The Ottawa Nationals are heading into the 2025 Belted Deep Baseball season feeling a lot like a Rodney Dangerfield routine – they just get no respect, no respect at all! Despite a solid 88–74 record last year and a surprise wildcard berth, the preseason predictions have them pegged to finish dead last in the highly competitive Robinson Division. Manager Dave Barras might need to brush up on his one-liners, because every analyst and their dog is predicting a rough road ahead for his club. The league’s number-crunchers looked at Ottawa’s Team WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and effectively said, “What’s the opposite of a WAR? A surrender?” In a division full of heavyweights, the Nationals are projected as the featherweight – and you can bet they’re feeling the lack of respect.
But hey, with low expectations comes the element of surprise. Ottawa is primed to embrace the underdog role with a chip on their shoulder (and maybe a chip in their clubhouse snack stash – it’s a long season, after all). In true Dangerfield fashion, the Nationals are saying, “Last place? We’re honored… it’s the only place we can’t fall any lower!” Get ready for a preseason preview that’s equal parts analysis and self-deprecating humor – the kind of preview where if you laugh, the Nationals might just laugh along to keep from crying.
The Robinson Division Gauntlet
Welcome to the Robinson Division, a veritable gauntlet where even the basement is a battle. Last year, three of four teams in this division finished at or above .500, making it one of the toughest houses on the block. The Bristol Wicketmen are the reigning champs, coming off a 106-win seasonand a league title (their third). Bristol’s so good, even their water boy has a championship ring. When Ottawa visits Bristol, the Nationals might feel like they’re opening for a headliner at Dangerfield’s comedy club – hoping just to get a polite chuckle while the crowd saves the real applause for the main act. In other words, Bristol’s roster gets the ovations; Ottawa’s roster gets “better luck next time.” No respect!
And it’s not just Bristol. The Beaconsfield Pathfinders are no pushovers either – they finished just shy of .500 last year and have been reloading to close the gap. Word around the league is that Beaconsfield’s front office spent the winter finding a path to more WAR, while Ottawa spent it wondering if WAR stood for “We Are Rebuilding.” The Nationals will have to contend with Beaconsfield’s improvements at every turn. Even the Montreal Menace, who languished at 65–97 last year, are looking to menace the division more seriously now. In fact, some predictions have Montreal climbing out of the cellar – meaning the one team Ottawa beat in the standings might leapfrog them. Ouch! When the last-place team from a year ago is projected to leave you in the dust, you know you’ve got a tough crowd.
So here sit the Nationals, picked by pundits to finish fourth out of four. The division outlook reads like a bad joke at Ottawa’s expense: “The Robinson Division? It’s Bristol and the other guys… and then the Nationals bringing up the rear.” The Nats’ Team WAR is reportedly the lowest of the bunch (we hear even the calculators in the front office rolled their eyes). One rival GM allegedly quipped, “Ottawa’s WAR? I’ve seen higher numbers on a pH scale.” It’s a brutal assessment. But if you think Dave Barras’ boys are just gonna lie down and accept it, think again. They’re using this lack of respect as bulletin-board material – literally, they’ve pinned all the grim predictions up in the locker room, right next to Dangerfield’s famous catchphrase.
Before the season kicks off, let’s break down this team – the bats and the arms – and see if we can find some hope amid the jokes. After all, the Nationals might be underdogs, but underdogs have a funny way of biting back when least expected (or at least delivering a few punchlines on their way down).
Hitting: Swinging for Respect (and the Fences)
The Nationals’ lineup in 2025 has more storylines than a comedy roast. There are genuine bright spots with the bat… and a few spots as dark as the humor we’re leaning on. Last year, the offense wasn’t terrible – they scored 773 runs, which isn’t too shabby – but consistency was harder to find than a polite umpire in Philly. This year’s hitters are determined to prove they can hang with the division’s best, but they’ll need to address some serious highs and lows. Let’s meet the cast, shall we?
- Marcell Ozuna (DH) – The undisputed powerhouse of Ottawa’s lineup. Ozuna crushed 39 home runs last year, drove in over 100, and slashed .302/.378/.546, good for a team-best 4.7 WAR. Those are legit All-Star numbers – in fact, Ozuna’s bat was so hot, fire departments in Ottawa issued a warning for spontaneous combustion. He’s the kind of guy who can carry an offense on his back. The only problem? Sometimes it feels like he has to carry it all by himself. As Dangerfield might say, “Ozuna’s got power – he hits moonshots! But with this team’s luck, when he hits a solo homer, even the moon might not acknowledge it.” If anyone in this lineup commands respect, it’s Ozuna… now if only opposing pitchers would stop intentionally walking him because they don’t fear whoever’s up next.
