Posing offseason questions to Nats fans

We’re less than a month away from the start of spring training and there are still plenty of questions swirling around the baseball offseason.

As it pertains to the Nationals, we know you still have a lot of questions before the team reports to West Palm Beach next month. Mark Zuckerman’s weekly Q&A sessions with readers have been filled with your inquiries on the club’s roster, farm system and projections for the 2025 season.

But this morning, I had the thought to turn the tables on you, the readers.

Here are some Nats-related questions for you to ponder and answer in the comments section below:

Which offseason addition (so far) will have the biggest impact this season?

After a quiet start to the offseason, the Nats have made six major league acquisitions over the last month: Trading for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, signing designated hitter Josh Bell and infielder Amed Rosario, and signing right-handers Michael Soroka, Trevor Williams and Jorge López.

Each of them filled a roster need for general manager Mike Rizzo. But which one will prove to be the most impactful?

Lowe brings a solid bat with power potential and Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base. And he has two years of club control.

Bell hopes to regain his power stroke and increase his slugging in his return to Washington. With his sole focus on hitting as he likely assumes designated hitter duties full-time, he could become a dangerous bat behind the Nats’ group of young speedsters.

Rosario brings a lot of versatility to the utility role and could be a solid defensive fit almost anywhere should a starter be lost to injury. But will his offensive production be enough?

Soroka has an All-Star track record, but he is trying to regain that form after injuries derailed his career in Atlanta.

Williams showed last year he can be an effective starter when healthy. But will he be able to replicate that this year?

And López had a strong end to the season in Chicago after a dramatic exit from New York in June. Can he be trusted as a late-inning reliever in a bullpen that needs one?

Which prospect will make his major league debut first?

This one is always tough to answer because injuries often force the club to promote a prospect before they really want to. (See: Trey Lipscomb in 2024.)

But given a scenario that everyone is fully healthy, who earns the call first, a la James Wood and Dylan Crews last year?

MLB Pipeline has 2025 as major league ETAs for Brady House, Robert Hassell III and Yohandy Morales, among others.

If the Nationals don’t acquire a true everyday third baseman by Opening Day, House could be a safe bet. Many in the organization believe he is the team’s future at the hot corner, and after the leaps Wood and Crews made last year, House would be next in line.

Hassell needs to prove he can stay healthy first. But if he does, he can be as productive as anyone. (Rizzo called him the “Forgotten Prospect” last year.) The next question would be: Will there be room for him in the Nats outfield?

Morales has a lot of intriguing tools, but he is still so raw after being a second-round selection two summers ago. He also dealt with injuries last year, so he may have to develop more.

Pitchers are often the first prospects called up to make spot starts in case of injury or games affected by early season weather delays/postponements. Travis Sykora, Jarlin Susana and Alex Clemmey are the names fans probably want to see the most, but none of them have pitched above High-A ball yet.

What is your favorite moment from the Nationals’ first 20 years?

Believe it or not, the Nationals are already celebrating the team’s 20th anniversary this season. So when you look back at the last two decades of Washington baseball, which moments stand out the most?

There are obviously a lot to choose from. A World Series championship and parade. Multiple division titles. No-hitters and special achievements. It can even be something specific to your own personal fan experience.

But don’t just let me know in the comments. The Nationals want to know, too!

Voting has been open for NATS20 Fan Favorite Moments, part of the club’s season-long celebration.

A panel of former players, broadcasters and longtime employees submitted their favorite memories from the first two decades of Nationals baseball, but fans will have the final say on which moments will be prominently featured throughout Nats Park this season.

The top 20 moments, as chosen by the fans, will be announced in February, and images representing the selections will be prominently displayed throughout Nationals Park. Plus, three of the top moments will be featured as part of the mystery bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, May 24, when 20,000 fans in attendance will receive one of the three collectibles.

Voting is open through Thursday, Jan. 30, at nats.com/NATS20.