The Washington Nationals are clearly charting a new course in player development, and if this offseason is any indication, they’re not just dipping their toes into the analytics pool-they’re diving in headfirst.
The latest addition to their coaching staff is Travis Fitta, who’s stepping in as the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings’ hitting coach. Fitta comes from Driveline Baseball, a performance lab that’s become a hotbed for data-driven player development.
At Driveline, he worked closely with MLB hitters, helping them refine swing mechanics and optimize movement patterns. Now, he brings that expertise to an organization that’s making a clear push toward innovation.
This isn’t a one-off hire either. The Nationals have been steadily building a pipeline of forward-thinking minds, many of whom have ties to Driveline.
Assistant hitting coach Andrew Aydt is a prime example. Before joining the Nationals’ big league staff, Aydt was the assistant director of hitting at Driveline.
Still in his 20s, he’s already gaining a reputation as one of the sharpest young minds in player development. His presence in the dugout signals the Nationals’ commitment to staying ahead of the curve rather than playing catch-up.
Fitta fits that mold perfectly. His background in swing design and biomechanics makes him an ideal fit for a Triple-A roster full of developing hitters. Rochester is where many of the Nationals’ top prospects will get their final polish before making the leap to the majors, and Fitta’s skill set is tailor-made for that environment.
One player who stands to benefit in a big way is Yohandy Morales. The power is there-no one questions that-but most scouting reports point to a swing that could use some refinement.
If Morales starts the year in Triple-A, he’ll have the opportunity to work with Fitta daily. The goal?
Turn that raw power into consistent, game-ready production. Morales has the tools; now he has a coach who can help him unlock them.
And this won’t be Fitta’s first time working with Nationals players. This offseason, he was seen in a training video helping outfielder Jacob Young improve his swing.
The focus was on translating Young’s athleticism into more efficient movement at the plate-a classic Driveline approach. The early signs were promising, and it’s the kind of individualized coaching that can make a real impact.
Fitta also worked with Amed Rosario before the veteran’s strong half-season in Washington last year. Rosario’s batted-ball data saw a noticeable uptick in 2025, and while he’s no longer with the team, his improvement offers a glimpse of what Fitta can bring to the table.
What we’re seeing here is a clear vision from Paul Toboni and the Nationals’ front office. They’re assembling a staff that blends cutting-edge data with hands-on player development. It’s not just about hiring “analytics guys”-it’s about finding teachers who can translate that information into real results on the field.
Progress won’t happen overnight, and the big-league product may still be a work in progress. But hires like Travis Fitta are a sign that the Nationals are laying the groundwork for something bigger. This is how you build a sustainable pipeline of talent-by investing in the infrastructure that helps players reach their ceiling.
It’s a new era in D.C., and if this trend continues, the Nationals could soon be known not just for who they draft, but for how well they develop.