- Trea Turner (SS) – Turner is the Nationals’ spark plug – a dynamic leadoff-type star with a rare blend of power and speed. In an injury-shortened campaign (121 games), he still popped 21 homers and swiped 19 bases, hitting .295 in the process. That was good for 3.9 WAR in roughly 3/4 of a season. When healthy, Turner can do it all: hit, run, field, maybe even sell popcorn in the stands between innings. He’s so fast, rumor has it he can steal first base – that’s how eager he is to get something started for this team. But here’s the rub: Turner spent a chunk of last year on the shelf, and without him the lineup often looked as lively as a comedy club at 9 AM. Ottawa needs Turner on the field and wreaking havoc. As Dangerfield might put it, “With Trea’s talent, the Nats have a fighting chance – but if he takes another mid-season vacation, this offense will be on permanent break!” No respect for a schedule without Turner – so here’s hoping he’s full-go in 2025.
- Ian Happ (LF) and Seiya Suzuki (RF) – The corner outfield duo brings a dose of steady production. Happ quietly put up 25 homers and 13 steals with a .341 OBP, while Suzuki hit .283 with 21 homers and 16 steals– each tallying a solid 3.6 WAR last year in their everyday roles (and yes, that’s each). In most divisions, a pair of 3.5-WAR outfielders is reason to celebrate. In the Robinson Division, it’s more like “yeah, join the club.” Still, these two are bona fide contributors. Happ is that switch-hitter who’ll take his walks and occasionally ambush a pitcher. Suzuki is a hitting machine – apparently, he adapted to North American pitching faster than you can say “sushi roll.” Together, they form a respectable heart-of-the-order presence behind Turner and Ozuna. But here’s the comedic catch: for all their solid play, neither is a mega-star that scares the daylights out of opponents. They’re the straight men in this lineup’s comedy act – delivering their lines reliably, even as Ozuna tries for the big laugh (or big fly). Dangerfield might note, “Our outfielders are good, real good – but when they walk into a bar, they still don’t get asked for autographs.” No respect, I tell ya, even when you’re doing a good job.
- Paul Goldschmidt (1B) – Ah, the veteran former MVP. Goldy might as well change his first name to “Oldie.” Last year, he hit a pedestrian .245 with 22 homers
and managed a measly 1.1 WAR. For context, that WAR is roughly one-quarter of his MVP season output – basically the baseball equivalent of a comedian bombing on a stage where he used to earn standing ovations. At 37, Goldschmidt’s power and consistency seem to be waning. He swiped 11 bags (sneaky!), but let’s be real – the Nats didn’t bring him in for his base running. They need his bat to show more life than it did. Perhaps he’s got one more big year left in him; if not, Ottawa’s offense could suffer. As Dangerfield might crack, “Goldschmidt’s not over the hill, but he’s checking out real estate on the other side. Last year he looked so slow, when he hit a double, they timed him with a calendar.” Okay, that’s exaggeration – but the Nats do need Goldy to find some vintage form. He’s supposed to be a respected elder statesman anchoring the infield; another year like 2024 and even he will be saying he gets no respect (from Father Time).
- Rhys Hoskins (DH/1B) – In theory, a right-handed power bat to complement Goldschmidt. In practice, Hoskins hit just .214 last season– yes, that’s below the Mendoza line plus your weekly sales tax. He did slug 26 homers, proving that when he connects, the ball can go a long way. Unfortunately, making contact was an issue. With only 0.1 WAR to show for his efforts, Hoskins was basically replacement-level – and that’s without playing the field (where he might do even more damage… to his own team). One might joke that Hoskins’ batting average was so low, even his on-base percentage (.303) barely beat out Ottawa’s winter temperatures. If he doesn’t improve, Dave Barras might deploy him as a very expensive pinch-hitter or a platoon option. Dangerfield would surely sympathize: “Rhys Hoskins struck out so much, when he walked past a construction site, the jackhammers got jealous.” The Nationals need Hoskins to rediscover his mojo, or at least hit enough dingers that we forget about the whiffs.
- Brendan Donovan (2B) – A bright spot of consistency. Donovan hit .278 and got on base at a .342 clip, tallying a healthy 3.2 WAR thanks to solid all-around play. He’s not a flashy name, but he might be the unsung hero of this infield – a guy who can hit a bit, field multiple positions, and grind out at-bats. In a lineup full of feast-or-famine types, Donovan is like a nice reliable side dish that compliments the meal. (Think of him as the mashed potatoes that keep the fancy steak dinner from being just steak.) He even chipped in 14 homers, proving he’s not just a slap hitter. The Nationals will take all the steadiness they can get, and Donovan provides that. Of course, in keeping with our theme: he’s quietly effective, which means outside Ottawa he gets about as much respect as a backup singer. But inside the clubhouse, they know his value. As Dangerfield might say, “Donovan’s so under-the-radar, radar guns don’t even pick him up at the airport – but he gets the job done, and on this team, we respect that even if no one else does.”
