Immediate Offseason Steps for Washington Nationals Ahead of 2027

Though it ended without a postseason berth, the Washington Nationals had a successful 2026 season by most measures. 

Heading into the year, the team was projected to be a cellar-dweller early in a rebuild. Instead, they were competent and competitive, with serious flashes of upside from players up and down the roster. 

Now it’s the offseason, officially the time when hope for the next season springs eternal. With that in mind, let’s look at a few things the Nationals need to do to build on what was a productive season. 

1) Improve the bullpen

This one’s a no-brainer. The Nationals bullpen in 2026 was historically bad, and truly dropped the ball in a significant number of games the team should have won. 

If Washington is hoping for a step forward next season, the issue has to be addressed. Likely, it will take two or three — maybe even more — solid arms to truly improve the unit. 

2) Build out the rotation behind Cavalli

The good news is that Washington has already found the most important piece of their starting rotation. Cade Cavalli, who the team re-signed to a four year extension, is a true ace who blossomed throughout the season. 

Now, though, they have to fill out the group behind him. In order to have playoff success, it’s not enough to have one good starting pitcher — you truly need the whole unit to be able to give you quality innings. 

Washington already has a head start after trading for lefty Connelly Early from Boston, a high-impact young arm to pitch alongside Cavalli for years to come. But they still need another piece or two, and that’s where free agency, or the trade market, will become important. 

3) Extend CJ Abrams

This isn’t about continuing to build the team as much as it is about not losing one of the most important parts of it. 

CJ Abrams is coming off a monster 2026, one in which he turned himself into a surefire All Star and looked like an MVP candidate at times. Still just 26, he figures to be a big part of the Nats’ plans going forward. 

But, to keep him around, Washington is going to have to pay him. Abrams is set to become a free agent after the 2028 season, and a deal simply needs to get done before then. 

But why wait? Abrams is one of Washington’s best and most important players, and it would be a smart move to show faith and lock him up now.