Nationals' Joey Wiemer Emerges as MLB's Hottest Hitter

The unheralded outfielder has reached base in his first 12 plate appearances of the season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:06am by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives creating a dynamic, abstract representation of the sport.Wiemer's unorthodox path to the majors is reflected in the cubist deconstruction of his powerful swing.San Francisco Today

Washington Nationals outfielder Joey Wiemer has burst onto the scene as one of the hottest hitters in Major League Baseball to start the 2026 season. Wiemer, who was not expected to make the Nationals' roster, has reached base in his first 12 plate appearances, tying a league record set by former first baseman Carlos Delgado in 2002.

Why it matters

Wiemer's unexpected success has been a bright spot for the Nationals, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. His hot start has earned him playing time over the team's top prospect, Dylan Crews, and could solidify his role as an everyday outfielder if he continues to produce at the plate.

The details

Wiemer went 3-for-3 with a home run and a walk on Opening Day, followed by the same stat line on Sunday. He continued his torrid pace on Monday, going 2-for-4 with a run scored in Washington's 13-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Wiemer has been batting all around the Nationals' lineup, hitting fifth, ninth, and other spots as the team has tried to capitalize on his early-season success.

  • On March 30, 2026, Wiemer went 3-for-3 with a home run and a walk on Opening Day.
  • On April 2, 2026, Wiemer repeated his 3-for-3 performance with a home run and a walk.
  • On April 3, 2026, Wiemer went 2-for-4 with a run scored in the Nationals' 13-2 win over the Phillies.

The players

Joey Wiemer

A 26-year-old outfielder for the Washington Nationals who has emerged as one of the hottest hitters in Major League Baseball to start the 2026 season.

Carlos Delgado

A former first baseman who set the record that Wiemer has tied for reaching base in 10 straight at-bats to start a season, accomplishing the feat in 2002.

Dylan Crews

The Washington Nationals' top prospect who struggled in Spring Training, allowing Wiemer to win a spot on the team's Opening Day roster.

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What they’re saying

“Joey Wiemer has really capitalized on his opportunity and made the most of it. He's been a huge spark for us to start the season.”

— Dave Martinez, Washington Nationals Manager

What’s next

Wiemer will look to continue his hot start as the Nationals face the Phillies again on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to New York to take on the Mets over the weekend.

The takeaway

Wiemer's unexpected success has been a pleasant surprise for the Nationals, who are hoping his hot hitting can help propel the team to a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2025 campaign. His ability to reach base consistently and provide a spark at the plate could earn him a more prominent role in Washington's lineup if he sustains this level of production.