Nationals predictions for 2023 season
The Nationals are looking ahead to the 2023 season. Here are three things I am thinking about and my predictions for them.
CJ Abrams will be a Gold Glove Award-finalist in 2023.
Abrams played 44 games with the Nationals this season after being traded at the deadline. He was named an Electric Play of the Week for a double-take stop and throw against Alec Bohm and the Phillies in mid-September. Abrams has already established a strong chemistry with second baseman Luis García. The past season’s National League Gold Glove Award finalists at shortstop were Dansby Swanson, Ha-Seong Kim and Miguel Rojas.
Harvey is coming off a career-best season in which he posted a 2.52 ERA out of the bullpen and allowed only one home run in 39 1/3 innings. He implemented a four-pitches-or-fewer approach to each batter to succeed in his first season with Washington.
Harvey took the mound most frequently in the seventh inning. He finished seven games.
Harvey had been considered for closing during his time with the Orioles, but that opportunity was curtailed by injuries. Now healthy, he could give the Nationals another option behind Kyle Finnegan and earn his first career save.
Jake Irvin was a fourth-round pick by the Nationals in the 2018 Draft. Irvins pro career was halted when he underwent Tommy John surgery. He returned to the mound this past season and made 24 starts between High-A Wilmington and Double- A Harrisburg.
