Astros vs Nationals MLB Pick: Nats’ Veteran Williams Takes On Houston (Mar 12)

• The Washington Nationals (8-8) host the Houston Astros (9-8) in West Palm Beach
• The Nats send veteran righty Trevor Williams to the mound
• Lefty Brandon Walter starts for the Astros
• Houston has high expectations this season and its top hitters are struggling this spring

With a mix of top prospects and journeyman veterans, no one is expecting the Nationals to contend for a spot in the MLB postseason in 2025. But that does not diminish the importance of this season. Their youngsters’ play will determine how aggressive they are for 2026 and beyond.

The Astros are threading the line of a new template. They traded Kyle Tucker because they didn’t think they’d be able to sign him and let Alex Bregman walk as a free agent. They signed Christian Walker, acquired Isaac Paredes for third base, and moved Jose Altuve to left field.

Houston’s Veterans Are Struggling at the Plate

The Astros have myriad questions to answer. To contend in the AL West, they need their veteran bats to produce, particularly with Tucker and Bregman gone. Jake Meyers and Jeremy Peña are tearing it up. Most impressive has been Cam Smith, acquired from the Cubs in the Tucker trade. He is hitting .529 with 2 homers, making a case for a significant role in 2025.

Worryingly, Altuve is batting .167. Normally, this would not be an issue for a hitter with Altuve’s pedigree and likely future in the Hall of Fame. Still, a position change can have a negative impact. It’s something to watch.

Yordan Alvarez isn’t hitting either.

Starting pitcher Walter is a 28-year-old lefty. Houston picked him up after the Red Sox released him. He has thrown 4 innings this spring and surrendered 5 hits and 2 runs with 5 strikeouts and 3 walks.

Veteran Williams Takes the Mound for Washington

Washington’s season will hinge on its young players. But Williams is an important piece as a rotation anchor. McKenzie Gore and Jake Irvin are obvious keys, but Williams can give them vital innings and reliability. He has made 3 starts this spring and given up 9 hits and 4 runs in 8.1 innings.

On offense, Kelbert Ruiz is batting .292 with 3 homers. Top prospect James Wood is hitting .333 with 2 homers. C.J. Abrams is at .276 with 1 homer and 2 doubles. Luis Garcia is hitting .389 with a homer and 5 RBI.

Astros vs Nationals Pick: Washington Knocks Around Unheralded Lefty Walter

Walter was a late-round draft pick by the Red Sox and at 28 is clinging to the hope of sticking with Houston. Washington has been hitting well and should score behind their starter Williams to take this game.