Washington Nationals News

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Clayton Beeter • RP • Nationals

Clayton Beeter Establishing Himself as the Preferred Closer Option in Washington

Across 31 2/3 innings (33 games) so far in 2026, Washington Nationals right-hander Clayton Beeter has recorded a 3.69 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 33 strikeouts, and 10 saves. While Washington has not deployed Beeter as its sole closer for the entirety of the season, he's the only reliever on their current active roster with more than two saves. The 27-year-old has also seen more traditional closer usage of late, as he's logged three saves in his last four appearances out of the pen. Beeter's command remains a red flag in his profile, as he's logged a 14.7% walk rate this year and owns a 15.3% walk rate across 60 2/3 career MLB innings. However, he's recorded a 57.7% ground-ball rate this season and has strikeout upside, as he's struck out 27.8% of the batters he's faced as a big leaguer. While Beeter may not provide fantasy managers with high-end closer ratios, he's clearly the preferred option in the ninth inning for the Nationals right now and profiles as a worthy deep-league source of saves.

Yesterday

Cade Cavalli • SP • Nationals

Cade Cavalli Emerging as a Must-Add Starting Pitcher Amidst Recent Surge

Across 110 2/3 innings (22 starts) in 2026, Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli has recorded a 3.58 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has been particularly hot of late, allowing just four earned runs while notching 22 strikeouts across his last 18 innings (three starts). Cavalli generates a ton of ground balls and does not have a particularly strong defense behind him in Washington, which may continue to lead to a slightly elevated WHIP. Still, Cavalli owns an impressive 26.6% strikeout rate with a 7.1% walk rate. He's also been difficult to take deep, allowing just 0.73 HR/9. In any league where he's not already rostered, Cavalli should be viewed as a must-add waiver wire target.

2 days ago

CJ Abrams • SS • Nationals

CJ Abrams has Seven Home Runs in his Last Seven Games

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams became the first Nationals player since Kyle Schwarber in 2021 to hit seven home runs in a span of seven games after his second multi-homer performance of the season on Sunday in the 10-7 victory over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. Abrams went 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .297 and his OPS to .940. The 25-year-old now has four career multi-homer games. In what has been a career year for Abrams, he's now hitting .297/.367/.573 with a career-high 27 home runs, 82 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 66 runs scored in 102 games across 436 plate appearances in 2026 in his fourth full year in D.C. The former first-rounder in 2019 by the San Diego Padres has been nearly unstoppable in 18 games in July, batting .397 (29-for-73) with a 1.255 OPS, nine home runs, five doubles, 22 RBI, 14 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 81 plate appearances. In his seven-game stretch with seven dingers, Abrams has gone 17-for-30 (.567) with 14 RBI.

2 days ago

James Wood • RF • Nationals

James Wood Hits Two Homers on Sunday for First Multi-Homer Performance in 2026

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood continued his surge at the plate in July, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI, a walk, and a strikeout in Sunday's 10-7 win over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks in D.C. It was Wood's first multi-homer game of the 2026 season and the fifth of his career. The 23-year-old All-Star left-handed slugger is now leading the league in walks (82), runs scored (96), plate appearances (498), OPS (.953), and total bases (228) in 106 games played for the Nats in his third year in the league. He is also slashing .271/.396/.557 with 30 home runs, 72 RBI, and 15 stolen bases as one of the best all-around bats in baseball. Wood has been especially productive in 19 games (93 plate appearances) so far in July, going 23-for-74 (.311) with a 1.198 OPS, nine home runs, four doubles, a triple, 20 RBI, 23 runs scored, and two stolen bases. He's an emerging five-category superstar for Washington and is a must-start in all fantasy formats when he's active. Wood has held his own against lefties as well, hitting .265 (40-for-151) against them with nine of his 30 long balls.

2 days ago

Brady House • 3B • Nationals

Brady House Recalled to Majors After Impressive Triple-A Production

The Washington Nationals are recalling third baseman Brady House from Triple-A Rochester on Sunday to fill the vacancy after the Nats traded infielder Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night in exchange for left-hander Connelly Early, a team source told Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. House was Washington's primary third baseman this year before Mead took over and ran away with the job. The former 11th overall pick in 2021 hit just .227/.282/.399 with a .681 OPS, seven home runs, 25 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 163 at-bats, though, before being sent to the farm in mid-May. At Rochester, House hit .301/.342/.500 with eight homers, 34 RBI, 26 runs scored, and three steals in 50 games across 222 plate appearances before getting the ball back to the Show. Jorbit Vivas and Jose Tena could also be options for playing time at the hot corner in D.C. now that Mead is gone, but House figures to get the first shot at the primary role, making him worth a look off the waiver wire in deeper leagues for corner-infield help. House is rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues.

