The Nationals have set their roster for Opening Day of the 2025 season. This squad will take the field against the Phillies on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET, live on MLB.TV.
Catcher (2): Keibert Ruiz, Riley Adams
Ruiz and Adams return as the backstop tandem. Ruiz is focusing on being consistent at the plate throughout the season, while Adams edged out Andrew Knizner for the backup role.
First baseman (1): Nathaniel Lowe
The Nationals acquired Lowe from the Rangers in exchange for reliever Robert Garcia. Lowe won a Gold Glove Award at first base in 2023.
Second baseman (1): Luis García Jr.
García looks to build on the momentum of being named a Silver Slugger finalist. Last season, he was one of just six players to bat over .280 with at least 40 extra-base hits and 20 stolen bases.
Shortstop (1): CJ Abrams
Abrams, who was optioned to Triple-A at the end of last season, will be the Nationals' starting shortstop this season. He led the Nats in extra-base hits in 2024.
Third baseman (1): Paul DeJong
The Nationals signed the veteran DeJong to a one-year deal on Feb. 16. DeJong, a former All-Star shortstop, has shifted smoothly to third base.
Outfielders (3): LF James Wood, CF Jacob Young, RF Dylan Crews (Nationals’ No. 1 prospect, MLB No. 4)
The young trio will play their first full season together in the Major Leagues. Young earned Gold Glove finalist honors in 2024 and led the NL in outs above average.
DH (1): Josh Bell
Bell returns for his second stint with the Nationals. The veteran, who also plays first base, looks forward to focusing on the DH role to establish consistency at the plate.
Bench/utility (3): Alex Call, Amed Rosario, José Tena
Rosario signed a one-year deal this winter as a versatile veteran infielder entering his ninth season. Call has proven versatility to play multiple outfield positions. The final bench spot came down to Tena and Juan Yepez, and Tena got the call for his infield versatility and ability as a pinch-runner.
Starting pitchers (5): RHP Jake Irvin, LHP MacKenzie Gore, RHP Michael Soroka, LHP Mitchell Parker, RHP Trevor Williams
Gore earned his first Opening Day start, Soroka is looking for a bounce-back season in his return to a Major League rotation, and Parker earned the fifth starter spot in camp.
Relief pitchers (8): RHP Kyle Finnegan, RHP Jorge López, LHP Jose A. Ferrer, RHP Lucas Sims, LHP Colin Poche, RHP Eduardo Salazar, RHP Orlando Ribalta (No. 30), RHP Brad Lord (No. 23)
Lord is making his Major League debut after converting from a starter this spring. The Nationals will open the season without right-hander Derek Law, who pitched 90 innings last season, because of right arm soreness.