With nearly ten regular season games left, the Washington Nationals could set one franchise record while reaching another feat to end the 2026 regular season
The Washington Nationals will enter Tuesday set to kick off the first of four series to end the 2026 regular season with a miniseries at home against the Philadelphia Phillies, looking to pick up the fourth win in the 12th meeting of the season between the two teams. Yet the Nationals will also enter the pair of games against the divisional rival with a chance to inch closer toward a handful of notable franchise records.
The Nationals enter Tuesday just two home runs away from hitting 200 in the regular season, marking the first time the franchise has reached the mark since 2019. Ironically, that marks the season that the Nationals set the franchise record with 231 home runs en route to the organization's first career World Series.
Whether the Nationals are able to tie, let alone break, a new franchise record may be tough with just ten regular season games left after Tuesday. Yet it was made even a possibility courtesy of James Wood and CJ Abrams, who both remain sitting at 30 home runs with just one home run between the two since September 1. Still, the duo helped the Nationals become one of three MLB teams to have multiple players to eclipse 30 home runs so far this season, joining the Chicago White Sox -- who own three -- and the New York Yankees -- who make the cut thanks to former Washington first baseman Luis Garcia now tied with Abrams and Wood among others in home runs.
Infielder Nasim Nunez already crushed his career high with 46 stolen bases in 2026, entering the season with just 17 over his last two combined seasons. Yet the second baseman -- and occasional shortstop -- sits one away from tying CJ Abrams' record for a franchise record for the most stolen bases in a regular season. Nunez, who was placed on the bereavement list last week, was also named the team's recipient for the Roberto Clemente Award on Monday for the player who best represents character, community involvement and a positive impact both on and off the field.
Nunez has posted one home run this season, up to eight in his career, with 96 strikeouts, 35 RBIs and 86 hits while hitting .210 in 2026.
The Nationals are set to face the Phillies on Wednesday with first pitch set for 6:45 PM. Jackson Kent will look for his first win of the month and second in the majors.
