The 3 biggest storylines looming over Nats camp

This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

The first workout for pitchers and catchers is being held today at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Before we hear the latest from the players, coaches and staff, let’s look ahead to three storylines to watch during camp.

Top prospects in camp

The Nationals invited six prospects ranked in their top 30 to Major League Spring Training, including outfielder Dylan Crews, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Crews (Washington’s No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline and No. 7 overall) will be joined by outfielder James Wood (No. 2, MLB No. 14), third baseman Brady House (No. 3, MLB No. 48), outfielder Robert Hassell III (No. 8) and infielders Trey Lipscomb (No. 14) and Darren Baker (No. 25). Of this group, only Baker has reached Triple-A Rochester, representing the steps the Nats are taking to get closer to their next chapter. Additionally, the Nationals also added southpaws DJ Herz (No. 16) and Mitchell Parker (No. 26) as well as right-handers Cole Henry (No. 18) and Zach Brzykcy (No. 29) to the 40-man roster this offseason ahead of the Rule 5 Draft.

Return of injured players

There were key players sidelined at the end of last season who are coming into camp looking for a healthy 2024. Backup catcher Riley Adams was shut down on Sept. 6 with a fractured left hamate, and he said heading into the offseason that he expected to be ready for Spring Training. Center fielder Victor Robles was limited to 36 games in 2023 because of a lingering back injury, but he progressed to play eight games in the Dominican Winter League. Robles will contend to reclaim his starting role, which was filled by prospect Jacob Young toward the end of last season. The biggest question mark among the group is outfielder Stone Garrett, who broke his left leg making a play at the right field wall at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 23. The Nationals are looking to boost their offense, and Garrett could DH if he is not ready to play the outfield yet.

Starting rotation

If the Nationals choose to, they could return the same starting rotation from last season and tab Patrick Corbin, Josiah Gray, MacKenzie Gore, Trevor Williams and Jake Irvin. The group was effective in 2023: The Nationals tied with the Blue Jays for the fewest starting pitchers (eight), and they did not expand their rotation to six until August. Joan Adon and No. 13 prospect Jackson Rutledge joined the rotation late last season, and both right-handers still could benefit from continued development in Triple-A with the likelihood to return to the big leagues this season -- especially if there are changes regarding the two veterans in the rotation. Corbin is in the final year of his contract, and the Nationals have been aggressive with moving expiring deals at the Trade Deadline. Williams also has experience pitching out of the bullpen, and he could move back to a long-relief role should the need present itself. The Nats will have decisions to make when No. 4 prospect Cade Cavalli returns from Tommy John surgery (expected midseason).