Washington Nationals third baseman Brady House made a big statement in Sunday's win as he talks about his early impact and offseason development.
After first year manager Blake Butera noted the players have a chance to “write their own chapter” with new coaches now in place, spring training for the Washington Nationals has given a chance for several players to create separation as they work to inch themselves closer toward a final spot on the 40-man roster for the 2026 season.
One of those who made an immediate impact is third baseman Brady House, who accounted for a quarter of the team’s 16 runs in Sunday’s win over the Marlins.
Brady House kicked off his spring training performance in style after going 2-of-4 at the plate in Sunday’s win vs. Miami, belting a pair of home runs for four RBIs thanks to his three-run home run in the top of the first inning. It would be House to provide the Nationals’ answer to Miami’s first run after hitting a 398 foot home run to centerfield for the first in what ended up being a six-run fifth inning en route to a 16-8 win.
Entering Monday, House was one of three players to post two home runs through the opening weekend of spring training. He was the only one to do it in one game.
“I think that it was good to kind of get out there and test what we've been working on this offseason, and just getting some results from the at bats - good and bad - and things that we can work on and things that went good,” House said on 106.7 on Monday. “So, yeah, it's good to kind of just get out there and see what you've been working on, seeing how it plays.”
The production in game one also marked an encouraging sign for House, who noted he put a premium on being “aggressive in a way, but patient” as a hitter. “Just being aggressive in the places that I like to see the ball, instead of just aggressive all over the strike zone, just kind of picking out a spot that I like the ball and being aggressive there,” he added.
It’s an encouraging first performance showcasing exactly that after hitting only four home runs in 73 games in 2025, but for a player like House who already proved himself as a power hitter in the minors, it’s a sign of development ahead of a critical season for the 22 year old.
“I think just going into the offseason, my whole entire goal was just because last year, I was aggressive, but I was also aggressive on pitches that I couldn't do damage on. Even if it was a strike,” House added. “I was just trying to put the ball in play if it was a strike. And then this offseason is kind of just like learning what pitch I like to do damage on, where I like to do damage at and then kind of hunting that pitch. And if it's not there, kind of just try to lay off, but yeah, just kind of hunting that pitch. And if it's a pitch I can do damage on, try to unload on it.”
It also helps being able to lean on the updated technology that new leadership emphasized, including the addition of the Trajekt. The Washington Nationals were one of the last teams in baseball to make it available to their players, which according to House, has proven beneficial.
“I think that you're so used to watching film on the guy that you're going to face the next day, and then actually getting to go in there and hit off of him, it feels like it's just huge,” House added.
"I think watching film and all that stuff is good as well, but like actually getting to step in the cage and almost getting to get a few at bats off of him before you face him.”
House didn’t play against the Phillies on Monday night with the Nationals back in action against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night, but it’s the type of statement that adds optimism to an unproven roster.