Washington Nationals: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Nationals Finished 2026 Season on a High Note, Now the Real Work Gets Underway

Things can change in a hurry across professional sports, and the Washington Nationals and their fans are all too familiar with that being the case. Seven years ago, it looked like this franchise was set to be a perennial championship contender.

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The 2026 Washington Nationals had a season to be proud of

The book is now closed on the 2026 Washington Nationals season. They finished the season 77-85, making an 11 win improvement from last season. This was a true step forward season, but there is still a way to go.

Washington Nationals News / Washington Nationals on SI / September 27

Nationals Announce Which Players Won the 2026 Media Awards

On Saturday, the Washington Nationals revealed which players won the 11th annual end-of-season awards voted on by members of the local media. Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year and what is titled the "Good Guy Award" has been handed out since 2016, with notable names taking home those honors at different times during that span.

Connelly Early News / Federal Baseball / September 27

Connelly Early is back in his place of peace on a big league mound

After the game, Connelly Early said the mound is a place of peace for him. For the first time in three months, Early was back in his happy place and on a big league mound.

Pete Crow-Armstrong News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Multiple 30/30 MLB seasons' quiz

How many of the 19 players to join the 30/30 club multiple times in their MLB careers can you name in five minutes?

The 'Youngest MLB 30/30 seasons' quiz

The 'Last cycle by MLB team' quiz

The 'Most lefty-homers in a season' quiz

MLB News / Field Level Media / September 27

Finale between Mets, Nationals focuses on individuals, not playoffs

There won't be playoff spots on the line when the visiting New York Mets and Washington Nationals conclude their season on Sunday afternoon, but there will be several players to watch.

Athletics News / Yardbarker

The most surprising player from every MLB team for the 2026 season

The 2026 season has been headlined by young players emerging, but some wily veterans have also had their day. As we head toward the end of the regular season, these 30 players stand out as the biggest surprises on their teams.

Washington Nationals News / Washington Nationals on SI / September 27

Nationals' Triple-A Affiliate Loses Championship Game in Heartbreaking Fashion

It's been a sensational year on the farm for the Washington Nationals. They added tons of talent to their ranks, and many of their top prospects had impactful seasons.

Chase Hampton News / MLB Trade Rumors / September 26

Nationals Designate Chase Hampton For Assignment

The Nationals announced that right-hander Chase Hampton has been designated for assignment, and right-hander Luis Perales was optioned to Triple-A Rochester. The two roster moves clear the way for Connelly Early’s activation from the 60-day injured list, and Early’s impending Nats debut was covered in greater detail yesterday.

Washington Nationals News / Federal Baseball / September 26

The Washington Nationals officially avoid a last place finish

The Washington Nationals will be staying out of last place in 2026! With the 7-6 win last night, the Nats officially secured 4th place in the division.

Connelly Early News / Field Level Media / September 26

Connelly Early to make Nationals' debut vs. Mets

Rookie left-hander Connelly Early will make his Washington Nationals' debut when he starts Saturday afternoon against the New York Mets in the middle contest of a three-game series in the nation's capital.

Connelly Early News / MLB Trade Rumors / September 25

Nationals To Activate Connelly Early From 60-Day IL

The Nationals are expected to reinstate lefty Connelly Early from the 60-day IL ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Mets, per Mark Zuckerman of Nats Journal.

MLB News / Field Level Media / September 25

Nationals' win assures Mets of last-place finish in NL East

Dylan Crews homered and scored three runs as the host Washington Nationals held off the New York Mets 7-6 on Friday to open the teams' final series of the season.

MLB News / Yardbarker

The most disappointing player from every MLB team for the 2026 season

The 2026 season hasn't gone as planned for many MLB players. These 30 players stand out as the biggest disappointments for their respective teams.

Washington Nationals News / EssentiallySports / September 26

Team USA’s Round 2 at the Presidents Cup: Wyndham Clark’s Fight, Justin Thomas’ Loss & More

Team USA faced a tough Friday at Medinah as the International Team took control of the Presidents Cup. After leading 3-2 on Thursday, Brandt Snedeker’s team is now down 7-3 heading into the weekend.