3 days ago

Seaver King • SS • Nationals

Late-Season MLB Debut Looks Unlikely for Seaver King Amid Lengthy IL Stint

Washington Nationals infield prospect Seaver King has remained on the shelf at Triple-A Rochester for nearly the entire month due to an oblique strain. While this injury has not completely ruled him out of a 2026 debut, it has made his path to MLB at-bats far more difficult, especially if he still needs additional time to recover. King began the 2026 campaign at the Double-A level, but needed just 35 contests to prove he was ready to join the top club. With Harrisburg, the former 10th overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft held a .336/.427/.567 slash line with 10 doubles, five home runs and five stolen bases. Over his first 33 contests at the top ranks, King looked just as sharp, carrying a .275/.338/.443 line with five home runs and four stolen bases. While his recent injury has dropped his stash value, he could emerge as a potential late-season option if he were to return to action in the coming weeks.

3 days ago

Connelly Early • SP • Nationals

Connelly Early Traded to Washington

The Boston Red Sox have traded left-handed starting pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead. Early was able to break camp with the Boston starting rotation but has been on the shelf since late June with an elbow injury. Early made his MLB debut late in the 2025 campaign and flashed high-end upside, logging his first 19 1/3 MLB innings to the tune of a 2.33 ERA and a sharp 1.09 WHIP. In 2026, Early posted a solid 3.44 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP across 92 2/3 innings. He totaled 93 punchouts while walking 8.7% of the hitters he has faced. While Early is still on the 15-day injured list, he recently began throwing, which suggests he should make his Nationals debut later in August. He remains a worthy stash candidate in all standard leagues as he should remain solid fantasy value down the stretch once back on the bump.

3 days ago

Connelly Early • SP • Nationals

Connelly Early Throws Bullpen Session

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early (elbow) threw a successful one-inning bullpen session on Friday as he continues to work his way back from left posterior elbow inflammation. He also threw from 120 feet and participated in pitcher fielding drills, making it a busy and productive day. The plan is for the 24-year-old southpaw to throw a two-inning bullpen session sometime next week, followed by a live batting practice session. Once those steps are completed, the Red Sox expect him to begin a short rehab assignment, putting him on track to return well before the end of the regular season. Given this positive outlook, Early is worth holding in fantasy leagues, and if he is available on the waiver wire, he is worth adding before he is activated from the Injured List.

4 days ago

Curtis Mead • 3B • Nationals

Curtis Mead Undervalued Despite 17-Homer Breakout

Washington Nationals third baseman Curtis Mead is batting .258 with 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 48 runs, and six steals across 279 at-bats. He went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored Monday at Colorado before going hitless Tuesday and sitting Wednesday. Even with the quiet finish to the series, Mead is 22-for-55 (.400) with three homers in July. Mead's Yahoo roster rate has climbed to 52%, but that still leaves him available in nearly half of leagues. He also qualifies at first and second base, giving managers several ways to fit his bat into the lineup. RotoBaller ranks Mead 15th among its latest waiver options, first at third base, and recommends him in 10-team formats. The breakout is no longer speculative. Mead should be rostered wherever he remains available.

5 days ago

Yohandy Morales • 3B • Nationals

Yohandy Morales Racking Up Power Numbers at Triple-A Rochester

Washington Nationals corner-infield prospect Yohandy Morales continues to hit for power at Triple-A Rochester and is making a case for a potential promotion. The No. 26 overall prospect for the Nationals, Morales has been consistently producing all season at Triple-A with 21 homers, 62 RBI, and 66 runs scored with a .294 batting average. The numbers beg the question if Morales deserves a shot with the Nationals, a team with a lineup loaded with young talent. Morales was a second-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and his 55-grade power makes him an option as he can play either corner infield position. Morales could be worth a look in deep leagues as a sleeper stash, as his power bat would be a welcome addition to a deep Washington lineup at the big-league level.

