Washington Nationals

Major League Baseball franchise in Washington, D.C.

This article is about the current Major League Baseball team. For other uses, see Washington Nationals (disambiguation).

Washington Nationals

2025 Washington Nationals season
| |

|

Logo| Cap insignia

* Established in 1969
* Based in Washington, D.C., since 2005

Major league affiliations

* National League (1969–present)
* East Division (1969–present)

Current uniform
Retired numbers|

* 11
* 42

Colors

* Scarlet red, navy blue, white[1][2]

Name

* Washington Nationals (2005–present)
* Montreal Expos (1969–2004)

Other nicknames

* Nats

Ballpark

* Nationals Park (2008–present)
* Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (2005–2007)
* Olympic Stadium (1977–2004)
* Jarry Park Stadium (1969–1976)

Major league titles
World Series titles (1)| 2019
NL Pennants (1)| 2019
NL East Division titles (5)|

* 1981
* 2012
* 2014
* 2016
* 2017

Wild card berths (1)| 2019
Front office
Principal owner(s)| Mark Lerner[3][4]
President of baseball operations| Mike Rizzo
General manager| Mike Rizzo
Manager| Dave Martinez
Mascot(s)| Screech
Website| mlb.com/nationals

The Washington Nationals are an American professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. They play their home games at Nationals Park, located on South Capitol Street in the Navy Yard neighborhood of the Southeast quadrant of D.C. along the Anacostia River.[5]

The Nationals are the eighth major league franchise to be based in Washington, D.C., and the first since 1971. The current franchise was founded in 1969 as the Montreal Expos as part of a four-team expansion. After a failed contraction plan, MLB bought the Expos, seeking to move the team to a new city.[6] MLB owners chose Washington, D.C., in 2004 and established the Nationals the next year, in the first MLB franchise move since 1971 when the third Washington Senators moved to Arlington, Texas, to become the Texas Rangers. No other MLB team would move until the 2025 season, when the Oakland Athletics relocated to Sacramento in advance of their ultimately planned move to the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

While the team initially struggled after moving to Washington, the Nationals enjoyed considerable success throughout the 2010s. The team had back-to-back first overall picks in the MLB draft in 2009 and 2010, selecting Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. The team secured their first playoff berth and first division title in 2012 and won the National League East again in 2014, 2016, and 2017, but failed to advance past the NLDS each time. In 2019, the team advanced to the World Series as a Wild Card team and defeated the Houston Astros in seven games to earn their first championship.

As of the end of the 2024 season, the franchise's overall win–loss record is 4,265–4,569–4 (.483). Since moving to Washington, D.C., their overall win–loss record is 1,510–1,626 (.482)[7]

## History

[edit]

### Early baseball in Washington, D.C.

[edit]

Main article: History of Washington, D.C., professional baseball

Multiple short-lived baseball franchises, including two named the Nationals, played in Washington with the National Association in the 1870s.[note 1] The first Washington Nationals team in a major league played in the American Association in 1884.[12] Another Washington Nationals team also played in the Union Association during its only season in 1884.[13] The first Washington Nationals of the National League played from 1886 to 1889.[14]

### Washington Senators / Statesmen / Nationals

[edit]

President Richard Nixon at the Washington Senators' opening game with the New York Yankees at RFK Stadium, 1969

Main articles: Washington Senators (1891–1899), Washington Senators (1912), Washington Senators (1901–1960), and Washington Senators (1961–1971)

The Washington Statesmen played in the American Association in 1891,[15] before jumping to the National League as the Senators the following season. The Washington Senators, who were often referred to as the Nationals,[16] played in the National League from 1892 to 1899. They were followed in 1901 by another Washington Senators franchise — a charter member of the new American League — who were officially named the Washington Nationals from 1905 to 1955.[17][18] In 1912, another Washington Senators team formed as one of eight teams of the United States Baseball League. But the league and the team folded after just over a month of play in 1912.[19]

The first American League Senators franchise moved to Minneapolis after the 1960 season and became the Minnesota Twins. MLB awarded Washington an expansion team, the second American League Senators franchise, which began play in 1961 but moved to Arlington, Texas after the 1971 season to become the Texas Rangers.

### Montreal Expos

[edit]

Main article: Montreal Expos

The Montreal Expos were part of the 1969 Major League Baseball expansion, which included the Seattle Pilots (now the Milwaukee Brewers),[20] Kansas City Royals, and San Diego Padres. Based in Montreal, the Expos were the first Major League team in Canada[21] and were named after the Expo 67 World's Fair.

The majority-share owner was Charles Bronfman, a major shareholder in Seagram. The Expos' initial home was Jarry Park. Under manager Gene Mauch, the team lost 110 games in their first season, coincidentally matching the Padres' inaugural win–loss record, and continued to struggle during their first decade with sub-.500 seasons.

In 1977, the Expos moved into Montreal's Olympic Stadium, which was built for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Two years later, the team won a franchise-high 95 games, finishing second in the NL East. The Expos began the 1980s with a core group of young players, including catcher Gary Carter, outfielders Tim Raines and Andre Dawson, third baseman Tim Wallach, and pitchers Steve Rogers and Bill Gullickson. The team won its only division championship in the strike-shortened split season of 1981, ending its season with a three-games-to-two loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

The team spent most of the 1980s in the middle of the NL East pack, finishing in third or fourth place in eight out of nine seasons from 1982 to 1990. The Expos hired Buck Rodgers as manager before the 1985 season, and he guided the team to winning records five times in six years, with the highlight coming in 1987 when they won 91 games (.562). They finished third, but were just four games behind the division-winning Cardinals.

Bronfman sold the team to a consortium of owners in 1991, with Claude Brochu as the managing general partner.[22][23] The new ownership replaced Rodgers, at that time second only to Gene Mauch in number of Expos games managed, partway through the 1991 season. In May 1992, the Expos promoted Felipe Alou, a member of the Expos organization since 1976, to become the first Dominican-born manager in MLB history.[22] Alou would go on to be the franchise leader in games managed while guiding the team to winning records, including 1994 when the Expos, led by a talented group of players including Larry Walker, Moisés Alou, Marquis Grissom and Pedro Martínez, had the best record in the major leagues until the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike forced the cancellation of the remainder of the season. After the disappointment of 1994, Expos management began shedding its key players and the team's fan support dwindled.

Brochu sold control of the team to Jeffrey Loria in 1999,[24][25] but Loria failed to secure funding to build a new downtown ballpark[26] and did not reach an agreement on television or English radio broadcast contracts for the 2000 season, reducing the team's media coverage.

### Proposed 2001 contraction

[edit]

Main article: 2001 Major League Baseball contraction plan

After the 2001 season, MLB considered revoking the team's franchise, along with that of either the Minnesota Twins or the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[27][28] In November 2001, Major League Baseball's owners voted 28–2 to contract the league by two teams — according to various sources, the Expos and the Minnesota Twins, both of which reportedly voted against contraction.[29] Subsequently, the Boston Red Sox were sold to a partnership led by John W. Henry, owner of the Florida Marlins.[29][30] In order to clear the way for Henry's group to assume Red Sox ownership, Henry sold the Marlins to Loria who in turn sold the Expos to MLB.[29] However, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, the Metrodome's operator, won an injunction requiring the Twins to play there in 2002.[29] MLB's inability to revoke the Twins franchise compelled it to keep both the Twins and Expos as part of the regular season schedule. The collective bargaining agreement signed with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) in August 2002 prohibited contraction until the end of the contract in 2006.[31] By that time, the Expos had become the Washington Nationals and the Twins had made sufficient progress towards the eventual building of a new baseball-specific stadium that contraction was no longer on the agenda.

### 2005 move

[edit]

With contraction no longer an option in the immediate term, MLB began looking for a new site for the Expos. Some of the choices included Oklahoma City; Washington, D.C.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Monterrey, Mexico; Portland, Oregon; Northern Virginia (such as Arlington or Dulles); Norfolk, Virginia; Las Vegas; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Washington, D.C., and both Virginia locations emerged as the front-runners.

On September 29, 2004, MLB announced that the Expos would move to Washington, D.C., for the 2005 season, returning professional baseball to the United States's capital.[32][33] On November 15, arbitrators struck down a lawsuit former team owners brought against MLB and former majority owner Jeffrey Loria, bringing to an end all legal actions that could have impeded a move. The other MLB team owners approved the move to Washington, D.C., in a 28–1 vote on December 3 (Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos cast the sole dissenting vote).