- Ozzie Albies (2B) – Splitting time at second and DH, Albies had an injury-shortened year (99 games). He hit .251 with 10 homers and posted 1.3 WAR, far below what he’s capable of when healthy. Albies is usually a firecracker – a switch-hitter with pop and speed. Ottawa traded for him hoping for some All-Star caliber play, but so far they’ve gotten more “ouch” than “wow.” If Albies can stay on the field and regain form, he’s a difference-maker atop or in the middle of the lineup. If not, the Nats essentially have a part-time spark plug that sparks only on occasion. One can imagine Barras pleading, “Ozzie, we need you out there!” in the same tone Dangerfield would use to ask for a break. “Last year Albies spent more time on the IL than on base – no respect for my health,” Ozzie might say. Ottawa is crossing fingers that 2025 is a bounce-back year for him, because an in-form Albies plus Donovan would actually make second base a strength.
- Catching Committee (Austin Wells, Yainer Diaz, J.T. Realmuto) – How many catchers does it take to get respect? Ottawa is apparently trying three. Austin Wells (youngster with pop), Yainer Diaz (hit .299 last year), and J.T. Realmuto (veteran star, hit .266 with 14 HR in a half season) are all on the roster. It’s an unusual embarrassment of riches behind the plate – collectively the trio produced over 8 WAR last year (Wells 3.4, Diaz 3.0, Realmuto 2.0), which is outstanding. The Nationals effectively have two starting-caliber catchers and a solid prospect. The plan: mix-and-match to keep them fresh, maybe use one at DH occasionally, and ride the hot hand. The reality: carrying three catchers is a luxury, and Ottawa might trade from this depth if they need help elsewhere. But for now, Barras is happy to have options. As Dangerfield would joke, “We got so many catchers, even our pitchers are asking if they can take a day off from throwing to all of them!” Or, “If you have two catchers, you have none – so we got three just to be safe.” The hope is that this catching carousel gives Ottawa an edge most teams don’t enjoy. At the very least, when it comes to respect, our catchers demand it – opposing runners will think twice before stealing, and opposing pitchers know these guys can hit a bit. It’s the rest of the squad that needs to catch up (no pun intended).
- Third Base (Ryan McMahon & Ernie Clement) – Over at the hot corner, the Nationals have a timeshare. Ryan McMahon brings a lefty power bat (20 HR) and solid glove, but with a .242 average and 1.9 WAR, he was more league-average than league-leading. Ernie Clement is the utility man extraordinaire – listed at both 3B and SS on the depth chart, doing whatever is asked. He actually surprised with 12 homers and a .263 average, notching 2.2 WAR in 139 games of do-it-all duty. In fact, Clement was so versatile the team practically cloned him to cover two positions at once (hence his stats appearing twice in the media guide). Third base isn’t a black hole for Ottawa, but it’s also not a glowing strength. It’s more of a 60-watt bulb: it’ll shed some light, just not enough to illuminate the whole room. Dangerfield might riff, “At third we got McMahon and Clement splitting time. McMahon’s the power guy – when he hits one out, fans call it a McBlast. Clement’s the utility guy – when he gets a hit, fans call it a miracle. Together they’re a decent pair, but I asked if either could pitch in relief and they told me to go take a hike. No respect for a manager’s creativity!” All kidding aside, this duo should be serviceable. Just don’t expect an MVP campaign from third base in Ottawa this year.
- Center Field (Parker Meadows & Lourdes Gurriel Jr.) – Center field looks like a platoon or a work in progress. Parker Meadows is a youngster who in 82 games showed flashes (9 HR, 9 SB, decent defense) and totaled 2.2 WAR. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., typically a corner outfielder, logged time in center as well, hitting .279 with 18 HR and matching 2.2 WAR over 133 games. Neither is a traditional star center fielder, and deploying Gurriel in center is a bit like asking Rodney Dangerfield to do Shakespeare – you can try it, but it might not be his best role. The Nationals might rotate these two based on matchups or hot streaks. Meadows, a lefty hitter, could take the strong side of a platoon, with Gurriel playing against left-handed pitchers and filling in across the outfield. The combined production should be respectable, but again, look around the division: other teams might have established stars in center. Ottawa has a kid finding his way and a veteran playing a bit out of position. You can practically hear Dangerfield: “We got two guys for center field – one’s a rookie and one’s playing out of position. If you put ’em together, you almost get one complete player. I’m tellin’ ya, it’s tough!” On the plus side, both guys are capable of exceeding expectations; on the minus side, if they slump, center field could become a revolving door.
- Bench Brigade – Ottawa’s bench actually has some intriguing pieces, even if a couple might induce eye-rolls. Garrett Mitchell (OF) hit .255 with 8 HR and 11 SB in limited action, good for 1.8 WAR – that’s a great sign for a young player in 69 games. Luis Rengifo (utility INF) also impressed, batting .300 with 6 HR and 24 SB in half a season(1.4 WAR), showing off a nice mix of contact and speed. These two are the kind of bench players who could start on some teams. If injuries strike (and with this team, they often do), Mitchell and Rengifo can step in without Ottawa completely punting a win. Now for the lighter side: Alec Burleson got a full season of at-bats (595 PAs) and hit .269 with 21 HR, but only managed 0.6 WAR – suggesting his defense or situational hitting dragged him down. Jo Adell, once a hyped prospect, hit 20 homers in 130 games… and still put up just 0.1 WAR thanks to a .207 average and tons of strikeouts. And then there’s Nolan Jones, another prospect with power who struggled mightily: .227 average, only 3 HR in 79 games, and a -0.8 WAR boat anchor. Ouch. If Adell and Jones continue to flail, they’ll be giving negative value – it’s like they’re paying back the WAR they owe to the baseball gods. Dangerfield’s voice echoes: “Our bench has potential, but let me tell you, potential can get you fired. One guy hit under .210 – I’ve seen better batting averages on my golf scorecard! Another guy had negative WAR – when he entered the game, we were literally worse off. No respect, no respect at all.” In all seriousness, Ottawa will need the bench to step up when called upon, especially if veterans get hurt. If Mitchell and Rengifo build on last year, that’s a big plus. If Adell or Jones finally figure it out, even better. If not… well, the starters better stay healthy, or those last place predictions might become reality in a hurry.
