Nationals’ Patience Tested as Brady House Struggles at Third Base
Brady House Faces High Expectations
When Brady House was selected 11th overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2021 draft, optimism surrounded his potential as the team’s future third baseman. The young prospect, plucked straight from high school, was given ample time to hone his skills in the minors before making his much-anticipated debut this past season. At just 22 years old, there were minimal expectations for him to make an immediate impact. However, his performance left much to be desired, particularly in showcasing the power that had previously defined his game.
Power Numbers Fall Short
Over the course of 343 minor league games and 1,333 at-bats, House exhibited notable prowess with a slugging percentage of .453, including three consecutive seasons of double-digit home runs. In stark contrast, his transition to the majors has been rocky. Across his first 73 big league games, House recorded a disappointing .322 slugging percentage with only four home runs. This stark decline raises questions about his ability to translate minor league success to the higher level.
Future Uncertain for House
While it’s premature to dismiss House as a failed prospect, the urgency for improvement is palpable. Mark Zuckerman emphasizes this sentiment, noting that the Nationals need to see tangible progress from House as they look toward the future. “Given the Nationals’ current situation, it would seem like House is assured of more playing time and more experience going into 2026. But the club shouldn’t just hand him the job and live with the results no matter what,” Zuckerman stated. He added that for House to remain part of the long-term vision, he must demonstrate significant improvement in his first full season in the majors.
Navigating a New Regime
The challenge for House is compounded by the fact that he was drafted under a previous management regime. With Paul Toboni and the new front office at the helm, there’s uncertainty regarding how they view House’s fit within the organization. The hope is that he can make substantial strides in 2026, rediscovering the ability to hit for both power and average that made him a standout in the minors. Until then, skepticism will linger regarding his role in the Nationals’ long-term plans.
As House prepares for the upcoming season, the stakes are high. The Nationals are counting on him to not only fulfill his potential but also to solidify his place in the franchise’s future. The coming months will be crucial for both the player and the organization as they navigate this pivotal moment in House’s career.