Although there was some sentiment to revive the name Senators when the Expos moved to Washington in 2005, legal and political considerations factored into the choice of Nationals, a revival of the first American League franchise's official name used from 1901 to 1956.[34] Politicians and others in the District of Columbia objected to the name Senators because the District of Columbia does not have voting representation in Congress.[35] In addition, the Rangers still owned the rights to the Senators name.[36]

Nationals versus the Cincinnati Reds in 2009 at Nationals Park

Washington, D.C., mayor Anthony A. Williams supported the name "Washington Grays" in honor of the Negro-league team Homestead Grays (1929–1950), which had been based in Pittsburgh but played most of their of their home games in Washington's Griffith Stadium during much of the 1940s. On November 21, 2004, the team's management chose the name "Washington Nationals",[37] revealing the club's official colors of red, white, and blue the next day.[38]

The Nationals played their first three seasons at RFK Stadium until Nationals Park could be built.[39][40] Nationals Park was completed in 2008, and the Nationals played their first home game there on March 30, 2008. ESPN televised the game nationally, for which U.S. President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch. Ryan Zimmerman hit his fifth career[41] walk-off home run to give the Nationals a win in the first game in their new stadium.

### Inaugural 2005 season

[edit]

Main article: History of the Washington Nationals

The Nationals played their first game on April 4, 2005 at Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia, losing to the Philadelphia Phillies 8-4.[42] The Nationals finished their inaugural season at .500 with an 81-81 record. Its first draft pick as the Nationals was Virginia native and University of Virginia graduate Ryan Zimmerman in the first round of the 2005 draft. Zimmerman made his MLB debut in 2005 and became one of the team's best players and the face of the franchise, playing his entire career with the Nationals.

### 2000s and 2010s

[edit]

When Ted Lerner took over the club in mid-2006, he hired Stan Kasten as team president. Kasten was widely known as the Atlanta Braves' architect before and during their run of 14 division titles. Kasten was also the General Manager or president of many other Atlanta-area sports teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers. "The Plan", as it became known, was a long-range rebuilding and restructuring of the team from the ground up. This plan included investing in the farm system and the draft to build a team suitable for their new stadium.

In the front office, the Nationals hired well-respected former Arizona scouting director Mike Rizzo to be the Vice President of Baseball Operations, second in charge under then-general manager Jim Bowden.[43]

The Nationals finished in last place in four out of five years from 2006–2010, but began building the foundations of a contender with their first-overall draft picks of pitcher Stephen Strasburg (in 2009) and catcher Bryce Harper, whom the team converted to the outfield, (in 2010), as well as their sixth-overall draft pick of infielder Anthony Rendon (in 2011).[44][45] Strasburg, arguably the most hyped prospect in baseball history, struck out 14 batters in an unprecedented Major League debut at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates.[46] In 2011, they signed Jayson Werth to the team's first big free-agent contract.[47] With a mix of homegrown players and players acquired via trade and free agency, the Nationals clinched their first playoff berth and first division title in 2012. Teenage phenom Harper was named NL Rookie of the Year, the youngest ever to win.[48] The Nationals were knocked out of the 2012 NLDS by the St. Louis Cardinals in five games after the Cardinals took the lead with two outs in the top of the ninth of game 5. After missing the playoffs in 2013, they hired Matt Williams as manager and rebounded to win their second division title in 2014, but were eliminated in the 2014 NLDS by the San Francisco Giants. In 2014, they acquired shortstop prospect Trea Turner in a trade with the San Diego Padres, with Turner eventually becoming a major part of the Nationals' core.[49] In 2015, the Nationals signed top free agent pitcher Max Scherzer to a 7-year, $210 million contract.[50] That year, Harper had one of the greatest offensive seasons in MLB history, becoming the youngest player to win the NL MVP unanimously.[51] However the Nationals missed the playoffs again, leading to Williams' firing.[52] The team hired veteran manager Dusty Baker in 2016, and returned to the playoffs only to be eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2016 NLDS in five games. They won the NL East title in 2017, but were eliminated in the NLDS yet again after losing game 5 to the Chicago Cubs. Baker's contract was not renewed after the 2017 playoff loss, and the team hired Dave Martinez as their sixth manager in ten years.[53]

In 2018, the All-Star Game was played at Nationals Park. 19-year-old phenom Juan Soto had an exceptional debut campaign, finishing 2nd in NL Rookie of the Year Voting.[54] The Nationals failed to make the playoffs in 2018, finishing a disappointing second in a year they were expected to sail to the playoffs.[55] After the 2018 season, superstar slugger Bryce Harper left the team via free agency, signing with the rival Philadelphia Phillies.[56]

### 2019 World Series win

[edit]

2019 World Series victory parade

The Nationals began the 2019 season with a record of 19–31, with their projected chances of winning the World Series at that time being 1.5 percent.[57] They then posted a 74–38 record over the remaining 112 games, finishing with an overall record of 93-69 and earning a spot in the 2019 National League Wild Card Game, which they won over the Milwaukee Brewers 4–3. In the NLDS, the Nationals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, propelling them past the divisional round for the first time in franchise history.[58] The Nationals then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS, giving them their first NL pennant.[59] The team then defeated the Houston Astros in game seven of the 2019 World Series, giving them their first World Series championship, with Strasburg being voted series MVP.[60][61] The World Series was the first in MLB history that saw no team win a game at home, as the road team won all seven.[62] The Nationals went a perfect 5-0 in elimination games during the playoffs, all of which were come-from-behind victories, the first team in MLB history to do so.[63]

### Post-World Series

[edit]

Franchise cornerstone Anthony Rendon left in free agency for the Los Angeles Angels after the 2019 season. The Nationals agreed to re-sign fellow building block Stephen Strasburg to a massive seven-year deal that guaranteed him $245 million.[64] However, injuries limited him to just 31 and 1/3 innings under the contract, and eventually forced him to retire in 2024.[65] The Nationals struggled in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic led to the season being shortened to 60 games; the team finished 26-34 and missed the playoffs. After another disappointing start to the 2021 season, in which the team was under .500 at the trade deadline, GM Mike Rizzo disassembled much of the team, trading ace pitcher Max Scherzer and superstar shortstop Trea Turner to the Dodgers, among many other trades of starting players in exchange for prospects, signifying the start of a rebuilding process.[66] Ryan Zimmerman, the longtime face of the franchise who had been with the team since its inaugural 2005 season, announced his retirement after the 2021 season, marking the end of the first era of Nationals baseball.[67] On August 2, 2022, the Nationals traded 23-year-old superstar Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres after he turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract extension offer, which would have constituted the richest contract in baseball history.[68] In doing so, the Nationals lost its franchise icon and one of the last integral players from the 2019 championship team.[69] The Nationals received one of the largest prospect hauls in any single trade in baseball history in return, with the front office hoping that the elite prospects would form the core of the next championship team.[70] After trading Soto and others, the Nationals finished the 2022 season with the worst record in baseball at 55-107.[71] That year proved to be the low point for the Nationals rebuild, as young players such as CJ Abrams and Josiah Gray led them to an improvement of 16 wins in 2023, finishing at 71-91. Additionally, the rebuild had strengthened a once-weak group of prospects. ESPN's annual farm system ranking showed improvement from 30th entering 2021[72] to 22nd in 2022,[73] 13th in 2023,[74] and 16th in 2024.[75] The Nationals ended the 2024 season with the same record as 2023 at 71-91. However, the rebuild progressed with top prospects James Wood, acquired via the Soto trade, and Dylan Crews, drafted #2 overall in 2023, making their debuts.[76][77] Additionally, shortstop CJ Abrams, also acquired via the Soto trade, was selected to the 2024 All-Star Game.[78]

In 2022, The Washington Post reported that the Lerner family was exploring a restructuring of the team's ownership, including the possibility of selling the team outright.[79] Ted Lerner died on February 13, 2023, from pneumonia complications; his son Mark had become the public-facing principal owner in 2018, though Ted had retained his full interest in the team's decisions.[80]

## Uniforms

[edit]

### 2005–2008: Original uniforms

[edit]

The Nationals' original home uniforms contained the team name and numbers in red with gold bevels and navy trim, and were paired with the all-red "curly W" cap. The road uniforms contained the city name and numbers in navy with gold bevels and red trim, and were paired with the all-navy "curly W" cap. The front letters of both uniforms formed a distinct bridge-like shape. This set was joined the following season by a red alternate uniform, which featured the interlocking "DC" in white with gold bevels and navy trim, as well as numbers in navy with gold bevels and white trim. The red alternates were paired with the all-red "DC" cap.[81]

The Nationals sported two different sleeve patches with this set. In their inaugural season, the patch featured gold accents, the full team name and two gold stars on the outer navy circle, and the interlocking "DC" on the inner red circle. The patch was tweaked the following season, eliminating the team name in favor of nine gold stars and relegating red to trim color.[81]

Ryan Zimmerman (left) in the original home uniform; Emilio Bonifácio (center) in the original road uniform; Nick Johnson (right) in the original alternate red uniform.

