Washington Nationals: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Former GM Believes This Will Make Nationals 'Contenders Rather Than Pretenders'

The Washington Nationals will be busy this offseason on the baseball operations side of things. Following a year where Paul Toboni and his front office used the 2026 campaign as a way to evaluate players and prospects throughout the organization, this winter will likely see plenty of changes ushered in across the entirety of the franchise.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

The Luis Perales for Jake Bennett Trade has not aged well for the Washington Nationals so far

Despite only being in the job for a year, Paul Toboni has already made plenty of moves. He is an active GM who leaves no stone unturned when it comes to trying to make his team better.

Jarlin Susana News / Washington Nationals on SI / October 5

Nationals' Star Prospect Jarlin Susana Shows High Ceiling and Limitations in AFL Debut

Arizona Fall League action for 2026 is now underway, which means Washington Nationals fans are able to get another glimpse at star pitching prospect Jarlin Susana heading into next year.

Keibert Ruiz News / Federal Baseball / October 5

Keibert Ruiz saved his Washington Nationals career in 2026

There were a lot of Nationals hitters who were surprisingly productive in 2026. However, the biggest surprise for me was Keibert Ruiz, who turned his career around this season.

Chicago White Sox News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Active 100-hit MLB seasons' quiz

How many of the active MLB players to reach 100 hits in at least eight different seasons can you name in five minutes?

The 'MLB 3,000-hit club' quiz

The '2026 HR leaders by MLB team' quiz

The 'Most MLB Playoff-RBIs' quiz

Washington Nationals News / Federal Baseball / October 5

The Washington Nationals had funky home/road splits in 2026

To finish the season, the Washington Nationals went 39-42 at home and 38-43 on the road. Those are similar numbers and on the surface, there does not seem like much to talk about here.

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 / October 3

Nationals 2026 Draft Pick Gets Suspended After Failed Drug Test

Plenty of positives are taking place down on the farm for the Washington Nationals. They had four prospects finish in the top 100 of MLB Pipeline's rankings.

Jarlin Susana News / Washington Nationals on SI / October 1

Speedy Outfielder With Pop Circled as Nationals Sleeper Prospect Headed to AFL

Outside of flamethrowing right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana, the Washington Nationals aren't sending any of their top 30 prospects to the Arizona Fall League this year.

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.

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.

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 / 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.

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

The 'NFL RB TD-catch leaders' quiz

The 'Most HRs by an MLB first baseman' quiz

The 'Active 100-hit MLB seasons' quiz

The '2009 NFL Week 1 starting QBs' quiz

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.

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.

CJ Abrams News / Athlon Sports / September 19

Nationals Make Historic CJ Abrams Announcement During 5th MLB Season

CJ Abrams reached a major milestone Friday night, becoming just the second player in Washington Nationals franchise history to record a 30-30 season. Abrams stole his 30th base during Washington’s 9-1 win over the St.

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.