The new era of Nationals baseball is right around the corner. Today the Washington Nationals released their 2026 Spring Training schedule. There is always an element of hope and newness to Spring Training, but this year will have even more of that with the new regime.
The Nats open up their spring on February 21st with a home game against the Astros in West Palm Beach. Get your tickets now and have your swim suits ready because that will be coming around in no time.
One of the most interesting matchups for me actually comes on March 4th, when the Nats have a scrimmage against Team Venezuela. This is a World Baseball Classic year, so we are going to get to see some teams come down and scrimmage. Venezuela should have a stacked roster with players like Ronald Acuna Jr., Jose Altuve and Salvador Perez.
Seeing all of those guys take the field against the Nats should be a ton of fun. Another great recent addition to Spring Training is the Spring Breakout Game. That is an event where the team’s top prospects play against each other. You get to see highly touted players that don’t normally play in the regular games. They are playing against the Mets prospects this year on March 21st.
It is right at the end of Spring Training. After that, the Nats actually have two exhibitions against the Orioles on the 22nd and 23rd. The first one is in Baltimore, before playing in DC the next day.
With these schedules coming out, we are one step closer to baseball season. There will be so many fresh new faces in camp this year and I am excited to see them. We will see what a Paul Toboni roster looks like for the first time and we will see a Blake Butera managed club for the first time. Buckle up and get ready for the ride!