Washington Nationals Cap (Image Credits: Imagn)

Washington Nationals 2026 Projected Lineup: Batting Order, Rotation & More

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 1:24 PM ET

The Washington Nationals have fresh enthusiasm for the 2026 campaign after yet another uncompetitive display last year. They finished at the foot of the National League East with a 66-96 record, missing out on a playoff berth for the sixth consecutive season.

The Nationals placed a new front office in charge at the start of the offseason after dismissing Dave Martinez from the manager role in July. Blake Butera comes in as the replacement, with the 33-year-old becoming the youngest active skipper in the MLB.

Washington Nationals 2026 Projected Batting Order

CJ Abrams (Image Credits: Imagn)

C.J. Abrams (SS)
Dylan Crews (RF)
James Woods (LF)
Daylen Lile (DH)
Luis Garcia Jr. (1B)
Keibert Ruiz (C)
Brady House (3B)
Nasim Nunez (2B)
Jacob Young (CF)

With C.J. Abrams in the leadoff spot, the top of the Washington Nationals’ batting lineup packs a solid punch. Former 2nd overall draft pick Dylan Crews may finally deliver the breakout season in the MLB that their fanbase has been expecting for the past couple of years.

Nevertheless, James Woods is the linchpin of their offense after earning his first All-Star Game selection last year. There is not much thump behind the left-handed slugger, however. But the rest of the lineup can make good use of their speed and athleticism.

Washington Nationals 2026 Projected Starting Rotation

Miles Mikolas (Image Credits: Imagn)

Miles Mikolas (RHP)
Cade Cavalli (RHP)
Jake Irvin (RHP)
Foster Griffin (LHP)
Brad Lord (RHP)

The pitching staff takes a big hit after the Washington Nationals traded McKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers during the winter. Veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas comes in on a one-year deal to lead their starting rotation.

Cade Cavalli will move up to take the No. 2 spot on the rotation after his solid performance for the team last year. Jake Irvin will be the third starter in the five-man lineup, with Foster Griffin and Brad Lord bringing up the rear.

Washington Nationals 2026 Projected Bullpen

Clayton Beeter (Image Credits: Imagn)

Closer: Clayton Beeter (RHP), Cole Henry (RHP)
Setup Man: P.J. Poulin (LHP)
Relievers: Julian Fernandez (RHP), Jackson Rutledge (RHP), Richard Lovelady (RHP)

Relief pitching is understandably the weakest aspect of the Washington Nationals, with Kyle Finnegan no longer on their roster. Clayton Beeter and Cole Henry are expected to share the closer role this year.

P.J. Poulin will probably be the setup man of the team. Julian Fernandez and Jackson Rutledge are their two primary middle relievers, while Richard Lovelady is the chief left-handed option in the bullpen.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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