4 Major Overreactions After Nationals' First Two Series of 2026 Season
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The Washington Nationals are 3-3 after their first two series of the 2026 season.
They had a great opportunity to begin the campaign with back-to-back series wins against the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, but an implosion from their bullpen in the finale against the Phillies cost the Nationals that reality. Still, it's been a positive start to the year for this young team. And they are showing signs of life that not many people around the baseball world -- including this fanbase -- expected to see.
With the day off on Thursday before Washington takes the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers to begin their first homestand of the season, it's time to have some fun and overreact to some major storylines that have taken place for the Nationals.
James Wood Needs to Get Sent Down to Triple-A
This is one of the most back and forth debates across social media when it comes to the young slugger. Simply put, James Wood has not been good to start the season. He's gone just 3-for-27 across six games with 12 strikeouts and three walks. He does have a homer, two doubles and three RBIs, but he's slashing .111/.200/.296 to begin this campaign.
Normally, there would be little concern about a player of his hitting ability starting out a new season slowly. But because of the way he finished last year, there are quite a few alarm bells going off when it comes to what he is doing at the plate.
Personally, I don't think he should down to Triple-A just yet. While Washington's coaching staff said during the spring they didn't want to change his swing, they certainly worked with him on things that he's likely still trying to apply. However, if after a few months he's still struggling in this fashion, then sending him to Rochester for a reset is not a bad call.
Offense Can Finish in Top Half of MLB in Runs Scored
Through the first two series of the year, the Nationals have scored the third-most runs in Major League Baseball (38). They have done it by hitting their way onto base and putting pressure on the opposing pitchers and defense. That seems to be the recipe manager Blake Butera wants to follow, but will that be sustainable for the whole year?
I think it will be difficult. Washington has done a tremendous job at the plate to begin the season. But this is still a young lineup with clear weaknesses across the board. Finishing in the top half of runs scored this year would be a huge for them, but I think that is a major overreaction to this start.
Luis Garcia Jr. Is Team's Long-Term First Baseman
The experiment to use Luis Garcia Jr. at first base is in full effect. At this time, it seems like the new regime solely sees the 25-year-old as a first baseman since he's appeared in all six games there and has yet to see time at second base. There has been some growing pains, but overall, he's done a pretty solid job at his new position. Will that be enough to secure himself a long-term spot on this roster?
I don't think so. Abimelec Ortiz is going to get an opportunity at some point this season. And if he is able to bring his power-hitting prowess to the bigs, then that will make it harder for Garcia to get everyday playing time. First base still seems to be a work in progress for the Nationals, and so far, Garcia has done nothing to change that thinking.
Cade Cavalli Will Finish Top 10 in NL Cy Young Voting
This would be a fun one, and it would be an awesome result for Washington. This regime has made it clear they want to build around Cade Cavalli, so if he's able to finish top 10 in National League Cy Young voting during his first full major league season, that would be huge.
I think it could happen based on what's been on display so far. The righty showed moments of brilliance last year, but after an offseason of preparation, he was dominant in spring training and has had a solid start to the 2026 campaign where he's flashed high-end stuff.
I'd still like to see him finish a full season healthy before making a proclamation like this. However, he has the talent to do so and could very well find himself earning Cy Young votes this year.
Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he worked at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad became the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continued to cover Penn State athletics. Currently, Brad is the Publisher for Washington Nationals On SI and covers multiple teams across the On SI network. He is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, where he and his co-host discuss topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai