One of many fundamental storylines of Nationals Spring Coaching might be how the beginning rotation types itself out. Proper now it seems like there are seven guys battling for 5 spots. One of many guys who could possibly be on the surface wanting in is Mitchell Parker. Nevertheless, an enormous spring may catapult him into the rotation.
Mitchell Parker is one of some younger Nats beginning pitchers who established themselves on the massive league stage. In 151 innings, Parker held his personal, posting a 4.29 ERA. Whereas he was not distinctive, he held his personal and ate innings for the Nats. He went at the very least six innings in 13 of his 29 begins, a stable quantity on this trendy period.
Parker got here out of the gates sizzling, posting a 3.06 ERA in his first 9 begins earlier than cooling off. This was a pattern for lots of the Nats starters. They started to expire of steam after the all-star break. After the midsummer traditional, Parker posted a 4.91 ERA, together with his WHIP going from 1.14 in his 17 begins earlier than the break to an alarming 1.57 in his 12 begins afterwards.
Whereas this isn’t an enormous deal within the grand scheme of issues, Parker may be the worst fielding pitcher I’ve ever seen on the massive league stage. In 13 complete probabilities, he made 5 errors. That makes for a disturbing .615 fielding share. Cleansing up that a part of his recreation may assist Parker restrict massive innings and keep away from self inflicted wounds.
On the mound, Parker has a stable 4 pitch combine, with a four-seam fastball, a curveball, a splitter and a slider. No particular person pitch is a standout, however they’re all stable pitches he’s comfy throwing in any depend. His splitter was a devastating put away pitch in opposition to proper handed hitters, with a 37.2 whiff share. Nevertheless, he acquired into hassle when he hung the pitch, permitting 4 dwelling runs and 12 additional base hits. In 2025, I feel he may throw his slider extra. He solely threw it 9.8% of the time in 2024, however acquired 23 strikeouts and a 36.4% whiff price.
One factor that Parker improved so much within the massive leagues was his management. In 2022, he walked 6 batters per 9 innings within the minor leagues and in 2023 he walked 4.4 per 9, which is healthier however nonetheless too excessive. Nevertheless, within the massive leagues, he walked 2.6 per 9, an excellent quantity. Whereas being within the zone extra and dealing with higher hitters made him extra hittable, the commerce off for much less walks was one he wanted to make.
With Mackenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Michael Soroka, and Trevor Williams being the most definitely candidates for the primary 4 spots within the rotation, Parker might be in a heated battle for the ultimate spot. Parker, DJ Herz and Shinnosuke Ogasawara will compete for the ultimate spot within the rotation. Herz is my favourite of the three as a result of he has the best upside, however will probably be a heated competitors. Parker’s potential to go deep into video games provides him a trump card within the race.
The Nationals may additionally resolve to go along with a six man rotation in an effort to slot in yet another man and restrict innings. Parker additionally has minor league choices, so beginning the season in Rochester is on the desk. Nevertheless, with how typically pitchers get damage, there isn’t any doubt that Mitchell Parker will get an opportunity to start out video games in some unspecified time in the future. The one query is when, will he be on the opening day roster, or will he be the primary man up if/when any individual misses time.
