The Nationals experienced growing pains in 2025 as several expected contributors became liabilities, worsening an already difficult season. Mitchell Parker regressed, posting a 6.01 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 90 earned runs across 134.2 innings, and a 7.48 ERA over his last 21 starts, with command issues (87 strikeouts, 53 walks) and reduced velocity producing a -1.3 bWAR and poor advanced metrics. Nathaniel Lowe declined to .216/.292/.373 (.665 OPS) with a 26.5% strikeout rate and was designated for assignment in mid-August despite a salary over $10 million; he subsequently found success in Boston. Trevor Williams is also listed among the season’s biggest disappointments.
The Nationals hoped Mitchell Parker would take a step forward in 2025 after showing promise as a rookie, but he went in the opposite direction. Parker owns a 6.01 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, giving up 90 earned runs (the most in the majors) across 134.2 innings. His struggles with command (87 strikeouts to 53 walks) and a dip in velocity have left him overmatched.
The Nationals brought in Nathaniel Lowe to be a middle-of-the-order bat after his several productive years in Texas, including a Silver Slugger season in 2022. Unfortunately, his performance took a major downturn in 2025. Lowe hit just .216/.292/.373 with a .665 OPS, the worst numbers of his career, while striking out at his highest rate ever (26.5%). He floundered so much that Washington designated him for assignment in mid-August despite owing him more than $10 million this year.
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