### 2009–2010: Road uniform changes

[edit]

For the 2009 season, the Nationals kept the same home uniform but unveiled a new road and red alternate uniform, along with a roundel-less "DC" sleeve patch. The road uniform now featured a script rendition of the city name in front minus the gold bevels, with the letters now rendered in red with navy and gold trim. The red alternate replaced the "DC" logo with the "curly W" logo, and numbers changed to white with gold bevels and navy trim.[81]

### 2011–2023: "Curly W" uniforms

[edit]

The Nationals unveiled a new uniform set starting in 2011. Gold was eliminated and the emphasis was on the "curly W" logo, which was prominently featured on the home and red alternate uniforms. The road all-navy cap was retired in a favor of a navy cap with red brim, and a new red cap with navy brim was added in 2013 for home games with the red alternates. The sleeve patch was updated to feature the primary roundel logo. Piping was added to the "curly W" uniforms.[81]

Andrew Stevenson (2nd from right) in the "Curly W" home uniform; C. J. Abrams (2nd from left) in the road uniform; Víctor Robles (3rd from right) in the "Curly W" red uniform.

### 2018–present: Script "Nationals" uniforms

[edit]

In 2018, the Nationals released a navy alternate uniform, featuring a script rendition of the team's name in white with red trim along with red numbers. The following season, the navy uniform proved to be a good-luck charm for the Nationals, as they went 11–3 while wearing the uniforms en route to winning the World Series.[82] In 2020, a white version was added, with the script version of the team name in navy with red trim. Initially, the Nationals unveiled a pair of white-paneled and red-brimmed alternate caps: one in navy with the United States Capitol dome superimposed over a white block "W", and another in red with a navy block "W" superimposed over the silhouette of a pitcher. Both designs paid homage to the original Washington Senators (now Minnesota Twins) and the expansion Washington Senators (now Texas Rangers). However, only the "Capitol W" cap was used, and the "pitcher W" cap was not utilized on the field at all and immediately retired.[83]

For most of the 2020 season, the Nationals wore gold-accented versions of the new white uniforms in celebration of their World Series championship, along with all-red caps with the gold "curly W" logo.[84] The script white alternates made their on-field debut on the final regular season home game September 27 against the New York Mets, and were paired with the "Capitol W" cap (the red "curly W" batting helmets were used with this uniform). The Nationals did not wear their home and red alternate "curly W" uniforms throughout that shortened season. In 2021, the white alternates were also paired with the primary red "curly W" cap, though the alternate Capitol cap was still used occasionally.

Starting in 2022, the white alternate uniform with the "Nationals" script became the primary home uniform, replacing the white "curly W" uniform.

In 2024, the Nationals updated their road uniform, featuring a block "Washington" lettering in navy with white and red trim. The red "curly W" alternates were replaced by an alternate white pullover uniform with navy sleeves, featuring the "Capitol W" crest on the left chest and a new sleeve patch depicting the "interlocking DC" logo inside the silhouette of Washington, D.C. The chest numbers on both the primary home and alternate navy uniforms were removed.[85]

Ahead of the 2025 season, the Nationals brought back the red alternate uniform after a one-season absence. This iteration kept the "Curly W" logo on the left chest, but the piping was removed. Due to Nike's "4+1" uniform rule, the team retired the "Capitol W" white alternates after only one season.[86][87]

Trea Turner (left) in the script "Nationals" home uniform (chest numbers removed in 2024); Juan Soto (right) in the gold-accented alternate uniform in commemoration of their 2019 World Series championship; Eric Thames (3rd from left) in the script "Nationals" navy uniform (chest numbers removed in 2024); Dominic Smith (center) in the "City Connect" gray uniform.

### City Connect uniform

[edit]

As part of MLB's uniform deal with Nike, selected teams were given themed "City Connect" uniforms. The Nationals' version, unveiled in 2022, paid homage to the cherry blossoms that adorn Washington, D.C., in the spring. The design had a dark gray base with pink trim and printed cherry blossoms. The uniforms were worn during Friday and Saturday home games until 2024. After 2024, the uniforms were retired.[88]

Their second "City Connect" uniform was unveiled in 2025. The uniform is light blue featuring a white outline of Washington, D.C.'s street grid and an interlocking "DC" on the chest which is meant to resemble the block "W" worn by the 1956 Washington Senators. The cap and shoulder patch features the block "W" with an outline of the United States Capitol dome, as well as two cherry blossoms.[89]

### Stars and Stripes alternates

[edit]

In 2009, the Nationals unveiled a navy alternate uniform for games that fell during Independence Day week. The uniform featured the "interlocking DC" logo rendered in the Stars and Stripes motif, along with white/red piping and white numbers with gold bevels and red trim. The original primary logo was added to the left sleeve, and a navy cap with red brim containing the aforementioned "DC flag" logo was used.[81]

In 2011, the uniform was tweaked to feature the "curly W" in Stars and Stripes, along with updated logos and the removal of gold accents. The road navy cap was originally used with this uniform, but in 2016 it was replaced by a similar design, with the exception of the "curly W" which was now rendered in the Stars and Stripes. This design was used until 2019, during which the uniform was no longer exclusively worn on Independence Day week.[81]

In 2017 a white version of the "Stars and Stripes" alternate was released; this one is paired with the navy-brimmed red cap featuring the "curly W" in Stars and Stripes.

Alberto González (left) in the original "DC Stars and Stripes" uniform; Adam Eaton (center) in the navy "W Stars and Stripes" uniform; Fernando Rodney and Yan Gomes (right) in the white "W Stars and Stripes" uniform.

## Season standings

[edit]

Main article: List of Washington Nationals seasons

MLB
season  | Team
season  | League[90] | Division[90] | Regular season  | Postseason  | Awards

|
|
|
|
|
|

Finish  | Wins  | Losses  | Win%  | GB
2005 | 2005 | NL  | East  | 5th  | 81  | 81  | .500  | 9  | —  | Chad Cordero—Rolaids Relief Man
2006 | 2006 | NL  | East  | 5th  | 71  | 91  | .438  | 26  | —  | Alfonso Soriano—Silver Slugger
2007 | 2007 | NL  | East  | 4th  | 73  | 89  | .451  | 18  | —  | Dmitri Young—Players Choice Award National League Comeback Player[91]
2008 | 2008 | NL  | East  | 5th  | 59  | 102  | .366  | 32½  | —  | —
2009 | 2009 | NL  | East  | 5th  | 59  | 103  | .364  | 34  | —  | Ryan Zimmerman—Gold Glove and Silver Slugger
2010 | 2010 | NL  | East  | 5th  | 69  | 93  | .426  | 28  | —  | Ryan Zimmerman—Silver Slugger
2011 | 2011 | NL  | East  | 3rd  | 80  | 81  | .497  | 21½  | —  | —
2012 | 2012 | NL  | East  | 1st  | 98  | 64  | .605  | —  | Won NL East Division by 4 games; Lost NLDS 3–2 vs. Cardinals | Adam LaRoche—Silver Slugger and Gold Glove
Ian Desmond—Silver Slugger
Stephen Strasburg—Silver Slugger
Bryce Harper—National League Rookie of the Year
Davey Johnson—National League Manager of the Year
2013 | 2013 | NL  | East  | 2nd  | 86  | 76  | .531  | 10  | —  | Ian Desmond—Silver Slugger
2014 | 2014 | NL  | East  | 1st  | 96  | 66  | .593  | —  | Won NL East Division by 17 games; Lost NLDS 3–1 vs. Giants | Ian Desmond—Silver Slugger
Anthony Rendon—Silver Slugger
Wilson Ramos—Tony Conigliaro Award
Matt Williams—National League Manager of the Year
2015 | 2015 | NL  | East  | 2nd  | 83  | 79  | .512  | 7  | —  | Bryce Harper—National League Most Valuable Player, Silver Slugger, Hank Aaron Award, Players Choice Award National League Outstanding Player, Esurance MLB Awards for Best Major Leaguer and Best Everyday Player
2016 | 2016 | NL  | East  | 1st  | 95  | 67  | .586  | —  | Won NL East Division by 8 games; Lost NLDS 3–2 vs. Dodgers | Daniel Murphy—Silver Slugger and Players Choice Award National League Outstanding Player
Wilson Ramos—Silver Slugger
Max Scherzer— National League Cy Young Award, Esurance MLB Awards for Best Pitcher and Best Performance
Anthony Rendon—National League Comeback Player of the Year
2017 | 2017 | NL  | East  | 1st  | 97  | 65  | .599  | —  | Won NL East Division by 20 games; Lost NLDS 3–2 vs. Cubs | Daniel Murphy—Silver Slugger
Max Scherzer—National League Cy Young Award, Players Choice Award National League Outstanding Pitcher
Ryan Zimmerman—Players Choice Award National League Comeback Player
2018 | 2018 | NL  | East  | 2nd  | 82  | 80  | .506  | 8  | —  | —
2019 | 2019 | NL  | East  | 2nd  | 93  | 69  | .574  | 4  | Won NLWCG 4–3 vs. Brewers; Won NLDS 3–2 vs. Dodgers; Won NLCS 4–0 vs. Cardinals; Won World Series 4–3 vs. Astros | Howie Kendrick—National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
Anthony Rendon—Silver Slugger and All-MLB 1st Team
Max Scherzer—All-MLB 1st Team
Juan Soto—All-MLB 2nd Team
Stephen Strasburg—All-MLB 1st Team and World Series Most Valuable Player Award
2020 | 2020 | NL  | East  | 4th  | 26  | 34  | .433  | 9  | —  | Juan Soto—All-MLB 1st Team, Silver Slugger and Batting Title
2021 | 2021 | NL  | East  | 5th  | 65  | 97  | .401  | 23.5  | —  | Juan Soto—All-MLB 1st Team and Silver Slugger
2022 | 2022 | NL  | East  | 5th  | 55  | 107  | .340  | 46  | —  | —
2023 | 2023 | NL  | East  | 5th  | 71  | 91  | .438  | 33  | —  | —
2024 | 2024 | NL  | East  | 4th  | 71  | 91  | .438  | 24  | —  | —

