The next phase of the offseason has officially arrived for the Washington Nationals with the first full team workout of spring training set to begin today
After welcoming pitchers and catchers for the first workouts beginning last Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Washington Nationals are now set to welcome the full team officially for the first team workout with a chance to inch one step closer towards spring training hitting full swing.
The Washington will do so with multiple questions, whether it be along the pitching staff or infield.
In addition to finalizing the closer role after trading Jose Ferrer, the Nationals enter spring training with a big question mark as to who will step into the starting rotation with Cade Cavalli looking to fill that role ahead of his first full spring training healthy in three years.
"It’s a similar feel to when I was getting ready for 2023," Cavalli said. "I’m coming in with the same mindset: I want to go out, attack hitters, be the best teammate I can be, get to know these guys extremely well, and I’m just looking forward to competing here.”
After being omitted from Team USA consideration, star outfielder James Wood said on Sunday that he's focused on his defense through the offseason.
"I just think defensively I could’ve helped the pitchers out a little bit more," Wood said. "I think that’s one way as a team we can take a big leap. I know the pitchers will appreciate that a lot. Not only just swinging the bat better as a team, but overall defensively as a team trying to help our guys out.”
While outfielder Daylen Lile also enters 2026 as arguably the team's biggest question mark, he also enters spring training tabbed as one of 15 hitters to watch through spring training where he'll look to cement his role in at least a designated hitter role while looking to disrupt the outfield ahead of Opening Day.
Of course, all eyes will be one on Harry Ford through the next month - but that isn't limited to just the Nationals.
Ford, acquired in the Jose Ferrer trade, is set to serve as co-captain of Great Britain in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, giving him a chance to get comfortable with both staffs ahead of Opening Day. It's a tall task for a young catcher looking to capitalize on his expanded role. Whether it ends up hindering his chances of becoming the Opening Day starter is more of a short-term answer with Ford expected to stabilize the Nationals behind the plate for years to come, but he'll now head into week two with a chance to get settled with his new teammates.
The Nationals will kick off spring training this upcoming weekend with a pair of games, one against the St. Louis Cardinals and the other against the Houston Astros, both set for 1:05 PM opening pitch.