Nationals Launch 2025 Season with Opening Day Predictions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 27, 2025 — As Major League Baseball ushers in a new season, the Washington Nationals prepare to kick off the 2025 campaign against the Philadelphia Phillies. Anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike as the team seeks to improve on last year’s performance.

After a grueling spring training and roster adjustments due to injuries, Nationals writers and commentators have weighed in with their predictions for the upcoming season. This marks the 16th consecutive year that the Nationals media has shared its Opening Day speculations, providing a mix of insights into player performance, potential achievements, and overall team success.

The predictions cover various categories, including anticipated All-Star selections and team statistics. Renowned figures in the Nationals community such as Bobby Blanco of MASNsports.com, Jessica Camerato from MLB.com, and Al Galdi of The Nats Chat Podcast have made their choices, often with similar names appearing throughout different predictions.

When asked which Nationals players are likely to make the All-Star Game, several names emerged consistently, particularly MacKenzie Gore and James Wood. “I think MacKenzie Gore has the talent to really break through this year,” said Cameronato, while Galdi echoed, “He could be a key factor for us.”

Attention also turned to projected attendance at Nationals Park. Predictions range from 1,927,685 to 2,200,000, highlighting optimism for a bounce-back year after a challenging previous season. “Fan support is crucial,” noted Bill Ladson. “We need to see the stands filled to create a home-field advantage.”

Additional predictions focus on individual player achievements. Al Galdi anticipates James Wood hitting 35 home runs, while various predictions suggest that CJ Abrams will have a combined total of 55 home runs and stolen bases. “Abrams has shown he can be a dynamic player,” said Spencer Nusbaum.

As the team gears up, fans are also looking forward to seeing how new additions like Nathaniel Lowe impact the roster. “His performance could define the season,” said Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post, emphasizing the importance of offseason acquisitions.

The Nationals staff made personal predictions as well, with varying records and winners being suggested. From Arthur’s prediction of a 71-91 record to Bennett’s more optimistic 75-87, it’s clear that opinions on the Nationals’ season outlook are as diverse as the fanbase itself.

In this unpredictable game, who will thrive and who may falter? As always, the answers will unfold over the next several months, culminating in the annual evaluation at the season’s end—a tradition that has become eagerly anticipated among fans and analysts alike.