The Washington Nationals are off to a promising start in the Grapefruit League, boasting a 10-4 record, which stretches to 11-4 if you count their exhibition victory over the Venezuela WBC team. While Spring Training wins don't always translate to regular season success, they certainly boost morale. And with Opening Day just two weeks away, the Nationals are gearing up for a challenging start to their 2026 campaign.
Cade Cavalli is set to take the mound at Wrigley Field on March 26, kicking off a season that begins with a tough slate of games. The Nationals will face the Cubs, Phillies, and Dodgers in consecutive series, teams that are all strong contenders for the NL playoffs. According to FanGraphs, the Dodgers have a staggering 99 percent chance of making the postseason, with the Phillies at 71.3 percent and the Cubs at 62.7 percent.
Former pitcher Jeff Samardzija once said, "You can’t win it in the first month - but you want to be right there for a good summer run and then a late fall run, too.” This sentiment rings true for the Nationals, who, while not expected to be playoff contenders, are aiming for a solid start. As Don Henderson noted, a 3-6 start could be a realistic target after facing such formidable opponents, though the team will aim higher.
Manager Blake Butera will need to balance realism with optimism, reminding his players that the schedule eases up after this initial stretch. Opening Day should bring a sense of hope, with FanGraphs projecting the Nationals to finish the season with a 69-93 record following the signing of Zack Littell.
Meanwhile, MGM Sportsbook sets their over/under at 65.5 wins. While more victories are always welcome, a high draft pick in 2027 could be a silver lining.
Fans might feel more confident if the bullpen had a reliable closer or if the rotation featured a pitcher like the 2015 version of Max Scherzer. Even a performance reminiscent of James Wood's first half in 2025 would be a boost. As it stands, Spring Training offers a glimpse of potential, with both the major and minor league camps showing promise despite small sample sizes.
Ultimately, Spring Training is a time for optimism and dreaming big. The Nationals are laying the groundwork for a season that, while challenging, holds the potential for growth and surprises. Hope Springs Eternal, after all.