Spring Training is a time of experimentation, where players step out of their comfort zones and try new roles in low-pressure situations. But this year, one move by the Nationals has everyone talking: All-Star outfielder James Wood is making waves by starting in right field—a position he’s barely touched since the minor leagues. And this is the part most people miss: Wood has only logged a little over 400 innings in right field during his minor league career and has exclusively played left field or served as a designated hitter in his season and a half in the majors. So, what’s the deal? Is this a permanent shift, or just a Spring Training trial? Nats manager Blake Butera hasn’t tipped his hand, but reintroducing Wood to right field could offer strategic flexibility, even if left field remains his primary home during the regular season. After all, the Nationals didn’t give him any reps in right field during Spring Training 2025, so this feels like a calculated move—but why now?
Here’s where it gets controversial: Daylen Lile, who took over as the primary right fielder after his call-up in May, was an offensive standout with a .299/.347/.498 slash line in his first 91 MLB games. But defensively? He was a liability. Despite his speed, poor routes and questionable decisions turned routine outs into hits. Lile’s defensive struggles weren’t limited to right field—he didn’t fare much better in left, where he made 21 starts. Wood, while not a defensive standout himself, might be the lesser of two evils in the corners, especially against left-handed-heavy lineups. But is that enough to justify the position swap? Or is this just a band-aid solution?
Dylan Crews and Jacob Young round out the outfield picture. Crews is versatile but lacks left field experience in the pros, while Young is the team’s defensive anchor in center field—though his light-hitting limits him to a fourth outfielder role. Regardless of how the outfield shakes out, these four players have secured their spots on the MLB roster. The same can’t be said for the pitching staff, where competition is fierce.
Free agent additions Miles Mikolas and Foster Griffin join Cade Cavalli and Josiah Gray as the likely starters for Opening Day. Gray is returning from internal brace surgery that sidelined him for all of last season, while Cavalli is coming off Tommy John surgery, having pitched 48 2/3 innings with a 4.25 ERA in 10 starts late last year. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Cavalli is reportedly working on adding a sweeper to his repertoire, a pitch that could give him an edge against right-handed hitters. If successful, this could be a game-changer for the 27-year-old righty, who’s already impressed with two scoreless innings in his exhibition debut. Meanwhile, Gray is expected to be fully built up by Opening Day, but will he secure the fourth starter role? If so, the final rotation spot will come down to Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, Brad Lord, Andrew Alvarez, or Jake Eder.
Then there’s Trevor Williams, the veteran right-hander recovering from his own internal brace procedure last July. He’s not expected back until after the All-Star Break, and a recent pause in his throwing program due to elbow soreness has raised eyebrows. While Butera downplayed concerns, the lack of specifics on his MRI results leaves room for speculation. Is this a minor setback, or a sign of a longer recovery?
So, what do you think? Is James Wood’s move to right field a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? And will Cavalli’s new sweeper pitch elevate him to ace status? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
