The Washington Nationals enter Tuesday’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles with a 9–13 record, showing modest but meaningful progress in the early stages of the 2025 season. Though the win-loss column doesn’t reflect a dramatic turnaround, this youthful Nationals squad has quietly begun to carve out a more competitive identity, particularly at home where they’ve covered the run line in four of their last six games. The emergence of several young stars, improved pitching, and sharper play on defense have helped Washington remain feisty in matchups that many expected them to simply survive. With the Orioles coming to town and both clubs sitting near the bottom of their respective divisions, this interleague series carries weight—not just in terms of standings, but also for building confidence and rhythm as both teams attempt to forge consistency before May arrives. The Nationals will rely on Mitchell Parker to take the mound in the opener, and the rookie right-hander has been a revelation so far in 2025. Parker sports a 2–1 record with a stellar 1.85 ERA, proving adept at limiting hard contact and working efficiently through lineups despite his relative inexperience. His command of the strike zone and ability to sequence pitches have frustrated hitters and given Washington a chance to win in each of his starts. He faces an Orioles lineup with dangerous hitters, but one that has been inconsistent away from home, which could play into his strengths. Parker’s poise and willingness to pitch to contact allow him to extend outings and preserve the bullpen, which has been a critical factor in his early-season success. Washington’s relief corps, anchored by Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan, has also shown growth, keeping the team in close games and capitalizing when the offense provides a late spark.

Offensively, the Nationals are beginning to establish an identity around their young core. Rookie sensation James Wood has been the centerpiece, slugging seven home runs and injecting much-needed power into a lineup that previously leaned more on contact and speed. His presence in the middle of the order has taken pressure off veterans like Joey Meneses and allowed Keibert Ruiz to operate with more freedom. Ruiz, hitting .306, has provided steady production and leadership from behind the plate, giving Washington a reliable anchor both offensively and defensively. C.J. Abrams and Luis García Jr. have also contributed key moments, helping the team manufacture runs even in low-scoring contests. The Nationals aren’t a team that will routinely mash their way to victory, but they have shown improved situational hitting and a willingness to play small ball when needed—a hallmark of manager Dave Martinez’s preferred style. Defensively, Washington has cleaned up many of the mistakes that plagued them last season. Their infield has made routine plays look routine again, and their outfield, led by Wood and Victor Robles, has covered ground efficiently. The combination of strong defensive positioning, confident young pitching, and a growing offensive punch has turned Nationals Park into a more challenging venue for visiting teams. Against a Baltimore squad that has faltered on the road and is struggling to find consistent starting pitching, Washington will look to set the tone early with Parker’s arm and back it up with smart at-bats. If they can maintain their recent form, the Nationals have a strong opportunity to take control of this series and continue redefining themselves as more than just a rebuilding roster.