Analysis: The Nationals led the majors with 223 stolen bases in 2024, and they picked up where they left off to begin 2025, going 3-for-4 on the basepaths as a team. Crews got in on the action in the eighth inning, taking third on the front end of a double steal with Jacob Young. Crews slashed a disappointing .218/.288/.353 over 132 plate appearances in his big-league debut last year, but he swiped 12 bags in 15 attempts and should make an impact in that category over a full campaign.

Analysis: Crews spent most of his time in the leadoff spot last season and hit either first or second throughout spring training, so it's a surprise that he's down so low in the batting order for Opening Day. Nationals manager Dave Martinez has all left-handed or switch hitters in the first five spots of his lineup Thursday against righty Zack Wheeler.