Eager Nationals open spring training with several players reporting early

The groundhog saw his shadow and a blanket of snow covered the District region this week. But the “pop” of catchers’ mitts and “sizzle” of fastballs returned to Florida ballparks on Wednesday, marking the start of MLB spring training and a step toward warmer seasons.

Washington Nationals pitchers and catchers reported to training in West Palm Beach, Florida, signaling that Old Man Winter is on his way out the door.

Washington manager Dave Martinez had been eagerly waiting to reunite with his players, noting that he arrived in Florida a week early. He couldn’t resist the excitement that comes with a new season.

He wasn’t alone. Several position players, including shortstop C.J. Abrams and utility infielder Trey Lipscomb, practiced on Wednesday, almost a week before they were required to arrive.

“To see all the guys that have been here and have been working out every day, it’s been awesome,” Martinez said. “It’s a testament to where this game is going and where we’re at. They take it to heart when we say, ‘Day one, you need to show up like we got a game that day.’ They’re all ready.”

The early arrivals include promising youngsters coming off encouraging major league debuts, returning veterans and a handful of free-agent and trade acquisitions.

First baseman Nathaniel Lowe, formerly of the Texas Rangers, projects to be an everyday player for Washington this season. With Silver Slugger and Gold Gloves already on his resume, the 29-year-old fills what was a clear hole in the Nationals’ lineup. 

Josh Bell, a fellow first baseman who will likely start as a designated hitter, also joined the club this offseason. He slugged 19 home runs and 71 RBIs in 145 games with the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024.

“We made some unbelievable acquisitions that are going to help us this year,” Martinez said, singling out Lowe and Bell. “We’re excited about the guys we got.”

The signing of Bell is part of a broader effort by Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo to bring more power to a roster that finished 29th in home runs last season. 

“In the past, we’ve hit a lot of ground balls. We’ve talked a lot this winter about how the next step is to teach these guys how to get the ball consistently in the air the right way,” Martinez said, noting that Wood, Bell and Lowe could become consistent home-run hitters in the middle of the lineup.

The pitching staff also had room for improvement. 

Rizzo signed left-hander Shinnosuke Ogasawara (the first Japanese signing in team history) and Michael Soroka to bolster the starting rotation and bullpen. It’s unclear whether Ogasawara and Soroka will begin the season as starters in a rotation that already features Mackenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Trevor Williams and Mitchell Parker. 

Both new additions will have a shot to establish themselves in spring training, though. 

“Right now, I just want these guys to get out there and compete and stay healthy,” Martinez said. “We’ll have some tough decisions to make at the end of camp, but all these guys are going to get an opportunity to pitch. They’re all going to get their innings in.”

The manager noted that his squad isn’t fully formed yet, either. He’s looking for more bullpen arms, especially those who could help close out games. 

“[Rizzo] is constantly looking to get us better. We might be adding some more players here in the near future, definitely some more bullpen help if we can,” Martinez said. “But my focus is on the guys at camp.”

But Washington’s 2025 campaign likely won’t be defined by the veterans. All eyes will be on the youngsters, many of whom made their MLB debuts but could become everyday starters this season. 

The outfield, Martinez confirmed, will feature a trio of these young stars. James Wood, once the No. 1 prospect in MLB, will start in left field. Gold Glove finalist Jacob Young will roam center while Dylan Crews — the No. 2 pick in the 2023 MLB draft — will start in right.

With that group anchoring the lineup alongside young infielders like Abrams, Lipscomb and current top prospect Brady House, the future looks bright for Washington. 

“You have to do what you have to do to sustain greatness,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told season ticket holders last month. “By having a core group of guys who will be with you through those years. … When your [prospect] stars become [MLB] stars — that’s when you take off.”