Washington Nationals

After losing one team (alternately known as the Senators and the Nationals through its history) to Minneapolis in 1960 (now the Minnesota Twins) and then another team soon after to Dallas (now the Texas Rangers, Washington, D.C. seemed to have quite the talent for creating MLB teams…for other cities. Fortunately for baseball fans in the nation’s capital, their city got another kick at the can in 2004, when the failing Montreal Expos moved to D.C. to become the Washington Nationals. The team remained a bit of a doormat for many years, but came into their own starting in 2012, leading eventually to a thrilling seven-game come-from-behind victory in the 2019 World  Series over the Houston Astros. went all the way to Game Seven after the Nationals fought back from being down three games to two. The years since have seen the Nationals back in the AL East basement, but Nats fans are hopeful that 2024 could be the year when this all starts to turn around. Get your Washington Nationals tickets from TicketX and see if they’re right!

Rival Teams

Nothing gets MLB baseball fans all revved up like seeing their team hit the diamond against a major rival. Here are two of the Washington Nationals’ most significant rivalries.

Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles

Even though the Washington Nationals play in the National League (it would get confusing if they didn’t, given their name!) and the Baltimore Orioles are members of the American League, the two teams have developed a healthy rivalry in recent years due to their geographical proximity (40 miles, 64 km). Known as the Beltway Series or the Battle of the Beltways due to Beltway Highways that link Baltimore and Washington, D.C., this interleague matchup currently takes place four times per year, with two games held in each city. Of course, the Nats and Orioles could also meet in the World Series!

Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies

The rivalry between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies is something of a local rivalry, given how close Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia are, but it actually began as a divisional rivalry when the Nationals were still the Montreal Expos. For decades, the Phillies and Expos contested the NL East division, only heating up even further when the Expos relocated to D.C. in 2004 to become the Nationals. The Phillies have really had the better of the Nationals in recent years, beating them in almost every game since 2020. At least Nationals fans can point to the fact that their team has won the World Series more recently (2019 compared to 2008). The two teams meet 13 times in 2024, with 6 games in the nation’s capital and 7 in Philly.

2024 MLB Season Predictions

Which Teams Will Go To the 2024 MLB Playoffs?

There will be 12 teams who make the 2024 Playoffs: six from the American League and six from the National League. Four of the six will have to play in the Wild Card Series to try to advance to the ALDS and NLDS. Last year, the AL’s 5th-seeded Texas Rangers and the NL’s 6th-seeded Arizona Diamondbacks shocked the baseball universe by advancing to the 2023 World Series, where the Rangers defeated the Diamondbacks, 4-1.

It doesn’t seem either of those teams will get to the 2024 World Series, with traditional powerhouses like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers off to nice stars in their leagues behind Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani. And with upstart teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, and Kansas City Royals in the AL and the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies in the NL, there will certainly be four good teams playing in the ALCS and NLCS.

Which Two Teams Will Go To the 2024 MLB World Series and Why?

There seem to be only five teams—two from the AL and three from the NL—who could end up meeting in the 2024 World Series. The Yankees have been a pleasant surprise in the Senior Circuit, and oddsmakers at DraftKings currently have Aaron Judge and the Bronx Bombers at +600 (6/1) to win the Fall Classic, with their AL East rivals, the Baltimore Orioles, priced at +900 (9/1).

In the Junior Circuit, things should be a little bit harder with the Dodgers (3/1), Braves (4/1), and Phillies (+850). Two of these three solid teams are likely to have to go through one of the others in both the NLCS and NLCS just to get to the World Series.

With Soto playing so well in the Bronx and big bats like Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Anthony Rizzo, look for the Yankees to be in the World Series with the Orioles more talented but still very young. And despite the generational talent of the Braves and Dodgers rosters, look for the Phillies to find a way to advance in October.

Why? Philadelphia’s infield is tremendous, with Bryce Harper (1B), Bryson Stott (2B), Trea Turner (SS), and Alex Bohm (3B). With pitchers Ranger Suárez (8-0) and Aaron Nola (6-2) off to great starts, the Phillies should find a way to outscore all opponents and knock off the Yankees in the 2024 World Series.

2024 MLB World Series Prediction:

Phillies over Yankees, 4-2

How much are Washington Nationals tickets?

You can find the cheapest Washington Nationals tickets starting from $5.27 at Busch Stadium on Jul 27 on TicketX. Prices vary depending on locations and dates, so please search for tickets based on the location and dates of games that you might be interested in attending.

Self-reported average prices of Washington Nationals tickets:

Prices of Washington Nationals tickets tend to vary depending on the opposing team and the importance of the game to the season. As one example, we compared prices of Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles tickets and Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies tickets for upcoming games in the 2024 season.

Washington Nationals vs Baltimore Orioles Tickets

Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore, Maryland)

Date: August 13, 2024

Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies Tickets

Venue: Nationals Park (Washington, D.C.)

Date: September 27, 2024

Washington Nationals Merch

Below is a selection of approximate prices for some of the most enticing Washington Nationals merchandise that you might find sold at kiosks and shops in and around Nationals Park.

When do the 2025 MLB Preseason and 2025 Regular Season start for the Washington Nationals?