5 days ago

Clayton Beeter • RP • Nationals

Clayton Beeter's Eight Saves Keep Him in the Deep-League Mix

Washington Nationals right-handed reliever Clayton Beeter gave up the deciding solo home run in Tuesday's 8-7 loss to Colorado, taking his third loss of the season. Two days earlier, he worked 1 1/3 innings for his eighth save against the Athletics. That swing captures the appeal and the risk. Beeter now has a 3.94 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts over 29 2/3 innings. The saves are useful. The role is not settled. Beeter has also walked 19 batters and blown five save chances, while Washington has used him before the ninth when the matchup called for it. RotoBaller keeps him in the 15-team range, which fits. Managers chasing saves in deeper formats can take the volatility, but Beeter should not be treated like a secure closer.

6 days ago

Eli Willits • SS • Nationals

Eli Willits has the Look of a Fantasy Superstar

Now with High-A Wilmington, Washington Nationals shortstop prospect Eli Willits is continuing to produce in his age 18 season. Willits, a former first round pick by the Nationals is the top prospect in the Washington system. He possesses a 60-grade hit tool and a 60-grade run tool, giving him massive upside in fantasy circles. At age 18, Willits has split time between two levels of the minors this season, but has 12 homers and 53 RBI combined at both levels while hitting .274 with an .894 OPS. He also has combined for a huge 38 stolen bases to show off his speed potential. Willits has the looks of a five-tool fantasy contributor and is a must-add in dynasty leagues. He will likely need a few years to showcase his growth in the minor leagues but once he makes it up to Washington, he could be a fantasy superstar.

6 days ago

Cade Cavalli • SP • Nationals

Cade Cavalli Is Worth Holding Despite His Coors Field Matchup

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli is scheduled to face the Rockies at Coors Field on Wednesday, July 22. That is a rough spot, and fantasy managers do not have to force him into their lineups. Cavalli is 6-4 with a 3.78 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts over 104 2/3 innings. The right-hander has been sharper lately, posting a 3.60 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 43 strikeouts against seven walks across his last seven starts. He also fanned nine without issuing a walk over six innings against the Athletics on Friday. Cavalli is now rostered in 48% of Yahoo leagues, while RotoBaller still places him in its 12-team range. The Coors matchup is dangerous. The season-long strikeout production is worth holding onto beyond one start.

7 days ago

CJ Abrams • SS • Nationals

CJ Abrams Continues Breakout Campaign With Two More Home Runs

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams stayed red-hot at the dish in Tuesday night's 8-7 loss to the hosting Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and a walk to raise his season batting average to .279 and his OPS to .892. Both of Abrams' blasts in the thin air in Denver were two-run shots, and the 25-year-old All-Star has now homered in three straight games. During that stretch, he has four home runs and eight RBI, which makes him one of the hottest hitters in baseball this week. It hasn't just been limited to this week, though, as the former sixth overall pick in 2019 by the San Diego Padres is having a fantastic 2026 season, slashing .279/.354/.538 with an .892 OPS, 24 home runs, 76 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored across his 366 at-bats in his fourth full season in D.C. The two-time All-Star is having his best month yet in July, hitting .309 (17-for-55) with six homers, three doubles, 16 RBI, nine runs, and two stolen bases in 14 games played. Abrams is obviously a must-start fantasy shortstop.

7 days ago

Seaver King • SS • Nationals

Seaver King Still Sidelined With Hopes of 2026 Debut Fading

Washington Nationals infield prospect Seaver King (oblique) has been on the sidelines since the beginning of July after suffering an oblique injury. It's a tough break for the Nats' sixth-ranked prospect, who was tracking for a potential late-season debut in the majors. The former first-rounder began the season at Double-A Harrisburg and recorded a robust .336/.427/.562 slash line with five home runs and five steals in 35 games for the Senators. Triple-A had proven a bit more challenging, but the Wake Forest product was holding his own there, slashing .275/.338/.443 with five home runs and four steals through 33 games at Rochester. There has been no update on the status of the injury, and at this point, it looks like a return sometime in August is the most optimistic scenario, putting a 2026 debut in jeopardy. As such, there is no need to stash the right-handed hitter in redraft leagues, but his long-term outlook is still very positive, so his value in dynasty leagues should remain high.

