Imitating greatness can lead to personal success, a lesson Baltimore Orioles' prospect, Jackson Holliday, is learning firsthand. After a challenging 2024 season, he made a pivotal adjustment to his swing by adopting Shohei Ohtani's toe tap technique. This change came after a slow start, leaving him with a paltry .189 batting average in his debut year. Holliday ended the season strong, showcasing his potential with a 4-for-6 performance in his last series against the Minnesota Twins.

His struggles contrasted sharply with peers like Jackson Merrill and Jackson Chourio, who excelled in their rookie campaigns. Holliday's approach to cutting down on strikeouts, his primary weakness, could be key to his resurgence. If his adjustments pay off, he may silence critics and fulfill the lofty expectations placed on him as a top prospect.

The Washington Nationals are actively seeking to enhance their first base position after a disappointing 2024 season, where their corner infielders combined for a mere 0.4 WAR. With limited options remaining in free agency, the team faces challenges in securing a reliable starter.

Recent signings, including Carlos Santana returning to the Cleveland Guardians and other players linked to the Nationals signing elsewhere, have further complicated their search. General manager Mike Rizzo may need to consider significant investments or trades to find a suitable upgrade.

The Washington Nationals' offseason was marked by the integration of young talent into the MLB, leading to a mixed bag of veteran additions. Joey Gallo struggled significantly, while Dylan Floro had a solid season before being traded. Nick Senzel's impact was minimal, and although Jessie Winker performed well enough to be traded to the New York Mets, Eddie Rosario failed to make a mark and was DFA'd.

Juan Yepez provided some value as a backup player. Overall, the offseason was not thrilling but served its purpose of supporting the development of younger players.

The Washington Nationals are optimistic after a significant 16-win improvement in 2024, largely driven by young talent. However, they face crucial offseason decisions to enhance their roster further, particularly at first and third base.

With Joey Gallo likely departing as a free agent, the Nationals will explore options in free agency while also considering internal candidates like Andres Chaparro and Juan Yepez. Their performance in spring training could determine their roles for the upcoming season.