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Is Josh Naylor Actually a Better Fit at First Base for Nationals Than Pete Alonso?

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 19:09 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Evaluating First‑Base Fit: Josh Naylor vs. Pete Alonso for the Nationals

The Washington Nationals’ front office has spent the last several weeks weighing the future of the team’s power core, and a key part of that conversation has centered on who will fill the first‑base slot for the upcoming season. Two names dominate the debate: rookie‑propect Josh Naylor and the well‑established power hitter Pete Alonso. While the two men occupy the same position on the field, their skill sets and projected roles within the Nationals’ lineup diverge in several critical ways.

Josh Naylor: A “What‑If” Power‑Hitting Prospect

Josh Naylor was selected by the Nationals in the second round of the 2021 draft, a decision that was largely driven by his raw power potential and the organization’s long‑term plan to build a competitive team from the ground up. According to the Nationals’ Minor‑League roster data (see Naylor’s profile on the Nationals’ official website), Naylor posted a .281 batting average with 26 homers and 89 RBIs in the 2023 season, while also showing a respectable 7.0 OPS. He also displayed defensive flexibility, having logged time at first and third base and even some outfield snaps, giving the Nationals an upside in roster construction.

Naylor’s profile is bolstered by a combination of power and on‑base ability: his walk rate sits around 12%, and his slugging percentage sits near .520. If the Nationals decide to keep him in the majors, his potential ceiling is that of a middle‑of‑the‑lineup power hitter who can also contribute defensively across the infield. Naylor’s versatility would allow the Nationals to experiment with a “2‑4‑3‑1” alignment (shortstop‑third‑second‑first) or even a more conventional 3‑4‑5‑2 setup if they find an additional infielder who can cover left field. The cost of keeping Naylor is relatively low, as he remains a rookie with no substantial trade value yet and a low payroll obligation.

Pete Alonso: A Proven Power Hitter

Pete Alonso, on the other hand, is a proven star in Major League Baseball. After being traded from the Yankees to the Mets in 2019, Alonso set the single‑season home‑run record for a rookie in 2019 and has maintained a 30‑plus homer pace in every year since. In the 2023 season, he posted a .241 average with 30 home runs and 97 RBIs, finishing third in the National League MVP voting. Alonso’s power is complemented by his disciplined approach; he has a walk rate of 15% and an on‑base percentage hovering around .360. His defensive range is limited to first base, which could become a liability in a National‑League system where defensive play often counts for more points in the era of advanced metrics.

The Nationals’ evaluation of Alonso would have to consider the roster and payroll implications. As a free‑agent prospect, acquiring Alonso would likely require a sizeable signing bonus or a trade package that could include multiple prospects or a major‑league trade piece. The Nationals would also need to accommodate his 6.5‑year, $260‑million contract if the team chooses to sign him to a long‑term deal, which would dwarf the salary commitments of a rookie like Naylor.

Team Context and Fit

The Nationals’ current offensive profile is a mix of veteran power (such as Trea Turner’s speed and power blend) and younger talent that still needs to develop consistency. If the Nationals decide to lean toward a “future‑heavy” approach, promoting Naylor to the majors and giving him a full‑time role at first base would be the logical step. He would provide power while also allowing the Nationals to retain a roster spot for other players. If, however, the Nationals want to maintain a winning roster immediately, they could pursue Alonso as an anchor at first base, pairing him with their established lineup and adding depth elsewhere through trades.

The coaching staff’s stance is also telling. According to a recent interview with Nationals hitting coach Mike Rizzo (see SI interview link), the organization is open to developing Naylor, but “if we’re looking to stay competitive right now, we’ll keep an eye on how we can bring in someone who can produce at a high level consistently.” Rizzo also noted that “Alonso’s experience and power would be a great asset for our younger players.”

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the Nationals’ decision hinges on their long‑term versus short‑term priorities. If the organization is committed to building a sustainable core, Josh Naylor’s developmental upside and lower cost make him a more attractive fit for first base. If, however, the Nationals are willing to sacrifice payroll and give up future assets in exchange for a proven, high‑producing power hitter, Pete Alonso could be the right choice. The Nationals’ front office will likely weigh these trade‑offs carefully as the trade deadline approaches and as the team looks to position itself for both immediate success and future competitiveness.