Three questions facing the Washington Nationals this offseason

Although the Washington Nationals finished below .500, they were still one of the biggest surprises in the 2026 majors.

The Nationals had one of the best lineups in Major League Baseball, as their 821 runs scored was the third most in the game. However, the Nationals were undone by a pitching staff that allowed 815 runs in 2026, the fourth most in the majors. 

The Nationals have several clear holes to fill as they look to return to contention for a playoff berth. Nonetheless, the pitching staff is not the only question mark the Nationals have. 

Let's look at three questions facing the Nationals this offseason.

Three questions for the Washington Nationals

1. How do the Nationals fill out their rotation?

In theory, three of the spots in the Nationals rotation are taken. Former top prospect Cade Cavalli began to live up to his potential in his first full season in the rotation. Connelly Early, who was acquired for infielder Curtis Mead, should hold down a second spot. Andrew Alvarez showed enough potential to tentatively hold down a spot at the back of the rotation.

That will not be enough if the Nationals are going to take another step toward contending. While internal options such as Josiah Gray and DJ Herz have potential, the Nationals need to find a veteran option to pair with Cavalli. Adding a veteran pitcher, such as Michael King or Robbie Ray, would give the Nationals the type of leadership they need and a proven option.

2. Who closes for the Nationals?

The bullpen may have been what kept the Nationals from making a serious run to the postseason. Nationals relievers blew a major league worst 42 saves while allowing 442 runs. Clayton Beeter, who led the Nationals with 12 saves, finished the season in Triple-A. 

In general, the back of the Nationals bullpen needs a complete overhaul. President of baseball operations Paul Toboni said the Nationals will not focus only on pitchers with closing experience as they rebuild their relief corps. However, adding a reliever or two with experience in the ninth could make a difference in the Nationals playoff aspirations in 2027.

3. Will ownership spend to upgrade the roster?

The Nationals have several exciting young pieces to build around. Infielder CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood are a solid duo for the lineup. Catcher Keibert Ruiz started to show signs that he could start to live up to his former top prospect billing.

It is fair to wonder how long that core will stick together. Abrams will likely receive a significant pay raise in arbitration and should be a candidate for a long-term extension. The problem is that ownership has not displayed a willingness to spend on the roster as they have not topped $110 million in salary since 2022. Ownership will need to open the checkbook if the Nationals are going to take that next step forward, but that is hardly a guarantee.