To sum up the offense: there’s talent here, but it’s uneven. The Nationals have power (Ozuna, Hoskins, even Happ and Suzuki), they have a bit of speed (Turner, Albies, Rengifo), and they have some high-average hitters in spots (Turner, Diaz, Ozuna). What they lack is the intimidating top-to-bottom depth that, say, the Bristol Wicketmen boast. Ottawa’s lineup is more like a rollercoaster: thrilling highs and stomach-turning lows. On any given day, they could mash 5 homers and score 10 runs, or they could strike out 15 times and look lost. The inconsistency is what worries prognosticators – and fuels the “no respect” narrative. If the Nationals want to shock the world (or at least the division), they’ll need a lot of those question-mark players to step up and deliver. As Dangerfield would say, “Our bats need to wake up – last year some guys slept so much at the plate, I thought we were sponsored by a mattress company!” The potential for a solid offense is there, but potential doesn’t win games. The Nats have to turn that potential into performance, or they’ll be the punchline of the Robinson Division again.
Pitching: Arms Searching for a Little Respect
If the offense is a comedy of errors at times, the pitching staff might be the drama – with moments of heroics, occasional tragedy (looking at you, injury bug), and a whole lot of heavy lifting. Ottawa’s pitchers actually performed admirably last season, allowing a reasonable number of runs (738 runs against) compared to their peers. In fact, one could argue the pitching carried the team to that 88-win mark. The rotation and bullpen combined for around 27 WAR (18.4 from starters and 8.8 from relievers), which is nothing to sneeze at. Yet here, too, the Nationals get very little respect – perhaps because the names aren’t all household names, or because pundits think this staff can’t repeat those performances. Let’s break down the arms, with a healthy dose of humor to keep things light:
Starting Rotation – The Five (or Seven) Horsemen
Ottawa plans to open with a five-man rotation, but realistically they have about seven guys penciled in – because, as we all know, pitchers tend to break like cheap pencils. Here’s the crew:
- Framber Valdez (LHP) – The ace and workhorse. Valdez put up a sterling 15–7 record with a 2.91 ERA over 176 innings, compiling 3.6 WAR in just 28 starts (he likely missed a few starts due to a minor injury or skipped turns). Framber is the real deal – a groundball machine, keeps the ball in the park, strikes out enough guys, and goes deep into games. In a division full of scary aces, Valdez can hold his own. When he’s on the mound, the Nationals actually do get some respect – you can almost hear the opposing announcers saying, “Tonight might be tough, Framber’s pitching.” The only concern is keeping him healthy and not overworked. Dangerfield might quip, “Valdez is our ace. He’s so tough, when he pitches, even our own fielders take a break – they know he’s got it under control. With our offense, the poor guy has to hold teams to 2 runs or fewer. That’s a lot of pressure, but Framber’s cool – I haven’t seen a lefty this calm since I tried meditation to stop worrying about our lineup.” Ottawa will count on Valdez to be the stopper – losing streak? Send out Framber to end it. If he repeats last year, the Nats have at least one rock to build on.
- Reynaldo López (RHP) – Perhaps the most surprising story of Ottawa’s staff. A converted reliever, López stepped into a starting role and absolutely dazzled: 1.99 ERA over ~135 innings, with a 9.8 K/9 rate, racking up 3.5 WAR. Those numbers are ace-like, and yet if you ask casual fans about Reynaldo López, they’ll go “Who? The White Sox reliever?” Yes, that guy – apparently rebranded as a dominant starter in this universe. Is it sustainable? The Nationals sure hope so. López basically gave Ottawa a second ace-level performance last year, which they’ll need again to navigate this brutal division. Of course, the Dangerfield in us has to poke fun: “López was so good, I asked if he could hit, too. With that 1.99 ERA, we wanted to clone him. Heck, I haven’t seen a transformation like that since my cousin Lou lost 200 pounds on a bet. But can he do it again? The way our luck runs, I’m half-expecting him to show up throwing underhand this year.” Jokes aside, keep an eye on López – if he even comes close to last year’s form, the top of this rotation becomes a legitimate strength.
