The Washington Nationals are optimistic after a 71-win season in 2023, marking a 16-game improvement. This success is particularly promising for a rebuilding team, thanks to the emergence of young position players like James Wood and Dylan Crews.

As the Nationals look to solidify their starting rotation, they have a promising group of young pitchers including Jake Irvin, MacKenzie Gore, DJ Herz, and Mitchell Parker. With veterans Patrick Corbin and Trevor Williams entering free agency, the team will need to invest in a strong front-end starter to complement their young talent.

The Washington Nationals' 2024 season mirrored their 2023 record with 71 wins, raising concerns for some. However, the team's heavy reliance on a youthful roster is a promising sign of progress.

Manager Dave Martinez navigated through the ups and downs of developing young talent, including Major League debuts from top prospects James Wood and Dylan Crews. CJ Abrams, the team's sole All-Star, faced challenges, while Luis Garcia Jr. shone as a standout second baseman.

On the pitching front, MacKenzie Gore emerged as a top performer, complemented by solid contributions from Jake Irvin and promising rookies Mitchell Parker and DJ Herz. President of baseball operations Mike Rizzo emphasized the need for strategic improvements through free agency and trades, hinting at potential moves that could reshape the franchise's future.

The Washington Nationals concluded their 2024 season with a 6-3 defeat against the Philadelphia Phillies, finishing with a 71-91 record, mirroring last year's performance.

Despite the disappointing record, general manager Mike Rizzo is optimistic about the team's future, highlighting the progress of young players like CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. Rizzo believes the youth and development within the organization signal a positive trend.

With potential free agency moves on the horizon, the Nationals aim to strengthen their roster for a playoff push in 2025.

Kyle Schwarber and Weston Wilson each contributed two RBIs as the Philadelphia Phillies secured a 6-3 victory over the Washington Nationals, avoiding a series sweep. This win marks the Phillies' highest victory total since 2011, finishing the season with a 95-67 record, second in the National League.

Aaron Nola earned his 14th win, striking out seven in five-plus innings. The Phillies will enter the playoffs with a bye, set to face either the Milwaukee Brewers or the NL's third wild card in the upcoming division series.

The final Sunday of MLB’s regular season features 15 games, all starting at 3 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia Phillies, led by Aaron Nola, are poised to secure a victory against the Washington Nationals, having performed well against them this season.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves are in contention for a wild-card spot and are expected to continue their winning streak against the struggling Kansas City Royals. Both teams have key players on the mound, with Nola and Charlie Morton aiming for strong performances.