Washington Nationals: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Nationals Lose Veteran Catcher to Free Agency in First Offseason Move

The playoffs might be underway, but offseason moves for the Washington Nationals officially got started on Wednesday. With multiple moves expected to take place this winter as president of baseball operations Paul Toboni continues to reshape this franchise, a notable player made a decision regarding his status with the organization going forward.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Nationals Want Increased Pitching Velocity, Here's Their Plan to Achieve It

The Washington Nationals know they need to improve their pitching staff. They have routinely had one of the worst units in baseball the past handful of years, and that has to change if they are ever going to push their way back into contender status again.

Washington Nationals News / Federal Baseball / September 30

Paul Toboni and the Washington Nationals need to find an elite reliever to spearhead the bullpen

There were a lot of positive things to come out of the 2026 season for the Nationals. The offense exploded, starters like Cade Cavalli and Andrew Alvarez broke out, and the farm system is in a great place.

Brady House News / Federal Baseball / September 30

Brady House took a step forward in 2026 for the Nationals but the best is yet to come

In the next edition of my player grading series, I wanted to talk about a player I have been thinking about quite a bit these past couple of days. Brady House did not have a full scale breakout in 2026, but he took a substantial leap forward.

Atlanta Braves News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Most 200-K MLB seasons' quiz

How many of the pitchers in MLB's Live Ball era (since 1920) with five or more 200-strikeout seasons under their belt can you name in five minutes?

The 'MLB all-time K-leaders' quiz

The 'League strikeout leaders by season' quiz

The 'Cy Young winners of the 2000s' quiz

Washington Nationals News / Just Baseball / September 30

3 Trends That Will Help the Nationals Contend in 2027

The Washington Nationals sat at 54-52 on July 26 and were just outside the Wild Card picture. That also happens to be the day they made their first of many trades.

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 28

Nationals Reportedly Make Multiple Changes to Their Minor League Coaching Staffs

This offseason was shaping up to be a big one for the Washington Nationals, and things are already taking place. Per Kyle Williams of The Baltimore Banner, the Nationals have informed multiple minor league coaches that their contracts won't be renewed for 2027.

Chase Hampton News / MLB Trade Rumors / September 28

Cardinals Claim Chase Hampton

The Cardinals announced Monday that they’ve claimed right-hander Chase Hampton off waivers from the Nationals. Their 40-man roster now has 39 players. Washington designated Hampton for assignment Saturday, just two weeks after claiming him off waivers from the Yankees.

Washington Nationals News / EssentiallySports / September 28

Billy Horschel Shuts Down Critic Over ‘Dumb Takes’ on Justin Thomas’ Career

Team USA left Medinah on Sunday with the Presidents Cup, and Justin Thomas helped to set the tone for Friday. And by Monday, a prediction about his future in team golf has drawn a public reply, and it came from fellow PGA Tour winner Billy Horschel.

Washington Nationals News / Washington Nationals on SI / September 28

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.

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.

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.

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 / 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.

Washington Nationals News / Viral Sports News / September 26

Washington Nationals Part Ways With Former Top Prospect

The Washington Nationals designated right-hander Chase Hampton for assignment on Saturday, ending a stay in the organization that lasted barely two weeks and never produced a pitch in a Nationals uniform, via the MLB transaction log.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Oldest 2-passing-TD NFL games' quiz

The 'Most 200-K MLB seasons' quiz

The '100-receiving-yard playoff debuts' quiz

The 'Multiple 30/30 MLB seasons' quiz

Washington Nationals News / EssentiallySports / September 26

Brandt Snedeker Benches Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas & More in Major Presidents Cup Call

Two days ago, Brandt Snedeker’s roster construction looked inspired. Thursday’s four-ball pairings clicked almost across the board, and the U.S. captain walked off Medinah’s 18th green with a 3-2 lead and a team room full of belief.

Washington Nationals News / EssentiallySports / September 26

‘I’m Gutted’: Justin Thomas Takes Responsibility After Presidents Cup Point Slips Away Late

Justin Thomas’s Saturday began with his ball beside a boundary fence and no room for a right-handed swing. After Friday’s sweep, the U.S. could hardly afford another difficult start.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Nationals 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.