Nationals 2026 Season Review: CJ Abrams, Pitching, Bullpen & 2027 Offseason Questions

The Washington Nationals’ 2026 season is over, and for the first time in years, the offseason is about building instead of rebuilding. Dan Holmi breaks down what the Nationals’ 11-win improvement means, why pitching and the bullpen are the biggest questions, and what comes next for CJ Abrams, James Wood and the young core. The Nationals finished third in MLB in runs scored, CJ Abrams hit 33 home runs, James Wood hit 30, and Cade Cavalli, Connelly Early and Andrew Alvarez give the rotation a foundation. But the bullpen blew a major league-record 42 saves, Jake Irvin finished with a 5.48 ERA, and a potential MLB lockout could dramatically alter free agency and trades. Plus, the Nationals still have to determine whether CJ Abrams is their long-term shortstop or second baseman. Dan also looks at Paul Toboni and Blake Butera’s offseason challenges, Nasim Nuñez, Seaver King, Eli Willits, Dylan Crews, Brady House and what the Nationals need to do to turn a promising 2026 season into sustained success in 2027. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.