Keibert Ruiz, the Nationals’ catcher, aims for a strong 2025 season after a rough 2024. His solid performance on Opening Day against the Phillies, including throwing out a baserunner and hitting a home run, marks a promising start. Manager Davey Martinez emphasizes the importance of not pressuring Ruiz, allowing him to enjoy the game. Ruiz’s caught stealing percentage should boost his confidence as he improves from last season. His successful interaction with pitcher MacKenzie Gore, who excelled on the mound, further showcases his growth. Overall, Ruiz’s early achievements signal hope for his season ahead.
If the Nationals had to choose just one player from their roster who most needs to kick off the season positively, Keibert Ruiz would likely top the list.
Following a difficult 2024 season, the young catcher understands the importance of improving in 2025. The path to improvement begins with a strong opening month, allowing him to set a high standard right from the start and avoid feeling like he’s starting from behind, as he did last year.
On Thursday, in the Nats’ Opening Day loss to the Phillies, Ruiz took a significant step in the right direction.
“It’s great to see,” manager Davey Martinez commented. “He puts in so much effort, whether it’s during the winter or spring training. He’s really focused on getting off to a good start. My main advice to him is to not put too much pressure on himself. Just go out and play. He’s prepared, now he just needs to enjoy the game. He did a great job today.”
Ruiz began his Opening Day by successfully throwing out his first baserunner of the season. While Kyle Schwarber may not be the most dangerous baserunner, when the Philadelphia designated hitter attempted to steal second base in the top of the second, Ruiz was ready and delivered a precise throw to catch him.
“Everything went well,” Martinez said of his 26-year-old catcher, who only managed to throw out 19.8 percent of baserunners last season. “His footwork looked good. He targeted well. The throw was impressive and his pop time was excellent. We need to keep him performing at that level.”
Ruiz also collaborated effectively with MacKenzie Gore, guiding the first-time Opening Day starter through a stellar performance that featured 13 strikeouts, no walks, and no runs given up over six innings.
“It’s truly uplifting to see positive outcomes,” Gore remarked. “You can feel confident, but when things go well, it builds you up significantly. Him throwing out a runner, I’m sure he’s been praised for that throughout his career. It’s a fantastic way to start the season. And of course, hitting the homer was fantastic too. He was sharp behind the plate.”
And speaking of the homer, that was the standout moment of Ruiz’s day, and perhaps the highlight of the entire game.
Facing Zack Wheeler in the bottom of the fifth, with the game still scoreless, Ruiz engaged in a battle. He fought off seven consecutive pitches, six of which were in the strike zone. Then, on the 12th pitch of the intense at-bat, he sent an inside fastball soaring into the right field bullpen, giving the Nationals a 1-0 lead and igniting the sellout crowd on South Capitol Street.
“As we all know, he has a knack for putting the ball in play,” Martinez said in praise of the eager hitter. “But to accomplish that against Wheeler is something else entirely. And to do it in that manner? What an outstanding at-bat.”
Ruiz himself displayed his excitement after making contact, turning toward the home dugout with a triumphant roar as he began his home run trot.
“It was a long at-bat,” he explained. “I was focused on competing. And then I succeeded, which made me happy.”
Why wouldn’t Ruiz feel joy in that moment? It reflected the fruits of a winter dedicated to improving all aspects of his game and enhancing his physical fitness.
He openly admits to being a worrier, and nothing bugs him more than a slow start to his season. However, as he returns to the ballpark on Saturday for Game 2 of the 162-game schedule, he can proudly point to a .500 batting average, a 1.750 OPS, and a flawless 100 percent caught stealing rate.
Just imagine the boost that could give to Ruiz’s confidence.
“Keibert is yet another young player who has shown significant growth,” Martinez noted. “He handled himself exceptionally well. Not only did he throw a guy out, but he also hit a big home run. I thought he managed everything behind the plate superbly. It’s wonderful to witness.”