It’s no secret that the Washington Nationals’ 2025 pitching staff was very bad 5.35 teamERAwhich is the most in Nationals history. Heading into the season, however, the starting rotation was seen as a strength. That was partly due to Mitchell Parker.
Parker had a strong rookie season in 2024, rising from obscurity and carving out a rotation spot where he performed quite well. Parker posted a 4.29 ERA and 3.85 FIP in 151 innings in 2024. He had some pretty memorable starts, especially his stellar MLB debut against the Dodgers. Entering his age-25 season, there was reason for optimism for Parker.
After gaining a spot in the rotation, Parker had a great opportunity to cement himself as a future fixture in the rotation. It actually started out so well for him. Through his first five starts, Parker looked like the Nationals ace. After one Masterclass of 8 innings against the O’s on April 22, Parker had a 1.39 ERA. Everyone knew he wouldn’t be able to maintain that level of performance, but no one could imagine what would happen next.
In his next 25 starts of the season, Parker gave up at least 4 earned runs 14 times. Everything just completely fell apart for the 25-year-old southpaw. He the season ended with a 5.68 ERA and lost his rotation spot. Parker was just way too hitable and his mediocre stuff didn’t fool anyone.
Even in 2024, Parker’s stuff didn’t jump off the page. He had solid results, but his pitch mix was nothing special. That’s why I wanted DJ Herz in the rotation over him, but unfortunately Herz blew out his elbow during Spring Training.
Parker’s fastball is probably his best pitch, but even that is average. His heat is a deceptive pitch due to his high arm slot and good extension. There is sufficient carrying capacity at the top of the zone. However, it is alone averages 93 MPH and doesn’t get many odors. His secondary pitches are also nothing to write home about.
That mediocre arsenal meant he was hit hard. The average exit speed against Parker was 92.3 mphwhich is insanely high. For context: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has a average exit speed of 92 MPH and he is known as one of the harder hitters in the league. Guys just shoot rockets from Parker, and that’s not what you want to see.
Mitchell Parker and Jake Irvin became the symbols of the Nationals’ terrible pitching staff in 2025. It seemed like every time those two took the mound, the team had no shot at winning unless they had a crazy offensive outburst. Those guys were the two worst qualified starters in the league in 2025.
Things got so bad for Parker that he was taken out of the rotation in favor of soft-thrower Andrew Alvarez. Parker played a multi-inning role late in the season where his performance actually improved. Perhaps that long man role could be a home for Parker, but he still has a lot to prove to make the roster next season.
Things got so ugly for him from about May to early September. August was especially bad for the southpaw. He was 0-5 that month with an ERA of 10.21. It was just painful to watch him pitch.
Parker threw himself out of the Nats plans in 2025. He’ll likely be in the major leagues in 2026, but as an innings-eating guy rather than a serious rotation piece. Unless something drastically changes, Parker’s stuff isn’t good enough to be a true MLB starter. He doesn’t have any tone or ability to hang his hat at the moment.
Like many Nats pitchers, Parker’s 2025 season was a disaster. He should be one of the guys Paul Toboni looks to upgrade this offseason, whether that’s in free agency or on the trade market. The Nationals can never have a 5.35 team ERA again. To avoid that, the Nationals need to find pitchers with standout qualities. Unfortunately, Mitchell Parker just isn’t that guy.
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