As September approaches, the Washington Nationals find themselves out of contention for the playoffs. However, the remaining games hold significant meaning for several players whose futures with the team may hinge on their performances this month. Among them, Dylan Crews, Harry Ford, and Abimelec Ortiz stand out as players who must demonstrate their value to the organization as they look ahead to the 2027 season and beyond.
Dylan Crews, the second overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, is perhaps the most notable player in need of a strong finish. His tenure with the Nationals has been characterized by inconsistency, often showing flashes of brilliance but failing to maintain that level of play. A recent highlight came when he delivered a game-winning single against the Miami Marlins, a moment that could have served as a turning point in his season. Yet, following that performance, Crews has struggled, going hitless in his next three games. This pattern of ups and downs has defined his career thus far.
Currently, Crews is batting just .216 with a .643 OPS, numbers that reflect his struggles at the plate. Over the course of his career, he has maintained a .213 batting average and a .638 OPS across 741 at-bats. If he cannot improve his performance in September, it may be difficult for the Nationals to justify giving him everyday playing time, especially with other prospects like James Wood, Daylen Lile, and Jacob Young showing more promise. A strong finish could not only solidify his place on the roster but also potentially prevent him from becoming a trade candidate in the offseason.
Harry Ford, another player under scrutiny, has had a challenging year as well. Acquired in the offseason, expectations were high for the 23-year-old catcher to establish himself as a key player for the Nationals. However, he has struggled to find his footing, particularly as Keibert Ruiz has reclaimed his position as the starting catcher. Ford's early season performance was disappointing, with a .531 OPS in April, but he has shown improvement, posting an OPS over .800 in both June and July, which earned him a call-up to the majors.
Since joining the big leagues, Ford's performance has been mixed. While his defensive skills have been about average, his offensive output has raised concerns. Currently, he holds a .697 OPS, which is respectable for a rookie, but the lack of power is troubling. Ford's average exit velocity sits at just 83.5 MPH, indicating a need for improvement in his hitting approach. To secure his role as a full-time player, he must enhance his power numbers and demonstrate that he can handle major league pitching.
Abimelec Ortiz, the 24-year-old first baseman, burst onto the scene with an impressive start, hitting five home runs and batting over .300 in his first 14 games. However, his recent struggles have raised questions about his long-term viability with the team. Ortiz has been chasing pitches too often, leading to quick outs and limiting his offensive contributions. His chase rate stands at 37.4%, significantly higher than ideal for a player of his profile.
While Ortiz has the power and bat speed to be a productive player, he needs to refine his approach at the plate. With a swing rate that has increased from 45.6% in Triple-A to 51.4% in the majors, he must learn to be more selective. If he can make the necessary adjustments this month, he could reclaim his position as a key player for the Nationals.
In summary, as the Nationals wrap up their season, Dylan Crews, Harry Ford, and Abimelec Ortiz are players to keep an eye on. Each has shown potential, but they must deliver consistent performances in September to secure their spots on the roster for the upcoming season.
Leave a Comment