Nationals vs Pirates Pick: Rebuilding Teams Complete Their Series in Pittsburgh (Apr 17)

• Our Nationals vs Pirates pick analyzes the final game of a midweek series between rebuilding MLB clubs
• The Nats send former Pirate, veteran Trevor Williams, to the mound at PNC Park
• The Pirates counter with veteran lefty Andrew Heaney
• A player to watch is Nats’ top prospect James Wood, leading the NL in home runs

James Wood is Powering the Nationals

The Nationals acquired James Wood from the Padres in the Juan Soto trade in 2022. The 22-year-old is coming of age in his second year in the majors. Wood leads the NL in home runs and has an OPS of nearly 1.000. Wood will be a key component when the Nats are ready to take the next step into playoff contention.

Williams faces his former team in the final game of this series. He has struggled so far in 2025 with a 7.36 ERA in 3 starts. He pitched serviceably enough in his first two starts, giving up 3 runs in 5 innings in each. In his third start, he was pounded by the Marlins to the tune of 6 runs and 8 hits in 4.2 innings.

Andrew McCutchen has a .333 batting average against Williams with a home run. Tommy Pham is 4 for 16. Adam Frazier is 3 for 9 with a double.

Heaney Has Pitched Solidly So Far in 2025

Given the Pirates’ situation, it’s clear that Andrew Heaney is auditioning for contending teams as a midseason trade target. The veteran lefty has started 3 games and posted a 3.00 ERA, pitching at least 5 innings in each start. He’s also been adept at keeping the ball in the park, only surrendering 1 home run.

Against the Nationals, Alex Call is the only Washington player with a home run. Nathaniel Lowe is 2 for 2 against him with a double. Amed Rosario is 2 for 13. Josh Bell is 2 for 14. Wood has never faced him.

The Pirates’ offense has been anemic with a batting average below .200. Their bullpen, led by Justin Lawrence and Caleb Ferguson has been stupendous.

Nationals vs Pirates Pick: Williams’ Struggles Will Doom the Nats

Heaney has pitched very well, and Williams has not. Although the Nationals’ offense is superior to the Pirates’, the Nats have more firepower and will win this game behind Heaney.