Bold denotes a playoff season, pennant, or championship; italics denote an active season.

### Postseason appearances

[edit]

Year  | Wild Card Game | NLDS | NLCS | World Series

|
|
|
|

1981[A] | None[C] | Philadelphia Phillies | W (3–2)  | Los Angeles Dodgers | L (3–2)  |
2012[B] | Bye (Won NL East)  | St. Louis Cardinals | L (3–2)  |
2014 | Bye (Won NL East)  | San Francisco Giants | L (3–1)  |
2016 | Bye (Won NL East)  | Los Angeles Dodgers | L (3–2)  |
2017 | Bye (Won NL East)  | Chicago Cubs | L (3–2)  |
2019 | Milwaukee Brewers | W | Los Angeles Dodgers | W (3–2)  | St. Louis Cardinals | W (4–0)  | Houston Astros | W (4–3)

1. ↑Appeared as the Montreal Expos.
2. ↑This and subsequent appearances as the Washington Nationals.
3. ↑The wild-card game was first played in 2012.

## Players and personnel

[edit]

### Roster

[edit]

Washington Nationals roster

* v
* t
* e

Active roster  | Inactive roster  | Coaches / other

Pitchers
Starting rotation

* 1 MacKenzie Gore
* 27 Jake Irvin
* 70 Mitchell Parker
* 32 Trevor Williams

Bullpen

* 47 José A. Ferrer
* 67 Kyle Finnegan
* 21 Jorge López
* 61 Brad Lord
* 41 Colin Poche
* 64 Orlando Ribalta
* 79 Jackson Rutledge
* 62 Eduardo Salazar
* 39 Lucas Sims

|  |

Catchers

* 15 Riley Adams
* 20 Keibert Ruiz

Infielders

* 5 CJ Abrams
* 19 Josh Bell
* 14 Paul DeJong
* 2 Luis García Jr.
* 33 Nathaniel Lowe
* 13 Amed Rosario
* 8 José Tena

Outfielders

* 17 Alex Call
* 3 Dylan Crews
* 29 James Wood
* 30 Jacob Young

|  |

Pitchers

* 66 Zach Brzykcy
* 24 Cade Cavalli
* 99 Cole Henry
* 72 Andry Lara
* 58 Derek Law
* 16 Shinnosuke Ogasawara
* 34 Michael Soroka

Catchers

* 81 Drew Millas

Infielders

* 10 Darren Baker
* 87 Andrés Chaparro
* 38 Trey Lipscomb
* 26 Nasim Nuñez
* 18 Juan Yepez

Outfielders

* 57 Robert Hassell III

|  |

Manager

* 4 Dave Martinez

Coaches

* 35 Henry Blanco (coaching/strategy)
* 25 Ricky Bones (bullpen)
* 22 Miguel Cairo (bench)
* 7 Darnell Coles (hitting)
* 63 Sean Doolittle (pitching strategist)
* 12 Ricky Gutiérrez (third base)
* 48 Jim Hickey (pitching)
* 23 Chris Johnson (assistant hitting)
* 87 Octavio Martinez (bullpen catcher)
* 88 Gerardo Parra (first base)
* 85 Brandon Snyder (bullpen catcher)

60-day injured list

* 40 Josiah Gray
* 77 DJ Herz
* 71 Mason Thompson

* 26 active, 14 inactive
* 7-, 10-, or 15-day injured list
* # Personal leave
* Roster and coaches updated April 4, 2025
* Transactions • Depth chart
* → All MLB rosters

### Managers

[edit]

Manager | Tenure | Regular season[92] | Post-season[93] | Totals

|
|
|
|

Wins | Losses | Win % | Best finish | Appearances | Wins | Losses | Win % | Wild Card
record | Series
record | Wins | Losses | Win %
Frank Robinson | 2005–2006 | 152 | 172 | .469 | 81–81, 5th (2005) | — | — | — | — | — | — | 152 | 172 | .469
Manny Acta | 2007–2009 | 158 | 252 | .385 | 73–89, 4th (2007) | — | — | — | — | — | — | 158 | 252 | .385
Jim Riggleman | 2009–2011 | 140 | 172 | .449 | 69–93, 5th (2010) [note 2] | — | — | — | — | — | — | 140 | 172 | .449
John McLaren (interim) | 2011 | 2 | 1 | .667 | — [note 2] | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | .667
Davey Johnson | 2011–2013 | 224 | 183 | .550 | 98–64, 1st (2012) | 2012 | 2 | 3 | .400 | — | 0–1 | 226 | 186 | .549
Matt Williams | 2014–2015 | 179 | 145 | .552 | 96–66, 1st (2014) | 2014 | 1 | 3 | .250 | — | 0–1 | 180 | 148 | .549
Dusty Baker | 2016–2017 | 192 | 132 | .593 | 97–65, 1st (2017) | 2016, 2017 | 4 | 6  | .400 | — | 0–2 | 196 | 138 | .587
Dave Martinez | 2018–present | 463 | 569 | .449 | 93–69, 2nd (2019) | 2019 | 12 | 5 | .706 | 1–0 | 3–0 | 333 | 392 | .459

Note: Updated through September 29, 2024.

### Baseball Hall of Famers

[edit]

Main article: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Washington Nationals Hall of Famers

Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Montreal Expos |

Gary Carter *
Andre Dawson *

|  |

Vladimir Guerrero *[94]
Randy Johnson[95]

|  |

Pedro Martínez[96]
Tony Pérez

|  |

Tim Raines *
Lee Smith

|  |

Larry Walker
Dick Williams *

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Washington Nationals |  |

Frank Robinson[97]

|  |  |  |

Iván Rodríguez[98]

|  |

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|
|

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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* Players and managers listed in bold are depicted on their Hall of Fame plaques wearing a Expos or Nationals cap insignia.
* * Montreal Expos or Washington Nationals listed as primary team according to the Hall of Fame
*   *   *   *   *

### Ford C. Frick Award

[edit]

Washington Nationals Ford C. Frick Award recipients

Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
|  |  |  |  |

Dave Van Horne

|  |  |  |

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|
|

* Names in bold received the award based primarily on their work as broadcasters for the Expos or Nationals.
*   *   *   *

### Retired numbers

[edit]

Ryan
Zimmerman
3B/1B
Retired 2022 |
Jackie
Robinson

Retired 1997

|

See also: List of Major League Baseball retired numbers

During the franchise's period in Montreal, the Montreal Expos retired three numbers in honor of four players, plus Jackie Robinson's number 42 which was retired throughout all Major League Baseball in 1997.[99] Following the move to Washington, D.C., the numbers (except 42) were returned to circulation and remain in use as of 2023[update].[99] When Washington wore Expos throwback jerseys on July 6, 2019, catcher Yan Gomes wore his usual number 10, even though the number was retired by the Expos for Andre Dawson and Rusty Staub.[100]

After the Expos' departure from Montreal, the National Hockey League′s Montreal Canadiens hung a banner in Bell Centre honoring the Expos' retired numbers.