- Zac Gallen (RHP) – The bona fide #3 starter, though on many teams he’d be a #1 or #2. Gallen went 14–6 with a solid 3.65 ERA in 28 starts, tallying about 2.8 WAR. He’s a control artist with a wicked curveball and a competitive streak. If not for a mid-season slump that inflated his ERA, his numbers would look even better. Ottawa acquired Gallen to be a front-line guy, and he largely delivered, though perhaps not quite to his own high standards (we’ve seen him contend for Cy Youngs elsewhere). In Dangerfield terms: “Gallen’s a great arm – he’s got more pitches than a used car salesman. He had a few rough outings, sure, but who wouldn’t, carrying this team’s expectations? I told the guy, Zac, you keep pitchin’ like that and we might name a holiday after you in Ottawa. He said, ‘How about you name an offense after me instead?’ Tough crowd, tough crowd…” Gallen gives the Nationals a terrific #3 – if he’s your third-best starter, your rotation is in decent shape. The key will be keeping him consistent. If Gallen can avoid those occasional blow-ups and maybe cut that ERA down closer to 3.00, the Nats might have the best trio of starters in the league. That’s a big ask, but the talent is there.
- Sean Manaea (LHP) – The comeback kid. Manaea had a renaissance of sorts, posting a 12–6 record with a 3.47 ERA over a team-high 181 innings, good for 2.8 WAR. Not bad for a guy who had some tough years prior. He reinvented himself by mixing speeds and relying on guile as much as power. The tall lefty became a reliable innings-eater – think of him as the steady hand at the back of the rotation. Every fifth day, Manaea will give you 5-6 serviceable innings and keep you in the game. For Ottawa, that’s invaluable, especially given some of the volatility elsewhere. Dangerfield might say, “Manaea’s so steady, I fall asleep by the third inning – in a good way! He’s like comfort food, nothing too spicy, just gets the job done. Of course, with our run support, sometimes even a quality start gets you a no-decision. The guy went 12–6, and I bet he had another 6 no-decisions where he left with the score tied 2-2.” In short, Manaea is the kind of veteran presence every underdog team needs: unspectacular but solid. He’ll need to maintain that form, because any regression could leave a big hole. But given his track record and last year’s results, cautious optimism is warranted.
- Gavin Stone (RHP) – The rookie in the mix. Stone went 11–5 with a 3.53 ERA in 25 starts, notching 2.0 WAR in what I believe was his debut season. Those are excellent numbers for a rookie, suggesting the 24-year-old more than held his own. Stone is known for a devastating changeup and poise beyond his years. However, youth can be fickle – he had a lower inning count (around 140 IP), implying the team managed his workload or he spent some time in the minors. As the presumed #5 starter, Stone will be tasked with proving last year wasn’t a fluke. Sophomore slump? The Nationals can’t afford it. They need him to keep rolling. Cue Dangerfield: “This kid Stone, I like him – mostly because at his age, he doesn’t know any better. He just goes out and pitches, blissfully unaware that he’s on a team everyone’s picking to finish last. That innocence is beautiful! I saw him reading a preseason magazine and I yanked it away – I said, ‘Kid, don’t read that garbage. You’re doing great.’ We gotta protect his confidence, you know?” In all seriousness, Stone is a reason for genuine optimism in Ottawa. If he continues to develop, the rotation’s depth gets that much better. Just don’t put too much pressure on the kid – he’s got four veterans ahead of him for that.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP) – In today’s MLB (and BDB) you often need more than five starters. Enter Yamamoto, the Japanese phenom who made 18 starts for Ottawa after a mid-season call-up, going 7–2 with a 3.00 ERA. He struck out hitters at a high clip (10.5 K/9) and amassed 2.8 WAR in half a season’s work. Those numbers scream “this guy could be in the rotation full-time.” Indeed, Yamamoto might push someone like Stone for the #5 spot, or step in if any starter falters or gets hurt. The Nationals are thrilled to have him – he’s an ace in the making, with a dazzling array of pitches and impeccable control. The only question is how to fit him in. It’s a good problem to have (for once, a good problem!). As Dangerfield might say, “We got this Yamamoto fella – came over from Japan and started mowing down hitters like he was Godzilla and they were Tokyo. The guy’s legit. In fact, he was so good, I tried to hide one of our other pitchers on the injured list just to keep him around. With our luck, though, he’ll end up too good and Bristol will buy him off us! No respect for small-market teams, I tell ya.” Keep an eye on Yoshi (can we call him Yoshi?) – he could be a game-changer for Ottawa if he gets a chance to throw a full season.
