It’s the middle of the 2024 MLB season, and the Washington Nationals are 44-53, the third-worst record in the National League. Yet, due to a weak National League Wild Card race, there is still time for the Nats to catch up and make a late postseason push. Even if they don’t make the postseason, they have the right pieces to head in that direction. Here is what to expect from Washington for the second half of the season.
Expectations For the Nationals After the All-Star Break
James Wood Performs Better
Outfielder James Wood’s major league debut finally arrived. Still, two weeks after that, he’s currently batting .245 with only two extra-base hits on the season, which came in the same game against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 6. His only home run also came in that contest, as he has seven RBI and is 5-for-24 in his last seven games.
Over the next week, Wood could start getting some help from his hitting coaches on elevating the ball better because he can hit the ball hard and has a great exit velocity. Granted, the rookie had a much better first week of his major league career than his second week, but everybody has gone through a slump at least once, as he still has time, and this is just an adjustment period for him.
Juan Yepez Continues His Hot Streak in the Second Half
New Nationals first baseman Juan Yepez has had quite the run since being promoted. He has a hit in each of his ten games played. Stat-wise, Yepez has 14 hits in 43 plate appearances and is currently slashing an impressive .378/.465/.541.
Yepez has been a quality replacement at first base for Joey Meneses, who has been underwhelming this season after a strong 2022 and 2023. While it’s unknown if Yepez is part of the long-term plan for Washington, his presence could help lengthen a lineup that has been lukewarm offensively the past few weeks.
Kyle Finnegan Trade Rumors
Closer Kyle Finnegan has had a solid season for the Nationals with 25 saves (3rd in MLB). He was the club’s lone NL All-Star roster as a last-minute addition. However, rumors about him being traded to a contender that could use him continue to exist.
Finnegan’s former teammate, Hunter Harvey, was recently traded to the Kansas City Royals. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is making tons of changes to the bullpen.
Josiah Gray May Not Return This Season
Josiah Gray was the Opening Day starter for Washington on March 28. He struggled in both of his two mound appearances earlier in the season. Since then, Gray has been on the injured list with a right elbow injury. On July 5, he was transferred to the 60-day IL, with the possibility that he could undergo extensive elbow surgery.
At the moment, the Nationals already have some strong starters in the rotation. Players such as Jake Irvin, MacKenzie Gore, and rookie Mitchell Parker. Likely, Gray will not return to Washington’s rotation for the rest of 2024 or longer.
Main Photo Credits: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
