Washington Nationals
The Nationals are the eighth major league franchise to be based in Washington, D.C., and the first since 1971.
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.
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Lore & Background
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. 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 West Sacramento in advance of their ultimately planned move to the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
In Their Own Story
The season concluded with high stakes and ultimate heartbreak. On September 30, the Marlins clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 and their first full-season appearance since 2003. However, their journey ended swiftly against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Wild Card Series (NLWCS), where they suffered a two-game sweep. The team played all 81 home games at LoanDepot Park before a total attendance of 1,162,819 fans.
Reader's Guide
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.
Did You Know?
- As of the end of the 2025 season, the franchise's overall win–loss record is 4,331–4,665–4 (.481).
- Since moving to Washington, D.C., their overall win–loss record is 1,576–1,722 (.478).
- The team's name was chosen in part because the District of Columbia does not have voting representation in Congress, making 'Senators' politically objectionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Washington Nationals?
The Washington Nationals are an MLB team based in D.C., serving as the Marlins' primary divisional rival within the National League East. They have a long history of competitive matchups against Miami, including playoff battles and intense regular-season series.
What is the significance of the rivalry between the Marlins and Nationals?
This rivalry defines the NL East standings for both franchises, as their head-to-head results often determine division titles or wild card spots. The intensity peaks during critical seasons like 2023, where every win against Washington directly impacts playoff hopes.
How did the Marlins' 2023 season compare to previous years regarding this rivalry?
In 2023, Miami secured their first non-losing record since 2009 under manager Skip Schumaker, finishing with 81 wins after a dismal 69–93 campaign in 2022. This resurgence allowed them to challenge rivals like Washington more effectively and return to the playoffs.
What specific momentum shift helped Miami compete against strong opponents like Washington?
The team started the season with a franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive one-run victories, establishing early confidence that carried through their divisional games. This unique run set the tone for a historic turnaround under new leadership.
Why do fans care about the Marlins-Nationals matchups?
Fans view these games as crucial because they often decide who advances to October baseball in a tightly contested division. The 2023 season highlighted this importance, as Miami's ability to beat teams like Washington was key to their playoff berth.
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