- Jacob deGrom (RHP) – Yes, that Jacob deGrom. The legend made a brief cameo, 3 starts (10.2 innings) with a 1.69 ERA before, presumably, his arm fell off (as unfortunately has become custom). He contributed 0.4 WAR in those 10 innings, which tells you how brilliant he is when available. Ottawa took a flyer on deGrom hoping to catch lightning in a bottle; instead, they caught a thunderstorm of doctor’s visits. Still, whispers say deGrom might attempt another comeback late this season. It’s a longshot, but if he somehow returned even for 5-6 starts at the end, it could provide a boost (or at least an emotional lift). The realistic view: anything from deGrom is gravy. Or as Dangerfield would frame it: “We signed deGrom, he got hurt – big surprise. That guy’s UCL is made of tissue paper at this point. When he pitched those 10 innings for us, I wept – tears of joy and pain, because I knew it wouldn’t last. I said, ‘Jake, you got the best arm in baseball – please don’t detach it.’ Next thing I know, he’s on the surgeon’s table. No respect for my wishes, that elbow.” You gotta feel for deGrom and the Nationals; it was a worthwhile gamble that went about as expected. They’ll survive without him, but man, imagine if they had a healthy deGrom to add to this mix – talk about not being last place then!
- Others – One more name to mention is Sean Burke, a young righty who made a few spot starts (19 innings, 1.42 ERA– yes, absurdly good in a tiny sample). He’s depth in case of emergencies, and his brief showing (0.4 WAR)turned heads. And let’s not forget that Ottawa’s farm might have a prospect or two waiting in the wings if disaster strikes. In a long season, depth is key, and the Nats have at least some arms they can call upon.
Overall, this rotation could quietly be one of the better units in the league. Seriously. Valdez-Lopez-Gallen-Manaea-Stone (with Yamamoto chomping at the bit) is a solid crew, even if it doesn’t have the name recognition of some rivals. The projections might doubt that Lopez can repeat a sub-2.00 ERA, or that Stone and Yamamoto can keep excelling, but if the Nationals have any hope of beating the disrespect allegations, it starts with these starters. They need to keep games close, because the offense, as we detailed, might not always show up. In the Robinson Division, you’re regularly facing lineups like Bristol’s (which likely features juggernauts – probably some 40-homer guys and high OBPs over there). The Nationals’ starters have to bring their A-game every night. No off days against division foes, or they’ll get pummeled. It’s a tough task, but this group has the talent to hold its own. As Dangerfield might encourage them: “Hang in there, fellas – strike ’em out quick and maybe the other team won’t notice who they’re losing to.” That’s one way to earn some respect, sneaky as it may be.
Bullpen – High-Voltage Closers and Middle-Relief Blues
After the starters do their thing (and pray for a lead), it’s up to the bullpen to seal the deal. Bullpens are notoriously finicky – one year you’re lights out, next year you’re on fire (and not in a good way). The Nationals’ bullpen in 2024 was actually pretty strong, compiling about 8.8 WAR collectively. They had a mix of veterans and young fireballers that often kept games in check. Will that continue in 2025? The Nats sure hope so, because blown leads are something an underdog simply can’t afford. Let’s break down the key relievers:
- Mason Miller (RHP, Closer) – Remember this name. Miller burst onto the scene as Ottawa’s closer and racked up 28 saves with a sparkling 2.49 ERA in 55 appearances. He also struck out the world (14.4 K/9). Not too shabby for a rookie who many thought was a starting pitching prospect. The Nationals said, “Kid, we need a closer,” and he obliged, turning the 9th inning into his personal playground. Miller’s fastball can hit 100+ mph – rumor has it, one of his pitches hasn’t landed yet. He was so dominant that poor Edwin Díaz, the would-be closer, got relegated to middle relief (more on him in a sec). Miller enters 2025 as the locked-in closer, and he’s one big reason Ottawa might overachieve – if they can just hand him a lead, he usually keeps it. Of course, closers are an eccentric bunch. Miller is still very young, so there’s always the worry of a sophomore jinx. As Dangerfield might joke, “Our closer’s a kid named Mason – he’s so good, when he walks into a bar (not that he’s old enough), batters just leave. But I tell ya, with our team’s luck, the one night he gives up a run, we’ll have scored zero. No respect for a 0.50 ERA if the offense can’t score 1.” The Nats will be leaning heavily on Mason “Lights Out” Miller to slam the door when it matters. If he repeats last year, the 9th inning will be a rare stress-free experience for Ottawa fans… assuming the first 8 innings went well.
- Edwin Díaz (RHP, Setup/Middle) – Yes, the Edwin Díaz of trumpet-blaring fame. Ottawa acquired Díaz (perhaps mid-season) expecting a shutdown closer. He did log 20 saves and struck out 14.1 per 9, but an unfortunate 3.52 ERA and maybe a bout of wildness (3.4 BB/9) led to him being replaced by Mason Miller as the closer. By season’s end, Díaz was pitching in the 7th and 8th as a high-leverage fireman, rather than exclusively closing. It’s a bit of a blow to the ego for one of MLB’s top closers, but to his credit, Díaz still contributed a respectable 1.1 WAR in 54 innings and embraced the team role. Heading into 2025, Díaz forms a two-headed monster at the back of the bullpen with Miller. If the Nationals have a lead after 6, they can go Díaz in the 7th-8th, Miller in the 9th – shortening games, just like the big boys do. That’s the theory, anyway. Díaz will want to reclaim some glory, and he’s certainly got the talent to do it. In a way, Ottawa having him as a setup man is an enviable luxury. Dangerfield might spin it as: “We got Edwin Díaz setting up – that’s like having a Lamborghini to go get groceries. Sure, it’s overkill, but who’s complaining? Of course, with our luck, we’ll pull out of the lot and get a flat tire. Hopefully Díaz’s knee holds up better than my last punchline.” The reference, of course, is to Díaz’s freak injury in the 2023 WBC (in real life). If healthy and effective, Díaz plus Miller could be one of the league’s best late-inning combos – giving Ottawa a fighting chance to lock down wins.