The Nationals retired Ryan Zimmerman's No. 11 on June 18, 2022, the first number retired by the Nationals.[101][102]

### Ring of Honor

[edit]

On August 10, 2010, the Nationals unveiled a "Ring of Honor"[note 3] at Nationals Park to honor National Baseball Hall of Fame members who had played "significant years" for the Washington Nationals, original Washington Senators (1901–1960), expansion Washington Senators (1961–1971), Homestead Grays, or Montreal Expos.[103][104] In late August 2016, the team dropped the criterion that an inductee be a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, also opening membership to "anyone who has made a significant contribution to the game of baseball in Washington, D.C.";[104] the first inductee under the revised criteria was Frank Howard.[104]

The Nationals′ attempt to honor the Montreal-Washington franchise's entire history in the Ring of Honor, as well as by tracking Montreal-Washington franchise records, is not without controversy; it has been criticized as "an embodiment of the team's desire to find history before it can make much."[105] Although Nationals fans generally take little interest in the franchise's Montreal years, some do appreciate acknowledging that the franchise has a history that predates its arrival in Washington, and former Expo Tim Raines received a warm round of applause from fans at Nationals Park at his induction ceremony on August 28, 2017, even though he had never even visited Washington, D.C., before, and the closest baseball he played in the market was one game for Baltimore with his son at the end of 2001.[105][106] Some Montreal Expos fans express appreciation that the Nationals are honoring the Expos, and Expos players inducted into the Ring of Honor have expressed gratitude that the Nationals chose to include them, especially with no MLB team in Montreal to honor their careers.[106][107][108] However, few Nationals fans have taken an interest in franchise records, preferring to compare Nationals records with those of previous Washington MLB teams instead,[106] and a segment of Nationals fans actively opposes the inclusion of Expos history into that of the Nationals, taking the view that the Montreal years are irrelevant to Washington and that the team made a complete break with its past and started anew when it arrived in Washington, inheriting the history of the two Washington Senators teams rather than that of the Expos.[106] Similarly, Montreal Expos fans have taken very little or no interest in the achievements of Nationals players, and many Expos fans strongly oppose the inclusion of former Expos in the Ring, taking the position that to do so is to co-opt the history of the Expos, which they say belongs solely in Montreal.[106]

Observers also have noted that the admission of the first Nationals player to the Ring of Honor, Iván "Pudge" Rodríguez,[105] although he was well-liked as a National, highlights another awkward aspect of the Ring of Honor's acceptance criteria, because Rodriguez's inclusion arose out of his admission to the National Baseball Hall of Fame based on his exploits for other teams, not out of anything he did during a 155-game, two-season stint with the Nationals at the end of his career in years in which the Nationals posted mediocre records. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo responded that his inclusion had merit even based on his time with the Nationals, when he "taught us how to be a professional franchise."[105][109]

In a ceremony held at Nationals Park between games of a doubleheader on the evening of September 8, 2018, the Nationals inducted former outfielder Jayson Werth, who played for the Nationals from 2011 through 2017, into the Ring of Honor.[110][111] He became the first "true" National[105] – the first person based specifically on his career as a National – inducted into the Ring of Honor.[105]

In honor of the 20th anniversary season of Washington Nationals baseball, the Nationals inducted the 2005 Washington Nationals team as a whole into the Ring of Honor in a pregame ceremony on April 5, 2025. Five members of the 2005 team — Jamey Carroll, Chad Cordero, John Patterson, Brian Schneider, and Ryan Zimmerman — took part in the ceremony.[112]

The Ring of Honor includes:[103][104][112][113][114][115]

Josh Gibson, catcher Walter Johnson, starting pitcher Sam Rice, outfielder Washington Nationals Ring of Honor

Homestead Grays
No.  | Inductee  | Position  | Tenure  | Admitted
4 | Cool Papa Bell | CF | 1932, 1943–1946 | August 10, 2010
— | Ray Brown | P | 1932–1945
1947–1948 | August 10, 2010
20 | Josh Gibson | C | 1937–1946 | August 10, 2010
32 | Buck Leonard | 1B | 1934–1950 | August 10, 2010
— | Cumberland Posey | OF/Manager/Owner/Club official | 1911–1946 | August 10, 2010
— | Jud Wilson | 3B | 1931–1932
1940–1945 | August 10, 2010
Montreal Expos
No.  | Inductee  | Position  | Tenure  | Admitted
8 | Gary Carter | C | 1974–1984, 1992 | August 10, 2010
10 | Andre Dawson | CF | 1976–1986 | August 10, 2010
30 | Tim Raines | LF | 1979–1990, 2001 | August 28, 2017
20 | Frank Robinson | Manager | 2002–2004 | May 9, 2015
Washington Nationals
No.  | Inductee  | Position  | Tenure  | Admitted
20 | Frank Robinson | Manager | 2005–2006 | May 9, 2015
7 | Iván "Pudge" Rodríguez | C | 2010–2011 | August 28, 2017
28 | Jayson Werth | RF/LF | 2011–2017 | September 8, 2018
11 | Ryan Zimmerman | 3B/1B | 2005–2019, 2021 | June 18, 2022
— | Ted Lerner | Owner | 2006–2023 | March 30, 2023
— | 2005 Washington Nationals | Entire team | 2005 | April 5, 2025
Washington Senators (original team, 1901–1960)
No.  | Inductee  | Position  | Tenure  | Admitted
4 | Joe Cronin | SS | 1928–1934 | August 10, 2010
8, 10, 37 | Rick Ferrell | C | 1937–1941
1944–1945, 1947 | August 10, 2010
3, 5, 20 | Goose Goslin | LF | 1921–1930
1933, 1938 | August 10, 2010
— | Clark Griffith | P/Owner | P: 1912–1914
Owner: 1920–1955 | August 10, 2010
28, 30, 35, 50 | Bucky Harris | 2B/Manager | 2B: 1919–1928
Manager: 1924–1928,
1935–1942, 1950–1954 | August 10, 2010
— | Walter Johnson | P | 1907–1927 | August 10, 2010
3, 12, 25 | Harmon Killebrew | 1B | 1954–1960 | August 10, 2010
2, 3 | Heinie Manush | LF | 1930–1935 | August 10, 2010
2, 22 | Sam Rice | RF | 1915–1933 | August 10, 2010
11, 20, 26, 44 | Early Wynn | P | 1939–1944
1946–1948 | August 10, 2010
Washington Senators (expansion team, 1961–1971)
No.  | Inductee  | Position  | Tenure  | Admitted
— | Bucky Harris | Scout/Special Assistant | 1963–1971 | August 10, 2010
9, 33 | Frank Howard | LF/1B | 1965–1971 | August 26, 2016

## Attendance

[edit]

RFK Stadium

Source:[116]

Season  | Stadium  | Season Total  | Rank in
National League  | Game
Average

|
|
|
|

2005  | RFK Stadium | 2,731,993  | 8th (of 16)  | 33,651
2006  | 2,153,056  | 11th (of 16)  | 26,582
2007  | 1,943,812  | 14th (of 16)  | 24,217
2008  | Nationals Park | 2,320,400  | 13th (of 16)  | 29,005
2009  | 1,817,226  | 13th (of 16)  | 22,716
2010  | 1,828,066  | 14th (of 16)  | 22,569
2011  | 1,940,478  | 14th (of 16)  | 24,256
2012  | 2,370,794  | 9th (of 16)  | 30,010
2013  | 2,652,422  | 6th (of 15)  | 32,746
2014  | 2,579,389  | 7th (of 15)  | 31,844
2015  | 2,619,843  | 5th (of 15)  | 32,344
2016  | 2,481,938  | 7th (of 15)  | 30,641
2017  | 2,524,980  | 7th (of 15)  | 31,172
2018  | 2,529,604  | 8th (of 15)  | 31,230
2019  | 2,259,781  | 12th (of 15)  | 27,899
2020  | 0[note 4] | NA  | 0
2021  | 1,465,543[note 5] | 12th (of 15)  | 18,093
2022  | 2,026,401  | 11th (of 15)  | 25,017
2023  | 1,865,832  | 13th (of 15)  | 23,035
2024  | 1,967,302  | 13th (of 15)  | 24,288

## Spring training

[edit]

Main articles: Space Coast Stadium and FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches

The Nationals hold spring training in Florida, where they play their annual slate of Grapefruit League games. From 2005 through 2016, they held spring training at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida, a facility that they inherited from the Expos. In 2017, the Nationals moved their spring training operations to the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, a new facility they share with the Houston Astros in West Palm Beach, Florida; they played their first Grapefruit League game there on February 28, 2017. On February 16, 2018, it was renamed FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches after the Nationals and Astros signed a 12-year deal for the naming rights to the stadium that day with FITTEAM, an event brand partnership and organic products firm located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.[120] In February 2024, it was renamed CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches after the two teams agreed to a multi-year naming rights deal with American rapper and singer-songwriter Travis Scott's CACTI Hard Seltzer company.[121]

## Minor league affiliations

[edit]

Main article: List of Washington Nationals minor league affiliates

Level  | Team  | League  | Location  | Seasons

|
|
|
|

Triple-A | Rochester Red Wings | International League | Rochester, New York | 2021–present
Double-A | Harrisburg Senators | Eastern League | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | 1991–present
High-A | Wilmington Blue Rocks | South Atlantic League | Wilmington, Delaware | 2021–present
Single-A | Fredericksburg Nationals | Carolina League | Fredericksburg, Virginia | 2020–present*
Rookie | FCL Nationals | Florida Complex League | West Palm Beach, Florida | 1969–present
DSL Nationals | Dominican Summer League | Dominican Republic | 2005–present

* The Nationals began an affiliation with the Low-A Nationals in 2005; the then-Advanced-A Potomac Nationals moved from Woodbridge, Virginia, to Fredericksburg, Virginia, before the 2020 season, and moved to Low-A play in the 2021 season.

