Three rising stars for the Washington Nationals
With spring training underway, each team is filled with hope for a World Series title and fresh faces are ready to make a name for themselves in the majors. After a last-place finish in the National League East in 2023, the Washington Nationals will look to develop their prospects and be competitive in 2024.
Here are three rising stars looking to make an impact for the Nationals in 2024.
CJ Abrams, shortstop
2023 MLB stats: .245/.300/.412, 18 home runs, 64 RBI and 47 stolen bases in 151 games played
In his first full season as a member of the Nationals, Abrams stole 47 bases in 51 attempts, which is the most in a season since the team was established in 2005.
Not only was his speed showcased, but the 23-year-old proved he had more pop in his bat than expected, hitting 18 home runs after only 12 in his minor league career.
One of the major pieces acquired from the San Diego Padres in the trade that sent outfielder Juan Soto to the West Coast at the 2022 trade deadline, Abrams has developed into a key player for the Nationals' future.
While he needs to work on making more contact and getting on base, his production in his first major league season is encouraging for his future as he continues developing his game.
Look for Abrams to continue his ascension in 2024.
James Wood, outfielder
2023 MILB stats: .262/.353/.520, 26 home runs, 91 RBI and 18 stolen bases in 129 games played
Another piece of the Soto trade, Wood has been destroying the ball during spring training and is bound to make his MLB debut in 2024.
The 21-year-old outfielder is slashing .367/.486/.733 with three home runs and five RBI in 13 games played in spring training and has shown off his impressive speed on the base paths.
After a strong minor league season in 2023, he slashed .262/.353/.520 with 62 extra-base hits, 91 RBI, and 18 stolen bases across two minor league levels while moving up the top prospects list.
Standing 6'6", Wood is an intimidating hitter in the batter's box and will look to make his name known during the upcoming season. He could be the next superstar outfielder to play for the Nationals.
Dylan Crews, outfielder
2023 MILB stats: .292/.377/.467, five home runs, 29 RBI and four stolen bases in 35 games played
Drafted with the second-overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Crews is looking to become a quick riser through the Nationals minor league system and could make his debut in 2024 if his bat proves ready.
Only playing 35 games after being drafted last season, Crews had 14 extra-base hits with 29 RBI and 26 runs scored.
With a full offseason under his belt as a professional, Crews will likely start the season in Double-A after reaching that level last season.
Invited to spring training with the big league club, Crews has struggled, slashing .190/.320/.429 with one home run and four RBI in 21 at-bats.
One of the best hitters in college baseball during his time at Louisiana State University, Crews will look to show improvement from last season as he tries to become a household name.
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