From the Desk of Mark D. Lerner — Spring Training Week Three | by Nationals Communications | Curly W Live

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Hello again from West Palm Beach!

With less than two weeks left in Spring Training, the excitement surrounding the start of the regular season grows every day. And having watched this team in games and on the back fields, it’s easy to see why.

Our pitching staff has consistently been among MLB’s top five this spring in ERA, WHIP and fewest walks allowed, and our late-inning relievers, Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey, have combined for 18 strikeouts and just two walks. MacKenzie Gore has looked especially sharp in his three starts, putting up some of the league’s best numbers in terms of ERA, opponents’ average and WHIP.

The offense has been exciting on the bases, which I love to see. As a team, we have the third-most stolen bases in all of baseball this spring with Lane Thomas tied for the individual lead.

Two players I’ve especially enjoyed watching are Trey Lipscomb and Jacob Young. Trey had a great year last year and came into camp eager and willing to do anything Davey Martinez asked of him. We’ve seen him make plays all over the diamond while hitting .367 with just four strikeouts. We saw Jacob in the big leagues last year, and that experience looks to have paid off. He’s played all three outfield positions and has hit safely in eight of his 13 games.

While we’re all certainly enjoying our time down in West Palm Beach, we’re looking forward to getting home to Washington, D.C., and playing in front of you, the best fans in baseball.

While none of us know exactly what the 2024 season will bring, I can say with confidence that this team will be fun to watch. The additions Mike Rizzo has made to the baseball operations staff are already paying dividends from what we’ve seen at Spring Training, and we know that Davey always gets the most out of the guys in his lineup.

Opening Day will be here before we know it, and we’ll be tested right out of the gate against two very talented teams in the Reds and Pirates before our first Division matchup vs. the Phillies. I hope you’ll make plans to join us when we open at home on April 1 and several other times throughout the season.

On behalf of my family, thank you again for your continued support of the Washington Nationals. We’re all looking forward to seeing you soon at Nationals Park.

Best Wishes,

Mark D. Lerner