Midterm report: Here's how Nats can flip script in 2nd half

The Nationals concluded the first half of the 2025 season with two drastic changes: the firings of general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez one week before the All-Star Break, where they held the first overall pick in the MLB Draft.

The Nats will play the second half of the season with interim general manager Mike DeBartolo and interim manager Miguel Cairo in place. On Sunday, they made their first No. 1 selection in 15 years and added high school standout shortstop Eli Willits to their depth of young talent.

Washington will look to move up from last place in the NL East in the second half, led by electric southpaw MacKenzie Gore and slugging outfielder James Wood, who made their All-Star debuts this week.

One second-half goal: Establish consistent offense
The Nationals put together an offensive hot streak at the end of May. Then, they stumbled on an 11-game losing streak in June. The Nats will look for consistent offense in the second half -- both for the development of the young offense and to provide their pitching with run support. Washington entered Sunday 30-15 when scoring first, but only 5-47 when trailing after the sixth inning.

Likely Trade Deadline strategy: Continue to be sellers
The Nationals have been sellers since 2021, and they could continue to grow their organizational depth through that strategy this season. Right-handed closer Kyle Finnegan is, once again, a top trade chip for the Nats. He is on an expiring $6 million deal with 18 saves on the season. It will be interesting to see if Washington also explores deals for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who has another year left on his contract. Last season, the Nats traded Lane Thomas in a similar situation to the Guardians for a package of prospects.

Key player: OF Dylan Crews
Crews, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, has been on the 10-day IL since May 21 with a left oblique strain. When he returns, he will look to get into an offensive rhythm in his first full season in the Majors. Prior to his injury, Crews batted .196 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs in 45 games.

Prospect to watch: 3B Brady House (Nationals No. 3, MLB No. 81)
House debuted on June 16 and made 23 starts at third base in the first half. He entered the All-Star Break with momentum. House crushed his first Major League home run -- and then his second -- in a multi-homer performance on Saturday at Milwaukee. In his past seven games, House slashed .357/.379/.643 with five RBIs.

Washington finished the first half of the season 18-28 at Nationals Park and 20-30 on the road. They open the second half with a six-game homestand, hosting the Padres and Reds.

Games remaining: 66 (Home, 35; Away, 31)
Remaining strength of schedule: .506, 14th in MLB, seventh in NL, fourth in NL East

Key series
Aug. 1-3: First series following the Trade Deadline; vs. Brewers
Aug. 14-24: Three consecutive series vs. NL East – Aug. 14-17 vs. Phillies; Aug. 19-21 vs. Mets; Aug. 22-24 at Phillies
Sept. 13: Dylan Crews Bobblehead Day vs. Pirates