The roster he finished the season with is much different than the one he started the season with, and coach Davey Martinez plans to move on from another (rebuilding) year in Washington to the club before the Nationals’ final game in 2024. He talked about what he thought was the biggest development for him. , D.C.
“The biggest thing is obviously our young pitching,” Martinez said of the continued growth of Mackenzie Gore and Jake Irvin and the rise of DJ Hurts and Mitchell Parker.Josiah Gray left after Tommy John, and Cade Cavalli had a setback this year rehabbing from TJS but is now aiming to return in 2025.).
“When I see some of these people coming, [who] They weren’t here yet and we thought they’d be doing what they’ve been doing,” Martinez said. But I also like acquiring players – like I said before, acquiring young, everyday players. [like James Wood and Dylan Crews] If we come here and do what they’ve done and gain experience, that will definitely help us going into next year. ”
Although he doesn’t get as much attention as his left (Wood) and right (Cruz) outfield partners, 25-year-old 2021 seventh-round draft pick Jacob Young is having a breakout season and is tied for second in the majors in DRS (11). It ended in (.256/.316/.331, 24 doubles, 3 HR, 33 stolen bases).
“Jacob Young, I mean, what he’s done this year has been really, really, really amazing. I mean, I say it every day, every time I see him, this guy is a gold grabber. And… His hitting is going to be a lot better, but, well, when you have something like that, if you lead the team and are really good in the middle of the field, you’re good on defense, and defensive But it’s going to be great. You’re going to help the pitching staff. And he did that for us this year, which was great. There are a lot of positives and good points.”
Despite their hopes, they didn’t make it to the postseason like they probably expected, but in Martinez’s estimation they’re not too far away.
“We didn’t get to where we wanted to be. The aim is to get back into the play-offs and I think that day is getting really close,” he admitted.
Finally, he said during the final weekend of the season that he liked how his team worked, refused to quit, fought back throughout the season and played hard regardless of the overall result.
“Like I’ve said all year long, they’re never going to give up. They play hard, they really do. I’ve never seen them give up…so I I’m really proud of them.”
and, @FXBGNats Forward!@travissykora1 5.0 innings with 1 hit and 9 strikeouts. Elijah Green tied the score with a HR solo in the 7th inning, and Kevin Buzzell scored a run with a single in the 9th inning, sending the Fredericksburg Nationals to the Carolina League Championship Series. I was allowed to advance. pic.twitter.com/PKDRMe7EPs
— Nationals Player Development (@Nats_PlayerDev) September 13, 2024
Martinez said during the final weekend of the season that he was pleased with the development of pitchers in the majors and excited about the next prospects coming through the system.
“We’re in a good position with our young starters and guys coming up like Cade.” [Cavalli] I hope to be healthy for spring training next year. ”
“We had a guy like this. [Brad] The Lord has been really good,” he added. “[Travis] Sykora, as you know, pitched very well. [Jarlin] Susanna is growing really well. We’re really excited about our starting pitcher. ”
