The Young Washington Nationals Team Steals the Show for Atlanta Braves' Manager Brian Snitker
In the aftermath of outmaneuvering the Atlanta Braves the previous season, the Washington Nationals garnered appreciation from the opposing manager.
"We had a rough time with them last year," stated Brian Snitker before the match between both teams at the Cacti Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. "With experience, they're only going to get better and better. They've got some quality pitchers, like the slick second baseman Luis Garcia, Jr., the rapid CJ Abrams at shortstop, and the lightning-fast Jacob Young in the outfield."
Triumph Over Braves
Listed fourth in the 5-team National League East, the Nationals demonstrated championship caliber play against the Braves, clinching eight victories out of thirteen contests.
They managed to snatch talents like Josh Bell, Nathaniel Lowe, Amed Rosario, Paul DeJong, Lucas Sims, Jorge Lopez, and Shinnosuke Ogasawara, along with ex-Brave Michael Soroka, as free agents. Moreover, they re-signed starter Trevor Williams and closer Kyle Finnegan, who had notched 38 saves for a team that finished 20 games below .500.
Ethical Considerations
Although the Nationals may lack a significant power source, they aim to succeed through strong pitching, swiftness, and robust defense. James Wood, a rookie in the previous season, and Dylan Crews, a highly-adored prospect, are poised to play critical roles in the team's 2025 campaign.
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Abrams, a 2024 All-Star, brought 31 stolen bases and 20 home runs, while switch-hitting Bell, who had previously been a part of the team, will return with 171 career home runs. Lowe, obtained in a trade with the Texas Rangers, boasts left-handed strength.
No 100-Win Season
Despite having never achieved a 100-win season, the Nationals have experienced five staggering seasons with over a hundred losses. They have claimed four division crowns, one wild-card slot, and a pennant, as well as a World Series title following their wild-card campaign in 2019.
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Dave Martinez, the former outfielder who commanded the 2019 champion team, continues his role as Washington's manager, poised to begin his eighth season.
Snitker sees a clash of formidable titans in the NL East, citing the Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets as powerhouses. "It's going to be challenging," he stated. "The Phillies have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, the Mets will be better with Soto, and we're stronger just as our players get back from injuries. I've told the guys that every single game matters – we learned that last year."
Braves Recruits
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The Braves lost several veteran stars to free agency throughout the 2024-25 offseason, including Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Jesse Chavez, A.J. Minter, Adam Duvall, and Whit Merrifield. While Duvall and Merrifield remain unsigned, Morton and Chavez, both aged 41, are now on other rosters.
"Hopefully, both players will have the opportunity to compete," expressed Snitker. "They are top-notch people. I loved working with these guys back then, and I had the pleasure of managing them. Many teams are embracing young talent nowadays."
Conclusion
As the Nationals prepare for the 2025 season, strengthened by the additions of Josh Bell and Nathaniel Lowe, they will look to capitalize on their defensive and pitching strengths, aiming to improve on their previous season's performance.
The Washington Nationals' acquisition of Josh Bell and Nathaniel Lowe from free agency and trade respectively, was applauded by Atlanta Braves' manager Brian Snitker in a newsletter_signup_article. These additions, along with the return of switch-hitter Bell, are expected to bolster the Nationals' offensive capabilities in the National League East. Meanwhile, the Braves grappled with the losses of several veteran players in the 2024-25 offseason, including Max Fried and Jesse Chavez.