### Former affiliates

[edit]

Level  | League  | Team (Seasons)

|
|

Triple-A  | American Association | Indianapolis Indians (1984–1992)
Wichita Aeros (1982–1983)
Denver Bears (1976–1981)
International League | Syracuse Chiefs (2009–2018)
Columbus Clippers (2007–2008)
Ottawa Lynx (1993–2002)
Memphis Blues (1974–1975)
Peninsula Whips (1972–1973)
Winnipeg Whips (1970–1971)
Buffalo Bisons (1970)
Pacific Coast League | Fresno Grizzlies (2019–2020)
New Orleans Zephyrs (2005–2006)
Edmonton Trappers (2003–2004)
Vancouver Mounties (1969)
Double-A  | Eastern League | Quebec Metros (1976–1977)
Quebec Carnavals (1971–1975)
Southern League | Memphis Chicks (1978–1983)
Jacksonville Suns (1970, 1984–1990)
Class A-Advanced  | California League | San Jose Expos (1982)
Carolina League | Potomac Nationals (2005–2019)
Kinston Expos (1974)
Florida State League | Brevard County Manatees (2002–2004)
Jupiter Hammerheads (1998–2001)
West Palm Beach Expos (1969–1997)
Class A  | Midwest League | Clinton LumberKings (2001–2002)
Burlington Bees (1993–1994)
Rockford Expos (1988–1992)
Burlington Expos (1986–1987)
South Atlantic League | Hagerstown Suns (2007–2020)
Savannah Sand Gnats (2003–2006)
Cape Fear Crocs (1997–2000)
Delmarva Shorebirds (1996)
Albany Polecats (1992, 1995)
Sumter Flyers (1991)
Gastonia Expos (1983–1984)
Class A Short Season  | New York–Penn League | Auburn Doubledays (2011–2020)
Vermont Expos/Lake Monsters (1994–2010)
Jamestown Falcons/Expos (1973, 1977–1993)
Northern League | Watertown Expos (1970–1971)
Rookie Advanced  | Pioneer League | Calgary Expos (1979–1984)
Lethbridge Expos (1975–1976)

## Nationals Philanthropies

[edit]

The Nationals Philanthropies, formerly the Nationals Dream Foundation, is the team's charitable arm which is committed to community partnerships that improve the lives of children and families across the Washington Capital Region. The foundation opened a youth baseball academy in partnership with the D.C. government,[122] and a pediatric diabetes care center at Children's National Medical Center in partnership with the Center. The foundation also provides grants to local organizations.[123]

On August 1, 2011, the foundation, in partnership with several local organizations, formally opened Miracle Field in Germantown, Maryland, as part of an effort to encourage athletic activity in children with "mental and/or physical challenges".[124] According to Steven Miller of MLB.com, what sets Miracle Field apart in terms of safety is its unique design, as it "is made entirely of a cushioned synthetic turf that is five-eighths of an inch thick—providing a safe surface for children in wheelchairs or with other handicaps."[125]

## Radio and television

[edit]

Further information: Washington Nationals Radio Network

Mascots dressed as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln before a 2019 game against the Milwaukee Brewers. They compete in the Presidents Race every mid-fourth inning of a home game.

The Nationals' flagship radio station is WJFK-FM (106.7 FM) "The Fan", which is owned by Entercom. Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler are the play-by-play announcers. WJFK fronts a radio network of 19 stations serving portions of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Delaware as well as the District.

Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) televises all games not picked up by one of MLB's national television partners. Bob Carpenter has been the TV play-by-play announcer since 2006 and Kevin Frandsen was hired in January 2022 as color analyst.[126] Mel Proctor was the TV play-by-announcer in 2005, and former color analysts are Ron Darling (2005), Tom Paciorek (2006), Don Sutton (2007–2008), and Rob Dibble, who took over the job in 2009 and was fired in September 2010 after criticizing Stephen Strasburg for not pitching while injured. Ray Knight filled in as color analyst in September 2010 after Dibble was fired.[127][128] F. P. Santangelo then served as the primary color analyst between 2011 and 2021.[127]

The deal assigning the Nationals' television rights to the Orioles-controlled MASN was demanded by former Orioles owner Peter Angelos as compensation for sharing the Baltimore-Washington market with another team; while the Nationals received a rights fee from MASN, they were tied to the channel under the agreement and could not sell their television rights on the open market. This led to significant acrimony between the two teams and eventual legal action over how much in rights fees the Nationals were owed. The Lerners pointed to the agreement as a complication in selling the team, as the impossibility of valuing the rights and the lack of control over them made the team unattractive to potential buyers. The 2024 sale of the Orioles to David Rubenstein led to a softening of relations, and just before the beginning of the 2025 season both teams and MLB announced the litigation had been settled and the agreement dissolved. MASN then signed a new one-year contract for 2025, after which the Nationals can sell their rights to another local broadcaster if they choose.[129]

### Historical

[edit]

WWZZ (104.1 FM), which carried games in the 2005 season, was the team's first flagship radio station.[130]

WFED (1500 AM) had been the flagship station since the 2006 season until a multi-year agreement was reached between the Nationals and WJFK before the 2011 season. WFED remains on the network as an affiliate; its 50 kilowatt clear-channel signal allows the Nationals' home-team call to be heard up and down the East Coast.[131][132]

On television, WDCA (channel 20) carried 76 games in the 2005 season while the newly founded MASN was still negotiating cable carriage.[133] From 2009 through 2017, MASN syndicated a package of 20 games for simulcast on an over-the-air television station in Washington. Broadcast partners under this arrangement were WDCW (channel 50) from 2009 through 2012 and CBS affiliate WUSA (channel 9) from 2013 through 2017.[134][135] MASN did not continue the syndication deal for the 2018 season.[136]

In the midst of a season in which they finished with the worst record in Major League Baseball, the Nationals' television ratings were among the worst in the National League in July 2008[137][138] but increased during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.[139][140] Since 2012, when they began to achieve consistent success on the field, their television viewership has grown continually and dramatically. By 2016, the Nationals′ prime-time television ratings were 15th highest among the 29 U.S. MLB teams, and they rose to 12th in 2017.[141] Ratings declined to 18th among the 29 U.S. teams for the 2018 season.[142]

### Broadcasters

[edit]

Main article: List of Washington Nationals broadcasters

* Charlie Slowes – radio (2005–present)
* Dave Shea – radio (2005)
* Dave Jageler – radio (2006–present)
* Mel Proctor – TV (2005)
* Ron Darling – TV (2005)
* Bob Carpenter – TV (2006–present)
* Tom Paciorek – TV (2006)
* Don Sutton – TV (2007–2008)
* Rob Dibble – TV (2009–2010)
* F. P. Santangelo – TV (2011–2021)
* Kevin Frandsen – TV (2022–present)

## Rivalries

[edit]

### Baltimore Orioles

[edit]

Main article: Beltway Series

The Nationals have an interleague rivalry, nicknamed the Beltway Series, with the nearby Baltimore Orioles. The teams have played two series a season—one in Baltimore and one in Washington—since 2006. The Nationals and Orioles rivalry is one of the few that can be played in a World Series.

### Philadelphia Phillies

[edit]

Main article: Nationals–Phillies rivalry

The Nationals' rivalry with the Philadelphia Phillies originated during their original tenure as the Montreal Expos. The two teams repeatedly battled for control of the division in the early 1980s and mid 1990s. Following the franchise's relocation to Washington, D.C., in 2005, the rivalry increased in geographic tension due to Washington's proximity to Philadelphia. The rivalry quickly spiked in intensity during the 2010s after Nationals team management introduced a campaign to block Phillies fans from overtaking home games. In 2019, star-outfielder Bryce Harper further fueled tensions after signing a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies as a free agent.[143][144] The Nationals later won the 2019 World Series during the first year after Harper's departure.[145]

## See also

[edit]

* Baseball portal
* Washington, D.C. portal

* Sports in Washington, D.C.

