Nationals' Joey Wiemer makes baseball history never done before for Nats

Wiemer has homered in each of his first two games with the Washington Nationals, a feat never accomplished before in franchise history.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball player in mid-swing, the ball leaving the bat, and the player rounding the bases, all broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant red, blue, and gold colors.Wiemer's historic home run heroics for the Nationals captured in a cubist, geometric style.Sylvania Today

Joey Wiemer, a 27-year-old outfielder from Sylvania, Ohio, has made history with the Washington Nationals by becoming the first player to hit a home run in each of his first two games with the team since the franchise moved to Washington in 2005. Wiemer, a fourth-round draft pick by the Brewers in 2020, has already matched the Nationals' franchise record for most home runs by a player in his first two games with the team.

Why it matters

Wiemer's hot start is surprising given that he was not expected to even make the Nationals' Opening Day roster. However, with the team sending down top prospects Dylan Crews and Robert Hassell, it opened up a spot for Wiemer, who has seized the opportunity and is making a strong case to maintain his MLB roster spot with his early power display.

The details

In his career prior to this season, Wiemer had only 16 home runs. But in his first two games with the Nationals, he has already matched that total, becoming the first player in franchise history to homer in each of his first two games. His two home runs in his first two games also ties the Nationals' franchise record set by Mark Reynolds in 2018 for the most by a player in his first two games with the team.

  • On March 28, 2026, Wiemer hit a home run in his first game with the Nationals.
  • On March 29, 2026, Wiemer hit another home run, becoming the first player to homer in each of his first two games as a National.

The players

Joey Wiemer

A 27-year-old outfielder from Sylvania, Ohio who was a fourth-round draft pick by the Brewers in 2020. He is 6-foot-4, 226 pounds, and has quickly made a mark with the Nationals by homering in each of his first two games with the team.

Dylan Crews

A top prospect in the Nationals' farm system who was sent down to the minors, opening up a roster spot for Wiemer.

Robert Hassell

Another top prospect in the Nationals' organization who was also sent down to the minors, further clearing the way for Wiemer to make the major league roster.

Mark Reynolds

A former Nationals player who held the franchise record for most home runs by a player in his first two games with the team, a record Wiemer has now tied.

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What they’re saying

“Before this week, no player had ever homered in his first two games with the Nationals, dating to the franchise's move to Washington in 2005.”

— Nationals Communications, Nationals Communications

What’s next

If Wiemer continues to hit well, especially against left-handed pitching, he will likely maintain his spot on the Nationals' major league roster. The team will be closely monitoring his performance to see if he can sustain this early power surge.

The takeaway

Joey Wiemer's hot start with the Nationals, including becoming the first player in franchise history to homer in each of his first two games, has been a pleasant surprise. His early success has proven the Nationals made the right call in keeping him on the major league roster over higher-touted prospects, and he will now look to build on this momentum and cement his place in the team's plans going forward.