The Nationals reached a dubious milestone with Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to the Phillies, dropping to 71-82 and ensuring the team’s seventh consecutive losing season since winning the 2019 World Series.
Washington will enter the offseason with more reason for optimism than in years past, however. James Wood and CJ Abrams established themselves as players who could be pillars of the organization moving forward, with both earning All-Star selections this season and being no older than 25. The team’s farm system, which received a major overhaul prior to this season, has multiple top prospects, including Seaver King and Eli Willits, expected to be called up as soon as 2027.
But for as good as the Nationals’ offense has been — even after trading away infielders Luis Garcia Jr. (Yankees) and Curtis Mead (Red Sox) at the deadline — the team’s pitching has been a season-long issue. The bullpen has been on the wrong side of history, setting a major league record for blown saves with 39. In Wednesday’s loss, the team walked 13 batters, tying the Athletics for the most by any MLB team in a game this year.
And the finish does register as a disappointment in light of the team’s unexpectedly strong start to the season, having entered the All-Star break with a 48-49 record and in the mix for a wild card playoff berth.
Trending
The Nats do still have a chance to end the season on a high note. With nine games left, all against non-playoff teams, they need just one win to exceed their season total from any year since their title-winning campaign in 2019.
Author
