The Washington Nationals have had a tumultuous journey since their 2019 World Series victory, with the franchise undergoing significant changes and trading away key players like Juan Soto. The recent buzz around James Wood hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres highlights the ongoing fallout from the Soto trade, which was initially viewed as a win for the Nationals. However, the lack of progress in their rebuild raises questions about the team's direction.

Despite receiving promising talents such as Wood, CJ Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore in return for Soto, the Nationals have struggled to build a competitive roster. The team's performance has been lackluster, with consecutive seasons of poor records. The pressure is mounting to secure long-term contracts for their standout players before they reach free agency, a situation that is not typical for a team in the midst of a rebuild. As fans celebrate past trade victories, the question remains: how much longer will the Nationals' rebuild take?

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, savvy fantasy baseball players should keep a close eye on potential closer-closing changes and stash some high-potential relief pitchers. Jason Adam of the San Diego Padres, with a standout ERA of 1.69, is the top handcuff to monitor, especially given Robert Suarez's recent struggles. Similarly, Randy Rodriguez of the San Francisco Giants is poised for a possible promotion should Camilo Doval falter. Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins and Bryan Abreu of the Houston Astros also boast impressive strikeout rates and are positioned well should their teams' closers be traded or falter. Stashing these pitchers could lead to valuable saves down the stretch.

As we hit Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season, several starting pitchers have emerged as intriguing waiver wire pickups. Jacob Lopez from the Athletics has dramatically turned his season around, boasting a remarkable 0.39 ERA over his last four outings. Utilizing his slider and changeup more effectively has contributed to this success.

Kumar Rocker of the Texas Rangers, previously a highly-rated prospect, has begun to show his potential with a solid 2.20 ERA in his last three starts but still has work to do on his other pitches. Mike Soroka, now with the Nationals, has also found a rhythm, posting a 3.49 ERA since June 1 as he focuses on improving his changeup.

Eric Lauer of the Blue Jays has revitalized his career after a rough past, sporting a 3.32 ERA across four recent starts. Lastly, Quinn Priester’s impressive performance with a 2.30 ERA since joining the Brewers makes him another must-watch player. Fantasy managers should consider these pitchers as viable options for bolstering their rosters.

Kyle Hendricks reflects on the long journey through his 12-year career in Major League Baseball, emphasizing how consistency and learning from mistakes have shaped him into a top-tier starting pitcher. Hendricks' experience with the Chicago Cubs under manager Joe Maddon allowed him to develop his skills through trial and error, contributing to the team's 2016 World Series victory. Meanwhile, the Angels pitching staff, with a 4.22 earned-run average, showcases a unique aspect of their season: all five starters from the opening rotation have made every start so far, a rarity in today's game.

This consistency has fostered camaraderie among the pitchers and catchers, with players like Jack Kochanowicz and José Soriano gaining valuable experience despite fluctuations in performance. Kochanowicz's recent struggles highlight the challenges faced by young pitchers, while Soriano's solid outings demonstrate that with regular starts, confidence grows. As the season progresses, the Angels' focus on maintaining a stable rotation has the potential to lead to future success for these emerging talents.

As we enter Week 14 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy baseball managers are urged to capitalize on emerging starting pitchers available on the waiver wire. Eury Perez of the Miami Marlins is highlighted for his potential upside despite inconsistent performances, making him a speculative but promising pick. Boston's Lucas Giolito, having turned around his season in June, appears primed to contribute significantly, especially with his recent run of quality starts.

Noah Cameron from the Kansas City Royals and Landen Roupp of the San Francisco Giants are also recommended, with Roupp's excellent performance against the White Sox demonstrating his viability as a streaming option. Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks shows promise as well, with recent outings indicating his return to form.

In deeper leagues, Ryne Nelson of the Diamondbacks and Edward Cabrera from the Marlins are considered valuable for their ability to log innings effectively. Jacob Lopez from the Athletics has emerged as a surprising option, showcasing solid strikeout potential. Emmet Sheehan, despite not being on the current Dodgers roster, is expected to return soon and should be added before his talent becomes widely recognized.