Mason Thompson technically joined the Washington Nationals before Josiah Gray, arriving a day earlier in the summer of 2021. However, from the beginning of the Nationals’ rebuilding process, Gray has felt like the face of the franchise. He was the guy acquired for Max Scherzer, stepping confidently onto the mound and facing the challenges that come with being in the public eye. Gray’s performance and any mistakes he made had a significant impact on the fans and their perception of the team’s future.
During the process of making room for Gray on the active roster, Tanner Rainey, a reliever with control issues (who is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery), was optioned to Class AAA. Additionally, the Nationals placed René Rivera on the injured list, allowing catcher Riley Adams to take his place. The bullpen was constantly in flux, with Wander Suero, Javy Guerra, Kyle McGowin, Sam Clay, and Rainey playing a game of musical chairs. These were challenging times for the Nationals, although not necessarily the darkest, they were far from bright.
Gray, however, remained a pitcher to watch every five days. He was dissected and analyzed as the starting point for the Nationals’ vision of a future contender. His selection as an All-Star seemed to indicate progress and a sense of direction for the team. Gray’s achievement, regardless of whether others believed Lane Thomas or Jeimer Candelario deserved the spot more, confirmed that he had improved and established himself as a top player.
“As a young team that is not expected to achieve much, we don’t take that lightly,” Gray said in response to his All-Star selection. He emphasized the team’s determination to prove themselves on the field and to show that they belong. Gray acknowledged that many players on the team had been acquired through various means, such as trades or waivers, and that they all carried a chip on their shoulder. He expressed gratitude for being one of the early players in the Nationals’ rebuild and for the opportunity to continue progressing.
Gray mentioned several of his teammates, including Keibert Ruiz, who was also acquired in the trade for Scherzer and Trea Turner, as well as others like Lane Thomas and the prospects who came back for Juan Soto and Josh Bell. Gray continued to support the rebuild and promote his teammates, acknowledging the work of the scouting department in identifying and acquiring talented players.
Gray’s struggles last season, where he allowed the most home runs and walks in the National League, presented a challenge for him. He understood the importance of making adjustments and sought help from performance facilities like Driveline. During spring training, he actively sought feedback from the video staff to improve his pitches. These efforts have paid off, as Gray now boasts a 3.30 ERA in 17 appearances this season and has significantly reduced the number of home runs allowed on his fastball.
While Gray’s walk rate and high FIP indicate possible regression in the future, his focus on limiting hard contact and sacrificing strikeouts for contact has been successful thus far. The fact that Gray was even considered for the All-Star game is a significant achievement for him and the Nationals’ rebuild process.
In conclusion, Gray’s journey represents a significant win for both him and the Nationals’ rebuild. He has shown growth and improvement, and his selection as an All-Star demonstrates the progress the team has made. The Nationals’ future is beginning to take shape, and Gray has played a crucial role in its development.
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