Washington Nationals News / Federal Baseball / September 25

Washington Nationals final chapter of 2026 season comes with 3 games against Mets

In what has been a tumultuous season with plenty of exciting highs and crushing lows, the last series of 2026 is finally here. With just two games separating these two clubs for the 4th and 5th spots in the National League East, the battle for the basement of the division has taken us all the way to games 159-162.

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The 'Multiple 30/30 MLB seasons' quiz

The 'Active NFL catch leaders' quiz

The '4K-yard, 30-TD NFL seasons' quiz

The 'NFL 100-touchdown club' quiz

Washington Nationals News / Washington Nationals on SI / September 25

Three Interesting Names Circled as Possible Offseason Trade Chips for Nationals

With just one series remaining in the 2026 season for the Washington Nationals, the majority of the attention is going to shift to what takes place this winter and spring.

Washington Nationals News / Washington Nationals on SI / September 25

Nationals' Triple-A Affiliate Accomplishes Something for First Time Since 1997

The Washington Nationals are trying to get back to competing for division titles and championships. That's what their Triple-A affiliate just accomplished on Thursday night.

Washington Nationals News / Just Baseball / September 25

For the Nationals To Take the Next Step, Young Players Must Do the Same

The 2026 season looked a lot different for the Washington Nationals. A new manager and front office quickly translated to a different product on the field, one that was more refreshing.

Washington Nationals News / Athlon Sports / September 23

CJ Abrams Joins Juan Soto in Nationals History

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams reached a major franchise milestone Tuesday night, becoming the first Washington player to record 100 RBIs in a season since Juan Soto and Anthony Rendon accomplished the feat in 2019.

Cole Henry News / MLB Trade Rumors / September 21

Nationals To Release Cole Henry

The Nationals announced Monday that they’ve requested unconditional release waivers on right-hander Cole Henry. His spot on the 40-man roster goes to left-hander DJ Herz, who has wrapped up his rehab from last summer’s UCL surgery and been reinstated from the 60-day injured list.

DJ Herz News / Athlon Sports / September 21

Nationals Player Set to Return After Nearly 2 Years Away From MLB

The Washington Nationals are set to welcome back a familiar arm as DJ Herz prepares to make his return to the major leagues. Herz is scheduled to start Monday against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, marking his first MLB appearance in nearly two years.

James Wood News / Athlon Sports / September 20

Nationals Manager Removes James Wood From Game Early for Unexpected Reason

Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera made an unexpected decision involving James Wood during Saturday night’s matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cade Cavalli News / DC Sports King / September 19

Everything You Need to Know about the Nationals’ Cade Cavalli Extension

The Washington Nationals have made a resounding statement regarding their future, starting at the top of their rotation. On Friday, the team officially secured their breakout star, right-handed pitcher Cade Cavalli, locking him in as the central piece of their pitching staff for years to come.

Cade Cavalli News / Yardbarker / September 18

Nationals to sign ace Cade Cavalli to four-year contract extension

The Washington Nationals have locked in starting pitcher Cade Cavalli to a four-year, $47 million contract extension through the 2030 season, with a club option for 2031.

Sonny Gray reportedly could pull a shocker this offseason

Dodgers make big Edwin Diaz decision

Aaron Nola has reinvented himself as a trusted postseason weapon

Roman Anthony sparks offense as Red Sox stop Rays' streak

Jose Ramirez reaches 1,000 career RBI as Guardians top Athletics

Washington Nationals News / Just Baseball / September 17

Nationals Have a 1-2 Punch to Build Their Rotation Around

It has been quite some time since the Washington Nationals have been relevant when it comes to discussing teams that could genuinely contend for a playoff spot, even with the added benefit of another Wild Card spot.

Washington Nationals News / Yardbarker / September 9