- Robert Garcia (LHP, Setup) – Garcia was a workhorse, appearing in 72 games last year. As a lefty, he’s the go-to guy for tough left-handed hitters, but he actually handled full innings just fine. He posted a 4.22 ERA, which is a bit high (perhaps a few bad outings skewed it), but also struck out over 11 per 9 and compiled 1.5 WAR. So clearly, in many outings he was effective. Garcia’s role is likely as a 7th-inning bridge or situational arm when a big lefty bat from Bristol comes up in the 6th with men on base. You need those guys to navigate the heart of opposing orders. Dangerfield’s take: “Garcia’s our lefty specialist. He’s so tough on lefties, he makes them wish they were switch-hitters. But sometimes he had trouble with righties – they hit him like he insulted their mother. I told Robert, maybe wear a disguise when a righty’s up. No respect, these right-handed batters.” If Garcia can trim that ERA down (perhaps avoid facing too many righties in critical spots), he’ll be a key cog. Every good bullpen needs balance, and he provides the southpaw element in Ottawa’s late innings.
- Osvaldo Bido (RHP, Middle Relief) – Bido split time between starting and relief (16 games, 9 starts), but looks to slot into the bullpen mix full-time now. He put up a solid 3.41 ERA in 63.1 innings with 9.0 K/9 and 1.4 WAR. Bido is one of those unsung arms who doesn’t get much publicity but quietly helps a team win. He can go multiple innings if needed, making him a useful long relief or swingman option. And if one of the starters hits the IL, Bido can spot start in a pinch. His flexibility is his value. In comedic terms: “Bido? He’s our jack-of-all-trades. Start, relieve, mop-up, high-leverage, he’ll do it. I asked him if he could sell peanuts in the stands on off days – I think he considered it. The guy’s hungry to stay in the bigs. You gotta respect that… because no one outside our clubhouse will!” Look for Bido in the middle innings when the starter exits early, or whenever there’s a need for a groundball double play – he has the stuff to get one.
- Jared Koenig (LHP, Long/Middle) – Another lefty, Koenig pitched 62 innings over 55 appearances, often as a long man or low-leverage reliever, but he was sneakily excellent: 2.47 ERA and 0.9 WAR. When you have a long man with a sub-2.50 ERA, that’s a blessing. It means when games got out of hand or a starter got knocked out early, Koenig came in and quietly put out fires, saving the rest of the pen. He even made a spot start or two (1 start recorded). Koenig’s not going to grab headlines, but he’s like the relief equivalent of Brendan Donovan – steady, unheralded, effective. Dangerfield line: “Koenig’s ERA was 2.47. I saw that and said, ‘Why aren’t you pitching more often?!’ Then I remembered, he usually comes in when we’re either up or down big. Maybe we should only play blowouts. Hey, at least we win the games where nothing’s on the line!” The Nats will hope Koenig can repeat his magic as a reliable plug-the-gap guy. Having two lefties (Garcia and Koenig) with good arms is a nice asset in a division with some tough left-handed hitters on opposing teams.
- Robert Suarez (RHP, Long Relief) – Suarez was once pegged as a closer candidate for the Padres; in Ottawa, he found a home as a long reliever. He threw 65 innings across 65 games (lots of one-inning outings), notching a strong 2.77 ERA and 0.9 WAR. He also led the team with 36 “something” – likely innings or games finished, hard to tell from the stat line, but possibly he was used to finish games that weren’t save situations. Essentially, Suarez was the guy for the 6th or 7th inning when the team was behind or occasionally to eat the last inning of a loss. And he did that job exceedingly well. Every bullpen needs a couple of these low-ego, high-effectiveness dudes. Suarez is 32, a veteran who just goes out and competes. He doesn’t have the closer glory here, but he’s contributing. Dangerfield-esque: “Suarez is so under-the-radar, when he finishes a game, sometimes the stadium crew doesn’t realize the game’s over. He’s Mr. Invisible in a good way – he sneaks in, gets three outs, and sneaks out. I tried to give him a compliment once, and he ducked because he thought it was a line drive. Talk about focused!” If Ottawa ends up surprisingly good, people will look back and notice guys like Suarez who kept them in games that could have gotten away.