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ They were: the Washington Olympics for 41 games in 1871–1872,[8] the Washington Nationals for 11 games in 1872,[9] the Washington Blue Legs for 39 games in 1873,[10] and a different Washington Nationals franchise for 28 games in 1875.[11]
2. ^ a b During 2011, Riggleman and McLaren combined with Davey Johnson for an 80–81 (.497), third-place finish. Riggleman′s record in 2011 was 38–37 (.507), McLaren′s was 2–1 (.667), and Johnson′s was 40–43 (.482).
3. ^ The Ring of Honor should not be confused with the Washington Hall of Stars.
4. ^ No spectators were allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. ^ Due to the aforementioned pandemic, Nationals Park had capacity restrictions until June 11; 5,000 from the beginning of the season to April 14,[117] then 10,000 from April 15 to May 13,[118] then 36% capacity (approximately 14,873) on May 14,[119] and finally full capacity on June 11.[119]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Washington Baseball Timeline–2000s". Nationals.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
2. ^ "MLB and Nationals unveil the official logo of 2018 All-Star Game". MLB.com (Press release). MLB Advanced Media. July 26, 2017. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2019. "The official logo of the 2018 All-Star Game is as patriotic as its iconic setting. The focal point of the mark is the pristine white United States Capitol dome, which is crowned with the bronze Statue of Freedom. A U.S. flag proudly waves behind it, while the logo is surrounded by a ring of stars. The two stars on the red ring represent the competing leagues, and the six stars on the navy field symbolize their divisions. The ribbon proudly states the location and year of the Midsummer Classic, and to punctuate the mark, the MLB batter is in the colors of scarlet and navy honoring the host franchise."
3. ^ Collier, Jamal (June 14, 2018). "Mark Lerner named Nats' managing principal owner". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
4. ^ Svrluga, Barry (June 14, 2018). "Nationals owner Ted Lerner, 92, to cede control of club to his son, Mark". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
5. ^ "Facts & Figures". Nationals.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on October 24, 2019. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
6. ^ Fainaru, Steve (June 28, 2004). "Expos for Sale: Team Becomes Pawn of Selig". The Washington Post. p. A01. Archived from the original on July 15, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
7. ^ "Washington Nationals Team History & Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
8. ^ "Washington Olympics Team History & Encyclopedia | Baseball-Reference.com". Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
9. ^ "Washington Nationals Team History & Encyclopedia | Baseball-Reference.com". BaseballReference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
10. ^ "Washington Blue Legs Team History & Encyclopedia | Baseball-Reference.com". BaseballReference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
11. ^ "Washington Nationals Team History & Encyclopedia | Baseball-Reference.com". BaseballReference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
12. ^ "Washington Nationals Team History & Encyclopedia | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
13. ^ "1884 Washington Nationals - Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
14. ^ "Washington Nationals Team History & Encyclopedia | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
15. ^ "Washington Statesmen Team History & Encyclopedia | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
16. ^ Kelly, John (October 6, 2012). "Senators? Nationals? Nats? What's in a name?". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018. "Pre-1957, the names were often used interchangeably."
17. ^ Shay, Kevin James (November 13, 2019). "Did the Senators or Nationals win the 1924 World Series?". Medium. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
18. ^ Fleming, Frank. "Sports Encyclopedia". Archived from the original on October 22, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
19. ^ "CONTENTdm" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
20. ^ "Brewers Timeline". Brewers.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on June 16, 2018. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
21. ^ "Franchise Timeline". Nationals.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on June 16, 2018. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
22. ^ a b Montreal Expos (1996). Expos Media Guide 1996.
23. ^ Blair, Jeff (June 15, 1991). "Brochu group goes to bat for baseball survival here; Expos sale official as Bronfman era ends". Montreal Gazette. pp. C.1.
24. ^ Montreal Expos (2000). Expos Media Guide 2000.
25. ^ Blair, Jeff (December 10, 1999). "Expos to field better team, Loria says Ebullient new chairman vows to increase salary limit, build new ballpark for 2002 season". The Globe and Mail. pp. S.1.
26. ^ "New Stadium Doubtful, Expos Official Says". The Washington Post.
27. ^ "Gwynn lost chance at .400; Expos denied playoff berth". CNN. Archived from the original on June 1, 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
28. ^ "Labor Pains – A guide to Major League Baseball's contraction issue". infoplease.com. Archived from the original on August 12, 2010. Retrieved September 24, 2010.
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35. ^ Plotkin, Mark (October 3, 2004). "The District's Senators Shouldn't Wear Cleats". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 30, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
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100. ^ "Yan Gomes of the Washington Nationals stands in the dugout before A". July 7, 2019. Archived from the original on October 10, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
101. ^ Zuckerman, Mark (March 21, 2022). "Nats to retire Zimmerman's No. 11 jersey June 18". MASN. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
102. ^ Reddington, Patrick (June 18, 2022). "Ryan Zimmerman Weekend: No. 11 retired in Nationals Park". Federal Baseball. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
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104. ^ a b c d Steinberg, Dan. "Senators legend Frank Howard is humbled and thrilled to enter the Nats' Ring of Honor". Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
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106. ^ a b c d e Steinberg, Dan (August 30, 2017). "Perspective - Bad Natitude? Some Montreal fans wish D.C. would leave their Expos alone". Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017 - via www.WashingtonPost.com.
107. ^ "It meant a great deal to Gary Carter, Andre Dawson and Frank Robinson that the Nationals recognized them". FederalBaseball.com. May 15, 2015. Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
108. ^ Kerr, Byron. "Rodríguez and Raines proud of Nats Ring of Honor induction". MASNSports.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
109. ^ Allen, Scott (August 24, 2017). "Nats Park Ring of Honor adding two new players (who combined to play 155 games in D.C.)". Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017 - via www.WashingtonPost.com.
110. ^ "Woodfork, Rob, "Werth to be added to Nats Ring of Honor," wtop.com, July 13, 2018, 3:44 a.m. EDT Retrieved August 16, 2018". July 13, 2018. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
111. ^ Woodfork, Rob (July 13, 2018). "Werth to be added to Nats Ring of Honor". WTOP News. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
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## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Washington Nationals.

* Washington Nationals official website
* FOX Sports – Washington Nationals team front
* Sandalow, Marc. "A Brand-New Ballgame: The New Stadium of the Nationals", Washingtonian, March 1, 2008.

Awards and achievements

Preceded by

Boston Red Sox
2018

|  World Series champions
2019 | Succeeded by

Los Angeles Dodgers
2020

Preceded by

Los Angeles Dodgers
2017–2018

|  National League champions
2019 | Succeeded by

Los Angeles Dodgers
2020

* v
* t
* e

Washington Nationals

* Established in 1969
* Formerly the Montreal Expos
* Based in Washington, D.C.

Franchise|

* History
* in Montreal
* in Washington, D.C.
* Seasons
* Records
* No-hitters
* Owners and executives
* Managers
* Players
* Broadcasters
* First-round draft picks
* Opening Day starting pitchers
* All articles

Ballparks|

* Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
* Nationals Park

Spring training:|

* Space Coast Stadium
* CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches

Culture|

* Presidential First Pitch
* Presidents Race
* Screech
* How Do You Know
* Rubber Chicken Man
* "Bustin' Loose"
* "Baby Shark"
* Navy Yard–Ballpark station
* Nationals Park shooting

Lore|

* Alfonso Soriano's 40–40 season
* 2012 NLDS Game 5
* 18-inning playoff game
* Max Scherzer's 20K game
* 2019 playoff run
* Interference call on Trea Turner

Key personnel|

* Owner: Mark Lerner
* General manager: Mike Rizzo
* Manager: Dave Martinez

Rivalries|

* Baltimore Orioles
* Philadelphia Phillies

Retired numbers|

* 11
* 42

World Series
Championships (1)|

* 2019

League pennants (1)|

* 2019

Division titles (4)|

* 2012
* 2014
* 2016
* 2017

Wild card titles|

* 2019

Minor league affiliates|

* Triple-A: Rochester Red Wings
* Double-A: Harrisburg Senators
* High-A: Wilmington Blue Rocks
* Single-A: Fredericksburg Nationals
* Rookie: FCL Nationals
* DSL Nationals

Broadcasting|

| Television|

* Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN)

|

Radio|

* 106.7 The Fan
* Radio network affiliates

Broadcasters|

* Bob Carpenter
* Kevin Frandsen
* Bo Porter
* Charlie Slowes
* Dave Jageler

Seasons (21)

2000s|

* 2000 · 2001 · 2002 · 2003 · 2004 ·  2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009

2010s|

* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019 (postseason)

