Brad Lord emerges as Washington Nationals’ unexpected savior
The Washington Nationals have encountered a season fraught with challenges, leaving fans searching for glimmers of hope. Amidst the disappointments of unmet expectations, one name has risen above the fray: Brad Lord. This 25-year-old right-hander has unexpectedly become a crucial asset for the team, earning the designation of their hidden gem.
Season of Struggles
The Nationals’ season has been marred by lackluster performances both from individual players and the team as a whole. Internal and external predictions fell flat, with CJ Abrams showing flashes of promise but failing to make a significant impact. Rising stars James Wood and MacKenzie Gore saw their performances plummet in the latter half of the season, while Dylan Crews’ injury stunted his development.
However, amidst the gloom, two bright spots have emerged: Daylen Lile, whose ascent was anticipated following his second-round selection in the 2021 draft, and Brad Lord, a name that few expected to make waves.
Unexpected Rise
Drafted in the 18th round of the 2022 draft, Lord was not on anyone’s radar as a potential standout pitcher. Yet, after a stellar 2024 season where he posted a 2.43 ERA across 24 minor league starts, he still found himself excluded from the upper echelons of Washington’s prospect rankings.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report has taken notice of Lord’s impressive performance, dubbing him the Nationals’ hidden gem this season. “He has seven holds and three quality starts, joining Cincinnati’s Nick Martinez as the only other pitcher this season with at least three of each,” Miller pointed out. Given the team’s current pitching landscape, he suggested that if the Nationals do not pursue veteran arms this offseason, Lord could very well slot in as their No. 4 starter.
Transition to the Rotation
Initially, the Nationals utilized Lord as a bullpen option, a shift from his starting role in the minors. However, a series of lackluster outings and injuries within the rotation prompted the team to call upon him for a more significant role. As of now, Lord’s season ERA stands at 4.18 over 46 appearances, including 17 starts. It’s worth noting that his ERA could be even more impressive if not for two difficult outings at the end of August where he surrendered six and seven earned runs, respectively.
Looking Ahead
As the Nationals reflect on a tumultuous season, the question remains whether they will view Brad Lord as a long-term solution in their starting rotation. Considering his unexpected development and solid performances, there’s a strong case for him to earn a spot in the lineup come spring training. For a team in need of fresh talent, Lord might just be the hidden gem they never knew they had.