Jul 21

Curtis Mead • 3B • Nationals

Curtis Mead Is a Top Waiver-Wire Bat

Washington Nationals third baseman Curtis Mead reached base three times Sunday, July 19, going 1-for-3 with two walks, an RBI, a run, and his sixth steal in a 5-2 win over the Athletics. He is batting .256 with 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 47 runs, and six steals across 270 at-bats. July has been even better: 19-for-46 (.413) with three homers, nine RBI, 11 runs, and two steals. Yahoo still lists Mead at 47% rostered. That is hard to square with a regular third baseman who also qualifies at first and second, especially one producing this kind of power without selling out for it. Mead has an 11.4% barrel rate, 42.5% hard-hit rate, and .471 expected slugging percentage. RotoBaller has moved him into the 10-team range. He is not a speculative add anymore. He is one of the better hitters still available.

Jul 20

Seaver King • SS • Nationals

Seaver King has Tough Road to Big-League Spot With Current Injury

Washington Nationals middle-infield prospect Seaver King (oblique) has had a stellar minor-league season between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester before landing on the injured list. Between both levels, the talented infielder is hitting .306 with 10 homers and 51 RBI to go with 50 runs scored and nine stolen bases. King has a five-tool profile and is graded out with 70 speed. Unfortunately for fantasy managers this season, King landed on the IL in early July with an oblique injury. He has a bit of a tough road to the majors this season, as the Nationals have a solid middle infield led by CJ Abrams and Nasim Nunez, and King will have to work his way back to full health in the second half with the oblique injury, which can be tricky to deal with. But the Wake Forest product is the No. 6 prospect in the Nationals system and offers high upside with his elite speed.

Jul 19

Luis García Jr. • 1B • Nationals

Luis Garcia Jr. Drawing Interest as Trade Deadline Nears

Multiple MLB teams are showing interest in acquiring Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. in a trade, according to Will Sammon and Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. Garcia could present an intriguing opportunity for contending teams, with the possibility that the trade market this summer will lack power-hitting options. However, any talks between the Nats and other teams regarding Garcia are in the preliminary stages, and Washington hasn't seriously engaged on the topic. The Nationals are open to listening to offers on Garcia, but they value him because of his talent and an additional year of club control at a reasonable dollar figure. The 26-year-old is making $6.875 million in 2026 through arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2027 season. The lefty hitter has already reached career highs in homers (20) and is batting .284/.317/.554 with an .871 OPS, 68 RBI, 45 runs, and four steals in 90 games going into Saturday. Garcia still mostly sits against lefties, but his underlying metrics in the last three seasons show that he has an above-average bat. If the Nats pull the trigger on trading Garcia this year, they will most likely be looking to get back young, controllable pitching.

Jul 18

Andrés Chaparro • 1B • Nationals

Andres Chaparro Heating Up in July, Homers Twice on Friday

Washington Nationals first baseman Andres Chaparro and the rest of the team were seeing the ball well on Friday night in their 23-4 trouncing of the Athletics at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park. Chaparro went 4-for-5 at the plate as the three-hole hitter with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, and a walk. The 27-year-old Venezuelan first baseman has only played in 32 games (71 plate appearances) in his third year in the big leagues with the Nats, and he's now hitting .220/.352/.424 with a .776 OPS, three home runs, 15 RBI, 13 runs scored, 11 walks, and 18 strikeouts. In an even smaller sample size since the start of July, Chaparro has gone 6-for-14 (.429) with all three of his home runs, 10 RBI, and five runs scored in seven games played. While Chaparro will likely continue to be a part-time player, it's hard to ignore his recent hot streak, potentially making him a short-term waiver-wire pickup in deeper fantasy leagues. Right now, he's not rostered in any Yahoo leagues.

Jul 18

Harry Ford • C • Nationals

Harry Ford Launches Home Run in Season Debut

Washington Nationals catcher Harry Ford had a memorable 2026 season debut in his team's 23-4 win over the Athletics on Friday night. The 23-year-old batted sixth and went two-for-five with a home run, a walk, three RBI, and three runs scored. A former top prospect in the Seattle Mariners system, Ford made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2025 but logged just eight plate appearances. He's struggled a bit this season with Triple-A Rochester, hitting .223/.370/.335 with four home runs, 22 RBI, and 35 runs scored across 257 plate appearances. Still, he was promoted by Washington for the second half of the season and could be in line to steal playing time from Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz. Ford's ability to get on base at a high rate may be what keeps his bat in the Washington lineup regularly, as he logged a 16.2% walk rate at Triple-A in 2025 and a 17.5% walk rate in the minors this season before being called up. Fantasy managers in need of catching help should consider targeting Ford on the waiver wire.

Jul 18

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