The Washington Nationals enter the second half of the 2025 season with a disappointing 37-50 record, sitting in last place in the NL East. Despite the struggles, this rebuilding franchise faces critical decisions about resource allocation as they prepare for upcoming games and the trade deadline approaching on July 31st.
The Pitching Crisis Demands Immediate Attention
The Nationals’ pitching staff has been historically poor in 2025, ranking 28th in MLB with a 5.09 ERA and allowing 456 runs through 87 games. Their bullpen has been particularly catastrophic, posting the worst ERA in baseball at 6.69 through mid-season. Nine different relievers have logged at least five innings, with seven posting ERAs of 5.87 or worse. This pitching collapse has been the primary driver of their struggles, as they’ve allowed 68 more runs than they’ve scored.
The starting rotation shows promise with MacKenzie Gore leading MLB with 53 strikeouts and Mitchell Parker providing solid innings, but beyond those two, the depth is concerning. Gore’s 3.09 ERA represents the team’s lone bright spot, while veteran additions Trevor Williams and Michael Soroka have struggled with injuries and inconsistency. The rotation lacks the depth necessary to compete in meaningful games.
Offensive Foundation Shows Promise
While the pitching crumbles, the Nationals’ offensive foundation appears more stable. James Wood has emerged as a legitimate star, leading the team with 23 home runs, 67 RBIs, and a .294 batting average. His .395 on-base percentage and .563 slugging percentage suggest he’s developed into the franchise cornerstone many projected. CJ Abrams has been equally impressive, posting a .286 average with 12 home runs and 18 stolen bases while providing solid defense at shortstop.
The lineup ranks 14th in MLB with 388 runs scored, a respectable output that’s been overshadowed by the pitching struggles. Luis García Jr. has contributed a .272 average with 40 RBIs, while the team’s young core continues developing. However,
Dylan Crews’ disappointing .196 batting average in 45 games represented a concern, but then he got things going and days later he injured his oblique. .
Early Rounds and Trade Considerations
As the Nationals prepare for their upcoming homestand against Boston and their second-half schedule featuring series against San Diego and Cincinnati, the team faces crucial decisions about their direction. With the trade deadline looming, MLB odds heavily favor Washington being sellers rather than buyers, given their position 14 games out of first place and virtually eliminated from playoff contention.
The front office must decide whether to prioritize immediate pitching help or continue building the offensive foundation. Several veteran relievers and rental players like Josh Bell and Amed Rosario could be moved to acquire pitching prospects or young arms who can contribute immediately. Kyle Finnegan, despite his struggles, remains the team’s most valuable trade chip among relievers.
The Verdict: Pitching Must Take Priority
The evidence overwhelmingly suggests the Nationals should prioritize pitching in any early-round decisions or trade scenarios. While the offensive core shows promise with Wood, Abrams, and García Jr. forming a solid foundation, the pitching staff’s historically poor performance makes it impossible to evaluate other aspects of the team fairly.
The bullpen’s 6.69 ERA represents a fundamental flaw that undermines any progress made elsewhere. Starting pitching depth beyond Gore and Parker remains questionable, with the team’s 5.09 team ERA ranking among the worst in franchise history. No amount of offensive production can overcome allowing nearly six runs per game.
The Nationals’ prospect pipeline includes promising arms like Travis Sykora and Jarlin Susana, but both 20-year-old pitchers remain at least a year away from contributing. The organization needs immediate pitching help to provide a foundation for their developing hitters to showcase their abilities in competitive games.
With 75 games remaining in the season, the Nationals face a critical juncture. Their offensive foundation appears sustainable, but the pitching crisis threatens to derail the entire rebuilding effort. Whether through trades, callups, or creative roster moves, addressing the pitching shortage must be the organization’s top priority as they navigate the remainder of 2025 and prepare for future success.
