Drafting power hitters and pitchers early can leave you lacking in stolen bases, but there are valuable late-round picks with speed potential to consider. Target players like Victor Robles of the Seattle Mariners, who led with a career-high 34 steals and boasts a strong offensive line.

Jacob Young from the Washington Nationals, although lacking power, swiped 33 bags in 2024, while Jose Caballero and Dylan Moore from Tampa Bay and Seattle, respectively, also provide speed with strong defensive metrics. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles offers significant upside with his ability to contribute both power and speed.

The Washington Nationals face scrutiny after an offseason that some analysts deem underwhelming. With an eye on rebuilding, the team has a promising core led by young talents like James Wood and Dylan Crews. The 2024 season sees a blend of seasoned veterans like Josh Bell and Nathaniel Lowe to shore up weaknesses, particularly in their infield. Re-signing Trevor Williams adds veteran stability to the rotation, while Jorge Lopez looks to enhance the bullpen. Despite tough competition in the NL East, the Nationals aim to push towards a .500 record, signaling a potential bounce-back after years of struggle.

The Washington Nationals are gradually emerging from a challenging period following their 2019 World Series victory. In the last two seasons, the team has only managed to win 71 games, highlighting the severity of their rebuilding phase. However, signs of improvement are evident as a promising young core begins to take shape, instilling hope among fans.

Among the standout newcomers are outfielders James Wood, Jacob Young, and Dylan Crews, all of whom made their Major League debuts in 2024. Wood has quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing a blend of power and speed that could make him a 30/30 candidate. Young, while not as productive offensively, has impressed with his defensive skills, earning a spot as a Gold Glove finalist. Crews, the second overall pick in the 2023 draft, possesses the potential to become a star, setting the stage for a competitive upcoming season.

The Washington Nationals are generating significant buzz as their young talent begins to shine in the Major Leagues during the 2024 season. The spotlight is particularly on their lineup of promising hitters, with left fielder James Wood and right fielder Dylan Crews leading the charge. Wood, a key acquisition from the Juan Soto trade with the San Diego Padres, made an impressive debut on July 1. His formidable stature of 6'7" and 234 pounds, coupled with his athleticism, suggests he could become a key power hitter in the lineup. Although his defensive skills require improvement, his offensive potential is evident.

Crews, the top-ranked prospect in baseball, also exhibits significant talent, even if his debut was less sensational. The Nationals' infield boasts a strong young duo in shortstop CJ Abrams and second baseman Luis Garcia Jr., while Jacob Young's Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field adds stability. However, the pitching staff remains a concern for the team, both now and looking ahead.

MacKenzie Gore, another piece from the Soto trade, has shown promise as a potential ace, displaying inconsistency throughout the season but finishing strong. Jake Irvin has stepped up as a reliable No. 2 starter, while rookies Mitchell Parker and DJ Herz exceeded expectations in their roles. The future looks bright with Travis Sykora, a developing pitcher in the minors, who has been recognized for his impressive performance in Single-A. At just 20 years old, Sykora's combination of size and skill, including a high strikeout rate, positions him as a potential top-of-the-rotation arm, with an ETA for the majors set for 2027.

The Washington Nationals are focused on improving their roster during the offseason to aim for an 80-win season. After missing the playoffs in 2024, the team is in the midst of a rebuild but has seen promising performances from young players like CJ Abrams and Luis Garcia Jr.

To enhance their chances of returning to contention, the Nationals will need to seek veteran leadership, as emphasized by President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo. Potential free-agent targets include established stars like Pete Alonso and Paul Goldschmidt.