Nationals Facing Another Dismal Season as Rebuild Continues

Washington's top prospects struggle to make an impact as team looks to future

Mar. 25, 2026 at 1:05am

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The Washington Nationals are set to endure another long and uneventful season in 2026, as the team's top prospects have failed to make a significant impact so far. With a new manager at the helm, the Nationals are not expected to compete for a playoff spot this summer, and the front office will need to stay steady in their rebuilding efforts.

Why it matters

The Nationals' struggles highlight the challenges of rebuilding in Major League Baseball, as the team has graduated most of its top prospects with little to show for it. This season will be crucial for the organization to identify which young players can be part of the long-term solution, as they look to eventually return to contention in the NL East.

The details

Last season, the Nationals finished with the second-worst record in the National League and the third-worst in MLB, with a -212 run differential that was the second-worst in the league. Their offense struggled mightily, ranking 20th in runs, 21st in hits, 24th in home runs, and 24th in OPS. Meanwhile, their pitching staff posted a 5.35 ERA, which ranked 29th in the league. The team's top prospects, including Dylan Crews and Harry Ford, have yet to make a significant impact at the big-league level.

  • The Nationals finished the 2025 season 30 games out of first place in the NL East and 17 games out of the final wild card spot.
  • The team's 66 wins in 2025 were six better than their expected 60-win projection, due to a 29-21 record in one-run and extra-inning games.

The players

James Wood

The Nationals' best hitter in 2025, recording a team-best 3.7 WAR with 31 home runs, 15 stolen bases, 94 RBIs, and 38 doubles.

CJ Abrams

Finished second on the team with a 3.3 WAR, hitting 19 home runs, stealing 31 bases, and adding five triples.

Dylan Crews

Underwhelming in his first regular MLB action, hitting just .208 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs, though he did steal 17 bases.

MacKenzie Gore

The Nationals' top-rated pitcher in 2025, posting a 3.0 WAR in 30 starts with a 4.17 ERA, 185 strikeouts, and a 1.35 WHIP in 159.2 innings.

Kyle Finnegan

Led the team with 20 saves in 39 innings, though he did have a 4.38 ERA.

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What’s next

The Nationals will need to continue to trade away their producing veterans in order to add future capital and prepare for a return to the playoffs in the next few years. The front office must lean into player development and scouting to maximize the future of the team.

The takeaway

The Nationals' struggles highlight the challenges of rebuilding in Major League Baseball, as the team has graduated most of its top prospects with little to show for it. This season will be crucial for the organization to identify which young players can be part of the long-term solution, as they look to eventually return to contention in the NL East.