3 problems that could still sink the Nationals' 2026 season

After the August 3 trade deadline passed last months, Washington fans were confident that they had threaded the needle -- that they had gotten better in the long-term, while still able to compete in the 2026 season.

Paul Toboni sold high on Curtis Mead for projected long-term starter Connelly Early, and capitalized on the re-emergence of Luis Garcia, for prospects and major league caliber arms to try and fix the bullpen. Not to mention the unexpected success of Foster Griffin too.

Then...things went sideways. Fast.

Bats went cold. Games were lost. The bullpen is still on pace to shatter the all-time MLB blown saves record. James Wood missed time. There was the CJ Abrams to second-base debacle.

In the blink of an eye, the postseason was once again falling far out of reach.

Nationals fans have had some time to sit with that idea now -- and while it doesn't hurt any less, fans can find solace in places where we've not been able to in the past. The Nationals have a top-10 farm system, budding superstars with bright futures, and a leadership team not afraid to invest in modern baseball technology.

We've come a long way.

We'll have all offseason to talk about the good that could be coming the Nationals' way -- but, entering the last month of the regular season, things can still go wrong.

Here are 3 things that could still sink Washington's season:

Dylan Crews goes cold

I wrote about this last week, and I'm bringing it up again here -- this could be a big development for the Nationals. To Crews' credit, in the last week of July he tallied 8 hits in 7 games, raising his batting average into the .220s. It looks like, at least right now, he might have found a little something.

And, we have to admit it was a pretty cool moment to see him tally his first MLB walk-off.

While all Nationals fans and leadership want Crews to continue his hot streak, with so much talent waiting in the minor leagues, it's an uphill battle for Washington's former No. 2 overall pick to solidify his name once again in Washington's future plans.

Shortstop turned sour

Look, we have no reason to believe this could happen. Nationals President of Baseball Ops. Paul Toboni has said that Abrams has handled the move "like a pro" -- but it's fair to admit that a demotion from shortstop to second base could certainly be weighing heavy on Abrams.

CJ has won the hearts of countless Nationals fans, especially this last season, his second all-star appearance. On the cusp of achieving Washington's first 30 home run, 30 stolen base season, Abrams earned his opportunity for consideration to be the Nationals everyday shortstop for the long-haul.

I understand that the defensive metrics don't favor Abrams -- and it's important for Paul Toboni to turn over every leaf possible to give Washington the best chance to succeed. Again, Abrams seems content (as much as he can be) with the move right now -- but all it takes is one backhanded comment to media or a string of bad games, and all of the sudden, Washington and Abrams may be in for an uncomfortable offseason.

A Youngster Injured

Washington's hopes of the postseason are gone -- now's the time to see exactly what they're working with in the minor leagues.

Yohandy Morales debuted this last week, and came up a triple shy of the cycle. Jared Simpson looked promising. Will Dion and Erik Tolman have only appeared in seven and five games respectively, yet both are top 10 in WAR amongst all Nationals' pitchers this season.

Jackson Kent and Luis Perales are still trying to find their way -- Kent's start against Miami was the best of his career -- there could be something there.

Of the more established players, Daylen Lile has turned red hot, turning in an NL Player of the Month nomination, and another scorching season finale like he did last season. Abimelec Ortiz, while the average has struggled, has shown major power.

The takeaway here is this Washington fans are now hoping to see success from players who project to be in the big leagues next year -- it brings excitement to the final month of the season. The only thing that can get in the way of our 2027 mini-preview is injuries. Any of the above players missing time to finish off the season is a disappointing missed opportunity.

Can the end of the 2026 season cause Washington any more tough blows? Or have they dealt with enough? Let me know at @andrewpindc, or in the comments below.

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