Bold prediction: Upstart Nationals targeting first above .500 finish since 2019

Even the new guys, like rookie catcher Harry Ford, are making an early difference for the Washington Nationals.

Called up a few hours before Friday's 23-4 second-half opening romp over the Athletics at Sutter Health Park, Ford wasted little time in getting noticed as the replacement for injured Drew Millas.

In his third at-bat, Ford connected on a two-run shot off relief pitcher Justin Sterner's 95-mph four-seam fastball. His first career homer lifted the Nationals to an 8-2 fifth-inning advantage. 

The upstart squad was just getting started, scoring at least four runs in four of the final five innings Friday. 

Emerging as one of the MLB's most versatile offenses, entering Saturday, the Nationals ranked first in team runs (539) and RBI (513) and were tied with the New York Yankees for the most homers with 142.

They also paced the league with 105 stolen bases.

After several seasons of rebuilding, the Nationals have discovered an analytics-based formula and unleashed a young core to execute it, paced by James Wood and CJ Abrams.  

Friday's rout improved the Nationals to 49-49, eight games behind the AL East-leading Atlanta Braves. The franchise that hasn't won an NL East title since 2017 or finished above .500 just once since '19.

With the lineup's newfound power and speed, would it be considered a bold prediction to believe the organization will finish with a winning record?

Or should it be expected?

Nationals developing high-scoring offense, need pitching

Offensively, the Nationals are assembling high-scoring talent. 

The pitching staff, however, needs help.

Entering Saturday, the Nationals ranked No. 26 in team ERA (4.74) and No. 27 in quality starts (20). In the bullpen, relievers compiled 27 blown saves in their opening 54 opportunities.

Could Nationals general manager Ani Kilambi seek pitching reinforcements before the trade deadline Aug. 3? Or, considering the club dropped 96 games in 2025, should the front office allow the current roster a chance to grow, chasing an NL Wild Card seed? They were three games behind.

Nationals right-hander Zack Littell (7-6, 4.90 ERA) was scheduled to start against the Athletics on Saturday night.

The 2019 Nationals established a franchise record with 873 runs. Entering the second half this season, the Nationals are on pace to challenge that mark. Of course, going out and scoring 23 runs certainly would pad their stats.

With a versatile offense, the Nationals could challenge for a playoff spot. But with an inconsistent pitching staff, they could be challenged in reaching the 82-win mark for the first time in seven seasons.

In a bid to balance the roster, Kilambi may have to make some moves over the next two-plus weeks.

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