The baseball season is heating up, and this week’s Players to Watch includes key names like Rafael Devers and Dylan Crews, both of whom are struggling early in the season. Devers, despite being fully healthy, has not recorded a hit, setting a record with 12 strikeouts in his first 16 at-bats. Meanwhile, Crews shares a similar fate, with a risk of demotion if his performance does not improve. In contrast, Keibert Ruiz of the Nationals is thriving with impressive stats and offers significant fantasy potential. Josh Smith steps in for the injured Josh Jung and could be a valuable short-term option for managers. As pitchers, Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize are ready for their first starts of the season, showcasing promising skills after injuries. Keep an eye on these players for your fantasy lineup this week!

Drafting a catcher can be a daunting task in fantasy baseball, especially when some highly drafted players may not provide the value expected. Adley Rutschman, ranked as the second catcher in drafts, struggled significantly in the second half of 2024, hitting just .207 with a poor OPS. His declining bat speed and inability to handle right-handed pitching raise concerns about his performance moving forward. Will Smith also faced challenges, with rising strikeout rates indicating a potential decline as he approached 30. J.T. Realmuto's age is showing, with decreased power and stolen bases, suggesting a shift towards younger options may be prudent. Keibert Ruiz and Tyler Stephenson present additional risks with poor performance metrics that question their fantasy viability. The catcher's landscape is shifting, encouraging fantasy managers to explore alternatives for value.

In the realm of fantasy baseball, knowing which players to avoid can be just as crucial as identifying breakout stars. For the upcoming season, several hitters from National League teams are projected to be overvalued based on their past performances and current ADPs. CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals, who had a promising start, saw a sharp decline in his numbers as the season progressed, raising concerns about his consistency. Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers, while extremely fast, struggles to contribute significantly in other categories, making his ADP unsustainable. Philadelphia's Bryson Stott and Trea Turner also raise eyebrows; Stott offers little more than speed, and Turner's declining stolen base count is concerning. Lastly, Keibert Ruiz's poor performance with the Nationals raises questions about his viability as a catcher in fantasy leagues.

The Washington Nationals are gearing up for the 2024 offseason with a focus on strengthening their roster. General manager Mike Rizzo emphasized the need for impactful additions, particularly to support their young core.

While the team has yet to make significant signings, several power hitters like Christian Walker and Pete Alonso remain available. Additionally, Anthony Santander could be a valuable addition after a standout season.

The Nationals also need to address their pitching rotation, as veterans Patrick Corbin and Trevor Williams are set to hit free agency. The team is currently relying on younger pitchers like MacKenzie Gore and Jake Irvin, but adding a seasoned veteran could enhance their competitiveness.

Reflecting on past successes, the Nationals' acquisition of Max Scherzer in 2015 is highlighted as a pivotal moment that transformed the franchise. Scherzer's performance solidified his status as one of the greats, contributing significantly to the team's World Series victory in 2019.

The Washington Nationals are eyeing a surprising Wild Card contention in 2025, drawing parallels to the New York Mets' unexpected success. With a youthful core, including Keibert Ruiz and CJ Abrams, the team is developing chemistry that could lead to significant progress.

However, the absence of an MVP-caliber player like Francisco Lindor poses a challenge. Strategic moves and breakout performances could still propel the Nationals into playoff discussions.