The Washington Nationals are deep into a rebuilding phase, having consistently underperformed since their historic World Series win. The team has finished last in their division four out of the last five seasons, with back-to-back 71-win campaigns highlighting the ongoing youth movement. As one of the youngest rosters in Major League Baseball, the Nationals are focusing on developing their talent while aiming to improve their performance in the upcoming season.
A successful season often hinges on a reliable starting rotation, and for the Nationals, this will be crucial as they seek to limit runs and support their developing hitters. The projected starting rotation for the 2024 season includes several promising young arms. Leading the rotation is MacKenzie Gore, who emerged as the team's best starter in 2024, achieving a 3.90 ERA over 32 starts and showing significant potential.
Following Gore is Jake Irvin, who improved upon his rookie season with a 4.41 ERA and demonstrated the ability to handle a full workload. Michael Soroka, a notable offseason acquisition, brings experience and hopes to regain his form after battling injuries. Mitchell Parker, who debuted in 2024, impressed with a 4.29 ERA, while DJ Herz contributed with a solid performance post-All-Star break. Although depth is a concern, the Nationals possess a promising rotation that could stabilize their efforts in 2025, provided the pitchers can stay healthy and continue to develop.