The first pitches of the MLB preseason (Spring Training) are generally thrown in late February, continuing through March until the regular season opener in late April. Like all MLB teams, the Washington Nationals usually play approximately 25-30 preseason games at various locations (generally in warmer climates) followed by the 162 games of the regular season. The MLB regular season finishes at the end of September, followed immediately by the MLB Playoffs/Postseason in October. Fans should note that some preseason games take place in non-MLB North American markets or even overseas in other countries (such as South Korea in 2024).

Why should you consider buying tickets to Washington Nationals preseason games?

Although preseason games do not contribute to any team’s success in the MLB regular season standings, you shouldn’t completely write them off! Not only are tickets to preseason games much cheaper, but they also allow baseball fans the earliest sneak peek at exciting new draft picks and other young players who could bolster the Washington Nationals lineup in the upcoming season. And with tickets at cheaper prices from TicketX, premium seats are also much more affordable, so you can get right up close to the infield to see (and hear) all the action!

Trade Rumors and Draft Picks

The Nationals’ 2019 World Series victory is still the team’s proudest moment, but it has quickly slipped into the rearview mirror as the team has hit the skids in the 2020s. For any hope of success in 2024 (or more realistically, 2025), the Washington Nationals will be looking to add some much needed quality into their roster via free agents, new talent from the draft, or trades with other franchises. One of their star prospects is the talented young James Wood, who should be moving up from the minors some time in 2024. The 2024 MLB trade deadline is July 30, meaning that the Nationals will need to move quickly if they want to land any of their top trade targets before time runs out!

Nationals Park

Nationals Park opened in Washington, D.C. in 2008 as the first permanent home of the

Washington Nationals after the franchise’s relocation from Montreal. The team had been forced to play its first three seasons at the aging RFK Stadium, so the move to Nationals Park was greeted with joy by players and fans alike. Nationals fans were treated to the ultimate moment of baseball joy in 2019 when their team overturned a 3-2 series deficit in the 2019 World Series with two straight away wins against the Houston Astros to bring a first-ever title back to Nationals Park.Needless to say, the traditional World Series champions’ visit to the White House was a much shorter trip for the Nationals than most teams! As a ballpark, Nationals Park has been praised for its warm open layout, art installations, and green approach to sustainability. Both the Washington Monument and Capitol Building can be glimpsed from certain parts of the upper decks of the grandstand. As well as all regular season and playoff Nationals home games, Nationals Park has occasionally hosted non-baseball events, including one outdoor NHL hockey game and Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to D.C. Large concerts and business events are held quite regularly at the venue. Showing up to Nationals Park hungry is no problem at all, with plenty of tasty ballpark snacks on the menu, including the famous chili dogs of local institution Ben’s Chili Bowl, one of former president Barack Obama’s reported favorites. Thirsty fans will also enjoy the locally brewed craft beer from Dogfish Head and Flying Dog Brewery that is sold around the ground.

How to get to Nationals Park

Nationals Park is right next to Navy Yard-Ballpark Station on the Green Line of the Washington Metro system. The DC Circulator also runs from Union Station (with late departures when Nationals are playing night games) and costs just $1. City buses are a third option. The ballpark also provides bicycle racks and a valet bicycle parking service (free) to encourage fans to cycle to the park. You can also drive to Nationals Park with ease, given its location near two Interstate highways, though, parking is quite limited, so it pays to consider other options (taxi, ride-share, public transportation). If you do drive, be sure to reserve a prepaid parking spot ($20-50) in advance for one of the garages or lots nearby.

Nationals Park Bag Policy

The Nationals Park bag policy recommends that fans ideally not bring any bags at all. If you must bring a bag, any bag larger than a 5” by 7” by ¾” clutch must be made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. Diaper bags and medical bags are permitted, but please use the ADA/Family lane when entering the facility. All bags may be searched.

Nationals Park Rules

Nationals Park has an extensive list of rules set up to try and ensure a safe, enjoyable day at the venue for all. Most of these rules are common sense, but some to remember include:

• Bicycle Helmets and Inline Skates inline skates must be removed before entering the facility and stored under your seat. Bicycle helmets cannot be carried inside (please check them at the Bike Valet).

• Outside Food and Beverage single serving food items can be carried into the venue as long as their containers comply with the Bag Policy. No metal or glass containers may be brought inside. Water bottles (one per person) are permitted.

• Baby Strollers strollers are permitted on the concourses of Nationals Park. If the stroller can fit under the guest’s seat, it may be brought into the seating area. If it is too large, it must be checked in at Guest Services.

• Smoking - smoking, including vapes and electronic cigarettes, is not permitted at Nationals Park. No exceptions.

Visit the stadium’s A-Z guide page for a full list of rules at Nationals Park.

Hotels Near Nationals Park

A huge number of famous hotels can be found within walking distance (or a short cab ride) of Nationals Park, including the Hilton Washington DC National Mall: The Wharf, Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC Capitol-Navy Yard, and Washington Plaza Hotel.

Nationals Park Seating Chart

Nationals Park is a large venue that provides a wide array of different seating options to its visitors. Those interested in an exclusive gameday experience can opt for premium seating such as box suites (some of which bear famous ex-presidents’ names) or club seats. All premium seats offer five-star food and beverage service with spectacular views of the on-field action. More economical options abound around the rest of the ballpark, ranging from moderately expensive seats closer to the infield to cheap seats in the outfield and upper tiers (some of which have views over the Capitol and Washington Monument). For the cheapest tickets to events and games at Nationals Park, check out TicketX. Our useful seating chart is the best way to compare different seating options and find the best tickets for you.