Thu Mar 27 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Nationals Media Predicts a Rollercoaster 2024 Season

**Washington, D.C. –** Opening Day has arrived for the Washington Nationals, and with it, the annual tradition of media predictions for the upcoming season. MASNsports.com and other outlets have polled their experts for their takes on everything from All-Star selections to the team’s final win total. As always, the predictions will be revisited at season’s end to see who was closest to the mark (spoiler alert: probably nobody).

**All-Star Contenders:** James Wood emerged as a near-unanimous choice for an All-Star nod, with MacKenzie Gore also frequently cited. Luis García Jr. and CJ Abrams also received significant votes.

**Attendance and Home Runs:** Predictions for total attendance at Nationals Park ranged from 1,927,685 to 2,200,000. James Wood’s home run total was pegged between 21 and 35, demonstrating considerable variation in expectations for the young prospect.

**Individual Player Projections:** A wide range of projections were offered for several key players’ statistics, including Dylan Crews’ OPS (.645-.893), CJ Abrams’ combined home runs and stolen bases (50-65), and Jacob Young’s stolen bases (23-44).

**Top OPS performers:** Luis Garcia Jr. and Nathaniel Lowe were consistently ranked among the top five in OPS by the panelists. Order beyond these two varied widely.

**Rookie Debuts:** The panel’s predictions for Brady House’s and Robert Hassell III’s MLB debuts varied greatly, spanning from May to September.

**Pitching Staff:** MacKenzie Gore was the most frequent choice for leading the pitching staff in wins (10-16), with Jake Irvin also receiving substantial support. Gore’s projected strikeout total ranged from 190 to 213.

**Bullpen:** Kyle Finnegan’s projected saves ranged from 10 to 36, with blown saves also varying widely. Derek Law’s projected innings pitched ranged from 45 to 95.

**Opposition’s Power:** Juan Soto was the most commonly predicted hitter to hit the most home runs against the Nationals.

**NL East Standings and Win Total:** The Braves were the overwhelming favorite to win the NL East, with the Phillies and Mets frequently placing second and third. The Nationals’ win total projections clustered around 75-82 wins.

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