Spring training is always a time of anticipation and adjustment, and the Washington Nationals are no exception. With 26 days under their belt since pitchers and catchers reported to West Palm Beach, the Nationals have shown promise with a 9-4-3 record in Grapefruit League play.
But while some players are shining, others are still finding their footing. Let’s dive into the performance of three Nationals who are yet to hit their stride this spring.
Daylen Lile
Daylen Lile, one of the Nationals’ most thrilling young prospects, made waves last season with his impressive rookie campaign. The 23-year-old wrapped up 2025 with a .299 average and an .845 OPS, notching 96 hits, nine home runs, and 41 RBIs. His speed and knack for driving the ball into gaps made him a standout.
Lile's scorching finish last season, hitting .391 with six home runs and a 1.212 OPS in the final month, earned him a fifth-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. However, spring training has been a different story.
With just one hit in 18 at-bats, Lile's .056 average has raised eyebrows. His single hit was a home run, but six strikeouts highlight his struggle to find rhythm.
Despite the slow start, there’s no need for alarm. Spring training is all about shaking off the rust, and Lile has time to rediscover his form before the season opener.
CJ Abrams
CJ Abrams, another vital cog in the Nationals’ lineup, is also searching for his groove. The former All-Star had a solid 2025, hitting .257 with 19 home runs and 31 stolen bases. Yet, this spring, Abrams has managed just two hits in 17 at-bats, translating to a .118 average.
On the bright side, Abrams has demonstrated patience at the plate with five walks against four strikeouts, indicating he’s still seeing the ball well. Though his bat has been quiet, the Nationals aren’t worried. Abrams is a key player with an everyday role, and finding his rhythm in the coming weeks would bode well for the 2026 season.
James Wood
James Wood, the Nationals’ towering slugger, is another player looking to regain his form. Last season, Wood dazzled fans with a .256 average, .825 OPS, and 31 home runs, earning an All-Star nod and a spot in the Home Run Derby.
This spring, however, Wood has struggled with just two hits in 17 at-bats, resulting in a .118 average. While the lack of home runs is unusual for him, it’s precisely what spring training is for-working through the kinks before the games count.
As the Nationals prepare for the season, these early struggles are part and parcel of the journey. With time on their side, Lile, Abrams, and Wood have ample opportunity to find their rhythm and gear up for what promises to be an exciting 2026 campaign.