In what has been a tumultuous season with plenty of exciting highs and crushing lows, the last series of 2026 is finally here. With just two games separating these two clubs for the 4th and 5th spots in the National League East, the battle for the basement of the division has taken us all the way to games 159-162. It once looked like Washington could be in the mix for a playoff spot, but those dreams have been dashed in recent months. The Nats have won or tied their last 4 series (3-0-1 series record) and are looking to salvage a rough second half with one last positive mark before an offseason of uncertainty begins.
The Mets, once again sitting near the top of the league in payroll, will conclude the 2026 season without a playoff appearance. Their second half was more impressive than Washington’s, but their disastrous start to the year and myriad of injuries made October baseball impossible. They too have won each of their last 2 series, and are also in the market for moral victories as the season comes to a close.
Game One – Friday, 6:45 PM ET
WSH: LHP Andrew Alvarez (2-6, 3.16 ERA)
NYM: TBA
Alvarez’s season has been far beyond any expectations placed on him, and he has a chance to end it off with a fantastic exclamation point. The Mets are likely to throw multiple long relievers at the Nats’ lineup, giving Washington a chance to start the series off hot.
Game Two – Saturday, 4:05 PM ET
WSH: RHP Jake Irvin (2-9, 5.40 ERA)
NYM: RHP Jonah Tong (2-2, 4.21 ERA)
New York’s funky young righty has 1 super outing sandwiched by 2 4-run appearances since being called up in September, and is still working through the growing pains of being a rookie arm. With experience on their side, the Nats’ lefty hitters could jump on Tong and hopefully get backed up by some long-awaited stabilization from the veteran Irvin.
Game Three – Sunday, 3:05 PM ET
WSH: LHP DJ Herz (0-1, 9.00 ERA)
NYM: LHP Sean Manaea (6-7, 4.67 ERA)
Essentially a full reversal of the middle game, the matchup of righties going into Game 162 gives New York the veteran edge, although, once again, both pitchers haven’t seen much success this season. Herz could be an MLB option in the future for Washington, and it would be quite favorable for him to end his brief 2026 campaign on a high note.
