once the quintessential measure of hitting prowess, is now relegated to a historical statistic in Major League Baseball (MLB). Despite its decline in relevance, batting average remains a crucial category in fantasy baseball, especially in traditional 5x5 leagues. Finding players who can meet or exceed a .300 average is increasingly challenging, with recent seasons showing a marked decrease in qualified hitters achieving this milestone. As fantasy players prepare for the 2025 MLB season, identifying lesser-known players with potential batting average upside is essential.

Xavier Edwards of the Miami Marlins, Jung Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants, Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals, Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels, and Jacob Wilson of the Oakland Athletics are highlighted as possible contributors. Each of these players brings unique skills that could enhance batting average, making them valuable assets in fantasy drafts.

The MLB is experiencing a promising wave of prospects ready to make their mark in fantasy leagues by 2025. Top names such as Dylan Crews, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year with the Washington Nationals, belting three homers and stealing 12 bases. His blend of speed and power makes him a coveted fantasy asset despite his struggles with batting average. Meanwhile, Jasson Dominguez of the New York Yankees displayed an impressive minor league performance prior to injuries, and is set to step into a prominent role in the Yankees' lineup after the trade of Juan Soto. Roman Anthony, boasting a stellar Triple-A season, is another standout who could thrive in Boston. With an array of talented young players on the cusp of contributing, the landscape of fantasy baseball is shifting in exciting ways.