Washington’s power dip remains a hurdle in 2025. After finishing 2024 with 135 homers, they’re already at 126 this season, still the third-fewest in MLB behind the Pirates and Padres. New additions Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Bell show a path to more production, but both profile as gap-to-gap hitters rather than pure sluggers. James Wood has teased big power but hasn’t carried it yet, and the pitching staff has allowed far more homers than it’s hit, staining every win with a power deficit.

Last night’s 12-hit, 0-homer showing for Washington underscored the issue: no long balls to break a tie, even with runners in scoring position hovering around league-average. The Rays’ two homers were enough to win, highlighting how much long-ball inflation still drives outcomes. Until Washington blends Wood’s upside with real power and clamps down on HRs allowed, fantasy upside will hinge on finding pop from the Wood-Bell-Lowe trio and staying optimistic about breakout performances rather than relying on consistent power from the lineup.