Back in March, the Atlanta Braves' biggest competition in the NL East was thought to come from the Phillies and the Mets. Now that we're in June, it's clear that both the Mets and Phillies have glaring issues. Entering Wednesday, the Braves hold the largest division lead in baseball - 9.5 games over the second-place Phillies, but it's the team in third place they should be keeping an eye on.
While the Braves have stockpiled the wins thanks to their well-rounded roster, the Mets and Phillies have both struggled to score runs. Both Philadelphia and New York rank in the bottom four in the National League in runs scored. Meanwhile, the Nationals lead all of baseball in runs scored, and they might just be emerging as Atlanta's biggest competition in the NL East.
James Wood hits an absolute rocket to the stands 😮
— MLB (@MLB) May 31, 2026
His 16th homer of the season was hit at 113.8 MPH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6O22SN3mtR
Why the Washington Nationals could the team to watch in the NL East race for Braves fans
The Braves' offense has been one of the best in baseball, and it's a large part of why they are considered the top team in the sport right now. However, the Nationals have outscored every team in the league, and it's an identity that can carry them through the summer months.
The Nationals' offense is tied for fourth in team wRC+ (108), while the Phillies (88 wRC+) rank 28th, and the Mets (86 wRC+) rank 30th. Washington's organization has a newfound philosophy on roster building, and its platooning/match-up-based approach has them over-performing preseason expectations.
James Wood is putting together an MVP campaign, and CJ Abrams is having a career year himself. However, the enormous flaw with the Nationals comes on the other side of the ball. Washington's pitching staff has allowed the second-most runs (337) in baseball, trailing only the obviously Coors Field handicapped Rockies.
Perhaps new leadership in D.C. recognizes their prolific offense and looks to partner it with some better pitching come the trade deadline. However, it might be a season too early in the rebuild for Washington to begin trading away assets. Because of this, the resurgent Phillies and still very talented Mets could make a run past Washington in the summer months.
However, if the offenses we have seen during the first couple of months continue, don't be surprised if Washington keeps hanging around in the NL Wild Card race. One thing is for sure: the Braves' pitching staff will need to be on its A-game when they toe the rubber against this Nationals' offense.
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