Washington Nationals Draw Favorable 2026 Season Grade

The Washington Nationals arguably surpassed preseason expectations after notching 77 wins, the most since the franchise secured its World Series ring back in 2019. For a first year under Paul Toboni and Blake Butera, evaluating the results against a team that was speculated to challenge among the MLB's worst record, it's easy to understand why 2026 could be viewed as a successful season.

Nationals Roundtable dished out a 'B-' for the 2026 team, factoring in the team over-performing offensively after ranking among the best teams in hits, runs, home runs, total bases and team batting average. For an organization that entered the season with obvious power hitters leading the lineup in CJ Abrams and James Wood, Washington saw production throughout the lineup, enough that allowed the front office to capitalize on deals that sent first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. to the New York Yankees and third baseman Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox.

Pitching, though, proved to be the detriment for Washington having owned the MLB record for the most blown saves in a regular season with still nearly two weeks until the regular season ended, highlighting the concerns under first year pitching coach Simon Matthews. Yet David Schoenfield of ESPN was bullish on the Nationals' success in 2026, instead grading the season as a 'B' after highlighting the "promising turnaround for a moribund franchise."

ESPN specifically highlighted CJ Abrams, who found himself in the midst of in-season headlines after the organization publicized his move from shortstop to second base, a move that casted a question mark over his long-term future with the franchise. Yet Abrams put together a career season sparked by another first half offensive breakout, proving why he's remained a consistent part of the Nationals' core pieces alongside Wood, Cade Cavalli and Connelly Early.

The question ahead is what happens with the offseason, although part of that is out of the Nationals' control given the league-wide discussions that loom over the CBA that could have an impact on the 2027 regular season, whether part or all. Still, the Nationals have an opportunity to build on its 2026 success after ESPN highlighted the overwhelming priority for the front office: address the pitching staff.

Washington could have an opportunity to become a potential postseason contender if it materializes, but all eyes will eventually turn to whether the Nationals deviate from history under the Lerners and begin spending. Whether the new CBA forces Washington to do so may be an offseason storyline to track, but it gives Toboni a clear blueprint to how to build on his year one flashes.