The Washington Nationals take the field on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals with a clear focus on steadying their course and continuing their surprising competitiveness in what was widely expected to be another developmental year. While their overall record may still fall short of playoff relevance, the Nationals have played tough baseball through the first six weeks of the season, buoyed by a youthful core and a scrappy, contact-first offensive identity. At the heart of their resurgence is shortstop C.J. Abrams, whose bat speed, baserunning, and defensive range have turned him into one of the most exciting young players in the National League. Abrams has consistently provided spark at the top of the order and has benefited from lineup protection offered by Lane Thomas and Joey Meneses, both of whom have delivered in clutch spots throughout the early campaign. Though the Nationals are only batting .235 as a team—ranking 20th in the majors—they’ve maximized their output by capitalizing on opponent mistakes and producing well in run-scoring opportunities. They average just over four runs per game, a modest but respectable figure for a club with limited power. What’s held them back from more consistent results, however, has been their pitching staff, which ranks among the league’s worst with a 5.21 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. Their starters have often failed to get through five innings without trouble, forcing the bullpen into extended duty far too frequently and often exposing younger arms to high-leverage situations they may not be ready for.

While the rotation’s performance has been underwhelming, the Nationals’ defense has been solid, with only 0.42 errors per game—good for ninth in the league—and their execution on double plays and outfield positioning has kept them in tight games. Manager Dave Martinez has leaned into situational strategy, often using aggressive baserunning and hit-and-run tactics to disrupt opposing pitchers and manufacture runs. The Nationals have also been quietly effective against the spread (ATS), going 7-2 in their last nine games, thanks in part to their ability to hang around as underdogs and keep games within striking distance. Saturday’s matchup provides Washington a key opportunity to take advantage of the Cardinals’ well-documented road struggles and an inconsistent pitching staff. If they can apply pressure early, force St. Louis into the bullpen by the middle innings, and continue to produce with runners in scoring position, the Nationals could be well-positioned to grab a confidence-building home win. It’s these kinds of games—winnable, competitive, and against mid-tier opposition—that will define the Nationals’ 2025 season. With a fan base slowly returning to optimism and a roster that’s developing chemistry, Washington has a chance to prove they’re more than just a rebuilding team—they’re a club that’s learning how to win close games and set a new tone for the years ahead.