Abimelec Ortiz has wasted no time making a loud first impression in Washington.
In just 14 games, the Nationals rookie has ripped his way into the record books, matching a franchise mark with five home runs while putting together a blistering start at the plate. Through those first 14 big league games, Ortiz is hitting .300/.317/.700, with six of his 12 hits going for extra bases and nine RBIs to go with the power surge.
That five-homer burst ties the Nationals record first set by infielder Joey Meneses in 2022, when he burst onto the scene after the trade deadline following Washington’s deal that sent Juan Soto and Josh Bell away. Ortiz also joins a short list that includes Soto himself, who had three home runs in his first 14 major league games in 2018, matching Danny Espinosa’s mark from 2010. Outfielder Dylan Crews also reached three homers over his first 14 games in 2024.
For a Nationals club that has been searching for stability at first base, Ortiz’s start has the look of something much bigger than a hot streak. Washington believed enough in his bat to bring him over from the Texas Rangers this past winter in the MacKenzie Gore blockbuster, and that belief was rooted in a track record of power. Ortiz had double-digit home run totals in every minor league season he played through the 2025 campaign, including 33 homers in 2023, with 26 of those coming at High-A.
Even president of baseball operations Paul Toboni has to be surprised by how fast Ortiz has translated that power to the majors.
The Nationals have also already shown how they want to use him. Ortiz is being platooned at first base with Andres Chaparro against left-handed pitching, a setup that has worked well so far.
But the next step is clear: proving he can handle lefties and become an everyday option. That could come with an offseason of work heading into the 2027 season.
There’s still development ahead, but Ortiz has already checked off one major box. He’s looked the part on defense, too, with a defensive run saved through 71 1/3 innings.
For now, the early return is hard to miss. Washington thought Ortiz could hit. In his first 14 games, he has shown exactly why.
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