The Washington Nationals set a new Major League Baseball record by blowing 38 saves in the 2026 season, a feat that ended their brief wild-card hopes and dropped them to last place in the NL East. The collapse, highlighted by a 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres, exposed a historically weak bullpen that has plagued the franchise throughout its current rebuilding phase. While the team boasts one of the league’s best offenses, their pitching staff’s inability to close games has ruined their 'feel-good' narrative. Front office decisions, including the failure to claim waiver-eligible lefty Bryan Hudson, are being scrutinized as key factors in this failure. Ownership under Ted Lerner is also criticized for cutting payroll, limiting the team’s ability to acquire proven high-leverage relievers. The record underscores the risks of a deep rebuild, where developing a competent bullpen remains the most difficult task. The Nationals now face a critical offseason to overhaul their relief corps, with free agents like Adrian Morejon and David Bednar expected to be targets if the organization commits to spending. The 38 blown saves surpass the previous record of 37 set by the 2024 White Sox and 2021 Nationals, marking a historic low point for the franchise.