- Jacob Webb (RHP, Middle) – Webb was another middle reliever, 60 games, around 56.2 innings, with a 3.02 ERA. He walked a few too many (4.3 BB/9), but managed to wiggle out of trouble often enough to post 0.6 WAR. Essentially, Webb is depth in that middle-relief corps – not as flashy as Miller or Díaz, but capable of handling the 6th inning or bridging to the late guys. Ottawa might use him when they’re trailing by a run or two to keep it close, hoping the offense can rally. Comedy take: “Webb’s got an appropriate name – sometimes he weaves a web of walks and strikeouts so tangled you don’t know what’s happening, but next thing you know he left with a zero on the board. I tell him, less drama is fine by us. My heart can’t take bases-loaded jams every other outing. He told me, ‘Skip, that’s just how I roll.’ These guys, no respect for my blood pressure!” Webb will need to keep those walks down lest he tempt fate once too often. But as the 7th or 8th man in the pen, you could do worse.
In summary, the Nationals’ bullpen might actually be the secret sauce that keeps them in the fight. With Mason Miller and Edwin Díaz anchoring the late innings, and a posse of solid arms (Garcia, Bido, Koenig, Suarez, Webb) covering the middle, Ottawa can shorten games and not worry if the starter goes only 5 or 6. In fact, this bullpen might be one of the better ones in the league on paper – certainly top half. The issue, of course, is giving them leads to protect. Too often last year, these guys pitched well only to see the effort wasted in a 3-2 loss because the offense couldn’t get over the hump. If the lineup can just be league-average, the pitching staff – both starters and relievers – might steal some wins and upset some contenders. The Nationals are banking on that formula.
As Dangerfield might sum it up, in a way only he can: “Our pitching’s got talent, no doubt. The starters, the bullpen – they’re like a bunch of comedians delivering solid sets. But if the headliner (the offense) bombs, the whole show still stinks. These poor pitchers, they’re throwing gems and getting nothing to show for it. I took the staff out for dinner after one tough loss – the restaurant gave them a free dessert out of pity. Even the chef knows they get no run support, no respect!”
Conclusion: Hoping to Have the Last Laugh
The 2025 Ottawa Nationals know the world is picking on them. They’ve read the previews (heck, you’re reading one now) and seen the predictions: last place in the Robinson Division, bottom of the barrel, the team nobody believes in. It’s basically a giant bulletin-board material buffet. Instead of whining, the Nationals are leaning into it – much like Rodney Dangerfield leaned into his “no respect” persona and turned it into comedy gold. The clubhouse has embraced the underdog mindset. Dave Barras is cracking jokes at press conferences, saying things like “Well, when you’re predicted last, there’s nowhere to go but up – unless they start inventing new places below last!” The players are loose, having fun with it, but make no mistake, they’re motivated to prove people wrong.
What would “proving people wrong” look like? In an ideal world, it’s competing for a playoff spot again. Maybe Bristol is too strong to topple for the division crown – they are the defending champs and a juggernaut – but the Nationals could chase another wildcard. They did it last year, why not again? For that to happen, a lot needs to go right: the lineup needs consistency and health (Turner playing 150+ games, Goldy finding a fountain of youth, Ozuna staying hot, one of the young guys like Adell/Jones breaking out or a trade bringing in reinforcements). The rotation needs Lopez to prove he’s not a one-hit wonder, and the kids (Stone/Yamamoto) to avoid regression. The bullpen needs to remain a strength, and maybe even steal a couple wins on their own. It’s a tall order, yes. That’s why most are skeptical.
But here’s a twist: sometimes teams with a chip on their shoulder come out swinging (literally and figuratively). The Nationals might relish being overlooked. If they get off to a decent start, watch the narrative shift from laughter to “Wait a minute, these guys aren’t that bad.” And wouldn’t that be something? The Ottawa Nationals turning the joke around on everyone else.
In classic Dangerfield style, let’s imagine the best-case scenario punchline come season’s end: “They told us we’d finish last. Well, we fooled ’em – we finished third!” (cue rimshot). Okay, maybe second, or even first if miracles abound – but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Even a climb out of the cellar would qualify as earning a measure of respect. And that’s really what this season is about for Ottawa: earning respect. They don’t want to be an easy win on contenders’ schedules or the butt of league-wide jokes. They want to be taken seriously, to have teams circle the calendar when they come to Ottawa because they know they’re in for a fight.
One thing’s for sure: the preview writers and odds-makers will keep cracking wise until the Nationals give them reason to stop. So it falls to the players to supply the punchlines on the field – preferably the kind that involve hitting one into the upper deck or striking out a rival slugger with the game on the line. If they can do that, the jokes will turn into genuine applause. And wouldn’t that be the ultimate comeback? From no respect to earned respect, with a lot of laughs along the way.
As we wrap up this preview, let’s raise a glass (or a Gatorade cup) to the 2025 Ottawa Nationals. They might be predicted to finish last, but they’re first in our hearts for bravely facing the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune – and for doing it with a smile. In the immortal words of Rodney Dangerfield, “I don’t get no respect!” – but perhaps, just maybe, by season’s end the Nationals will be getting just a little more. And if not? Well, they’ll have a whole new set of one-liners ready for next spring. Play ball – and lighten up, because the Ottawa Nationals are here to deliver punches and punchlines in equal measure!