2020s|

* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Links to related articles

* v
* t
* e

Washington Nationals 2019 World Series champions

2 Adam Eaton
3 Michael A. Taylor
6 Anthony Rendon
7 Trea Turner
9 Brian Dozier
10 Yan Gomes
11 Ryan Zimmerman
13 Asdrúbal Cabrera
15 Matt Adams
16 Víctor Robles
19 Aníbal Sánchez
21 Tanner Rainey
22 Juan Soto
28 Kurt Suzuki
31 Max Scherzer
37 Stephen Strasburg (World Series MVP)
41 Joe Ross
44 Daniel Hudson
46 Patrick Corbin
47 Howie Kendrick (NLCS MVP)
48 Javy Guerra
51 Wander Suero
56 Fernando Rodney
63 Sean Doolittle
88 Gerardo Parra

Manager
4 Dave Martinez

Coaches
Third Base Coach 14 Bob Henley
Bench Coach 12 Chip Hale
Hitting Coach 54 Kevin Long
First Base Coach 24 Tim Bogar
Bullpen Coach 35 Henry Blanco
Assistant Hitting Coach 25 Joe Dillon
Pitching Coach 59 Paul Menhart

Regular season
Postseason
National League Wild Card Game
National League Division Series
National League Championship Series

* v
* t
* e

Montreal Expos

* Now the Washington Nationals
* Based in Montreal, Quebec (1969–2004)

Franchise|

* Seasons
* Expansion
* Expansion draft
* Records
* No-hitters
* Players
* Opening Day starting pitchers
* Player of the Year
* Owners and executives
* Managers
* Broadcasters
* All articles

Ballparks|

* Jarry Park
* Olympic Stadium
* Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Spring training|

* City Island Ball Park
* Municipal Stadium
* Roger Dean Stadium
* Space Coast Stadium

Culture|

* "The Happy Wanderer"
* Youppi!
* Expo 67
* TSN
* The Cap

Lore|

* Blue Monday
* Dennis Martínez's perfect game
* Meilleure équipe de baseball
* 2001 Major League Baseball contraction plan

Rivalries|

* Philadelphia Phillies
* Toronto Blue Jays

Retired numbers|

* 8
* 10
* 10
* 30
* 42

Division Championships|

* National League East: 1981 (second half)

Seasons (36)

1960s|

· 1960 · 1961 · 1962 · 1963 · 1964 · 1965 · 1966 · 1967 · 1968 1969

1970s|

* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979

1980s|

* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989

1990s|

* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999

2000s|

* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004

* v
* t
* e

Principal owners of the Washington Nationals franchise

Montreal Expos (1969–2004)|

* Charles Bronfman
* Claude Brochu
* Jeffrey Loria
* Major League Baseball

Washington Nationals (2005–present)|

* Major League Baseball
* Ted Lerner
* Mark Lerner

* v
* t
* e

Major League Baseball

2025 season

American League|

| East|

* Baltimore Orioles
* Boston Red Sox
* New York Yankees
* Tampa Bay Rays
* Toronto Blue Jays

|

Central|

* Chicago White Sox
* Cleveland Guardians
* Detroit Tigers
* Kansas City Royals
* Minnesota Twins

West|

* Athletics
* Houston Astros
* Los Angeles Angels
* Seattle Mariners
* Texas Rangers

National League|

| East|

* Atlanta Braves
* Miami Marlins
* New York Mets
* Philadelphia Phillies
* Washington Nationals

|

Central|

* Chicago Cubs
* Cincinnati Reds
* Milwaukee Brewers
* Pittsburgh Pirates
* St. Louis Cardinals

West|

* Arizona Diamondbacks
* Colorado Rockies
* Los Angeles Dodgers
* San Diego Padres
* San Francisco Giants

| Schedule|

* Spring training
* Opening Day
* Jackie Robinson Day
* Civil Rights Game
* All-Star Game
* Interleague play
* International games
* London
* Mexico City
* Seoul
* Little League Classic
* Field of Dreams Game
* Rickwood Field Game
* Players Weekend
* World Baseball Classic

|

Postseason|

* World Series
* Champions
* AL
* AL champions
* ALCS
* ALDS
* NL
* NL champions
* NLCS
* NLDS
* Wild Card Game/Series
* Appearances
* Streaks
* Droughts
* Series
* Sweeps
* Records
* Game 7s

Business|

* Authentication Program
* Business rules
* Draft
* Rule 5
* Highest-paid players
* Hot stove league
* Luxury tax
* Lockouts/strikes
* Media
* Logo
* Radio
* Television
* MLB.com
* MLB Advanced Media
* MLB Network
* MLB Local Media
* Minor League Baseball
* MLB Draft League
* Players Association
* World Baseball Classic Inc.
* Transactions
* Free agency
* Valuations
* Winter Meetings

Miscellaneous|

* Instant replay
* Team uniforms (2024 controversy)
* Stadiums
* Mascots
* Rivalries
* Comparison with Nippon Professional Baseball
* Pride Night

History|

* History
* AL
* Seasons
* Tie-breakers
* Tie-breaking procedures
* All-time win–loss records
* Records
* Awards
* Retired numbers
* Hall of Fame
* members
* National Baseball Commission
* Continental League
* Organized baseball
* Baseball color line
* First black players in MLB
* Negro leaguers who played in MLB
* Women MLB owners

| Predecessors|

* National Association
* American Association
* Union Association
* Players' League
* Federal League
* Major Negro leagues
* Negro National League (I)
* Eastern Colored League
* American Negro League
* East–West League
* Negro Southern League
* Negro National League (II)
* Negro American League

|

Steroid usage|

* Drug policy
* suspensions
* Mitchell Report
* Biogenesis scandal
* BALCO scandal
* Barry Bonds perjury case

Antitrust cases|

* Federal Baseball Club v. National League (1922)
* Toolson v. New York Yankees, Inc. (1953)
* Flood v. Kuhn (1972)

Timeline|

* Timeline of Major League Baseball
* History of team nicknames
* Dead-ball era
* Live-ball era
* Golden age of baseball
* Defunct and relocated teams
* Relocations of the 1950s–1960s
* Expansion
* 1961
* 1962
* 1969
* 1977
* 1993
* 1998
* Potential
* Contraction attempt

* Commissioner: Rob Manfred
* League Presidents
* AL
* NL

* v
* t
* e

National League

Organization|

* Parent league: Major League Baseball
* Partner league: American League
* Honorary president: Bill Giles

Current teams|

| East|

* Atlanta Braves
* Miami Marlins
* New York Mets
* Philadelphia Phillies
* Washington Nationals

|

Central|

* Chicago Cubs
* Cincinnati Reds
* Milwaukee Brewers
* Pittsburgh Pirates
* St. Louis Cardinals

West|

* Arizona Diamondbacks
* Colorado Rockies
* Los Angeles Dodgers
* San Diego Padres
* San Francisco Giants

Former, relocated,
and disestablished teams|

* 19th-century National League teams
* Boston Beaneaters/Braves (1883–1952)
* Milwaukee Braves (1953–1965)
* Brooklyn Dodgers (1883–1957)
* New York Giants (1883–1957)
* Houston Colt .45s/Astros (1962–2012)
* Montreal Expos (1969–2004)

Championship play|

* Champions
* Championship Series
* Division Series
* Wild Card Game
* Wild Card winners

Related articles|

* Professional baseball

* v
* t
* e

Sports teams based in the Washington, D.C., area

Baseball|

MLB
Washington Nationals

Chesapeake Baysox
ALPB
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

Basketball|

NBA
Washington Wizards
WNBA
Washington Mystics
G League
Capital City Go-Go

Football|

NFL
Washington Commanders
UFL
DC Defenders
WFA
D.C. Divas

Esports|

OWL
Washington Justice

Hockey|

NHL
Washington Capitals

Soccer|

MLS
D.C. United
NWSL
Washington Spirit
USLS
DC Power FC
USLC
Loudoun United FC
NISA
Maryland Bobcats FC
USL2
Northern Virginia FC
Virginia Dream FC

Roller derby|

WFTDA
DC Rollergirls

Rugby union|

MLR
Old Glory DC
Capital Geographical Union
Washington Irish R.F.C.
Washington Renegades RFC
West Potomac Rugby Football Club

Rugby league|

NARL
Washington DC Cavalry

Tennis|

WTT
Washington Kastles

Ultimate|

AUDL
DC Breeze

College athletics|

NCAA Div. I
American
Georgetown
George Mason
George Washington
Howard
Maryland
Mount St. Mary's
NCAA Div. II
Bowie State
Shepherd
UDC
NCAA Div. III
Catholic
Gallaudet
Hood
Mary Washington
Marymount

See also: Sports in Washington, D.C.

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* Germany
* United States
* Israel

Other|

* SNAC

*[4,265–4,569–4]: 4,265 wins, 4,569 losses, 4 ties
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