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Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Nationals: Stock up, stock down

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 7/25/23

At 41-59, the Nationals are currently in last place in the National League East division but have been playing competitive baseball despite the record. Not expected to be contenders, there have been plenty of bright spots for the Nationals. With a minor league system boasting five Top 100 prospects and recently drafting outfielder Dylan Crews with the second pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Nationals could challenge for the playoffs within the next two years.

Here are a few of the players trending up and down in 2023.

Stock up:

Josiah Gray, pitcher: The Nationals' lone All-Star in 2023, Gray is having a breakout year after struggling during his first two seasons in the majors.

One of the main pieces in the trade that sent pitcher Max Scherzer and shortstop Trea Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, Gray has posted a 7-8 record with a 3.45 ERA while significantly improving his ability to keep the ball in the stadium. With only 15 home runs allowed in 112.1 innings pitched after leading the majors with 38 allowed in 148.2 innings pitched in 2022.

The rest of the 2023 season will be big for Gray as he looks to take that next step to become a frontline starter that the Nationals can build around for the future.

Josiah Gray, Nasty 86mph Slider. pic.twitter.com/8gSjnCEloz
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 23, 2023

Lane Thomas, outfielder: Acquired at the trade deadline in 2021 from the St. Louis Cardinals, Thomas has been one of the team's most consistent hitters since putting on the Nationals jersey.

After a strong showing in his first season as a full-time starter in 2022, Thomas has a .293/.340/.490 slash line with 16 home runs, 54 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. Thomas is one of the league's best hitters versus left-handed pitching, slashing .368/.415/.656 with eight home runs in 125 at-bats.

Not due to become a free agent until after the 2025 season, Thomas could be an interesting name as the trade deadline creeps closer with the Nationals still a year or two away from playoff potential.

Lane Thomas today: 4 Stolen Bases, tying a Nats record.

kachow. pic.twitter.com/dYAkVdiRNl
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 23, 2023

Stock down:

Stephen Strasburg, pitcher: One of the best pitchers in baseball, Strasburg could have thrown the last pitch of his career due to severe nerve damage that has plagued him throughout his career.

The 2019 World Series Most Valuable Player, Strasburg has only managed 31.1 innings pitched since the Nationals' magical run that ended with Strasburg being rewarded with a seven-year, $245M contract.

While these past few seasons have been a rough way to end his career, Strasburg will still be a big part of Nationals history after going 112-58 with a 3.17 ERA in 239 games started from 2010-2019.

Joey Meneses, designated hitter: After a strong debut season in 2022 for the Nationals, Meneses has seen a big dip in his power this season.

After slugging 13 home runs in only 56 games in 2022, he only has six in 93 games played in 2023. While he has still had solid production on the season, you would hope for more power out of your clean-up hitter.

Over his last 30 games, Meneses is slashing .226/.272/.391 with only 11 XBH and 18 RBIs.

Meneses could be another name shopped around at the deadline as the Nationals look to continue to stock up on talent.

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