Here are the results for the latest Nationals-related SB Nation Reacts poll…
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When we posted the latest poll for these SB Nation Reacts stories, asking what you thought the biggest surprise was early this season, a number of commenters noted they didn’t think the two biggest surprises of the Nationals’ season were on the list of options…
We included the following options:
- Mitchell Parker’s run
- Luis García’s improvement
- Nationals’ running game
- Kyle Finnegan’s dominance
- Jacob Young’s emergence
“Trevor Williams going away,” one commenter wrote, noting the veteran right-hander’s (4-0) record, 1.94 ERA, 2.82 FIP, and .211/.272/.265 line against so far, as well as the fact that after Williams led the NL with 34 HRs allowed last season, he’s given up just one in 41 2⁄3 IP so far in 2024.
“For me, it’s Williams,” another commenter chimed in.
“That would have been my choice if offered.”
“I voted Mitchell Parker, but only because that starting pitching and the bullpen as a whole wasn’t an option,” another wrote.
“The Nats’ starting pitching has been the biggest surprise.”
Fair enough, and we/I tend to agree (though we argued for the running game being the big surprise early in 2024) in the original post.
Given the options which were available, the majority went with rookie lefty Mitchell Parker’s run so far as the biggest surprise (42%).
Parker, 24, and a 2020 5th Round pick, made his debut on April 15th, with an impressive, 5-inning outing on the road in Dodger Stadium, and through six starts he has a 3.09 ERA, 3.42 FIP, and a .244/.281/.353 line against in 32 IP.
Ranked 20th in the organization on MLB Pipeline’s list of the Nationals’ top prospects for ‘24, Parker was on our radar the last few seasons, but we didn’t see him coming up and having a serious impact like this. So, a pleasant surprise.
As is the running game (and all their stolen bases) and Luis García’s improvement. Also real pleasant surprises.
But yes, we should have included Trevor Williams and the pitching staff’s success in general as options.
So, like, sorry. But here are the results of the voting on the options which were provided:
And here are the results from one of the national polls for the week:
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