Nationals Outfielder Dylan Crews Faces Make-or-Break Season

The former top prospect looks to turn around his slow start to his MLB career.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews, the second overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft, is facing a make-or-break season in 2026 after struggling in his first two years in the majors. Crews, once considered a top prospect, has failed to live up to the hype so far, hitting just .211 with a .352 slugging percentage in 116 career games. The Nationals' outfield is stacked with talent, and another poor season could cost Crews playing time going forward.

Why it matters

Crews was once viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone for the Nationals, so his development is crucial for the team's long-term success. If he can't turn things around, it could raise questions about his future role with the club and whether the Nationals made the right decision drafting him so high.

The details

Crews, 23, won the 2023 Golden Spikes Award after a dominant season at LSU, but he has struggled to translate that success to the professional level. In 2025, he dealt with a left oblique strain that limited him to just 85 games. His batted-ball metrics have been underwhelming, with a 38.7% hard-hit rate that would have ranked in the bottom third of qualified hitters. However, advanced stats suggest Crews has been somewhat unlucky, with an expected batting average of .239 and an expected slugging percentage of .401.

  • Crews was the second overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft.
  • He won the 2023 Golden Spikes Award after a standout season at LSU.
  • Crews made his MLB debut in 2024 and has played 116 games over the past two seasons.
  • In 2025, Crews was limited to 85 games due to a left oblique strain.

The players

Dylan Crews

A 23-year-old outfielder for the Washington Nationals, who was the second overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft.

James Wood

A budding star outfielder for the Washington Nationals.

Daylen Lile

An outfielder for the Washington Nationals who had a strong second half in 2025.

Jacob Young

One of the best defensive outfielders in Major League Baseball, regardless of position, playing for the Washington Nationals.

Paul Skenes

A phenom who was selected over Crews for the 2023 Golden Spikes Award.

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What they’re saying

“... he began last season as one of the NL Rookie of the Year favorites. Instead, it was more of the same in 2025, and middling batted-ball metrics provide little reason for objective optimism. His 38.7 percent hard-hit rate would have ranked in the 29th percentile among qualified hitters. ... That said, another season of limited impact will place him squarely on the hot seat for playing time.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Nationals will be closely monitoring Crews' performance throughout the 2026 season, as another poor year could jeopardize his role on the team going forward.

The takeaway

Dylan Crews was once considered a top prospect with immense potential, but he has struggled to live up to the hype in his first two MLB seasons. The 2026 campaign is a critical one for Crews, as the Nationals' crowded outfield means he needs to prove he can be a productive everyday player or risk losing playing time.