Bleacher Report makes a shocking prediction for when they believe the Nationals will return to the playoffs

When will the Washington Nationals next appear in the MLB Postseason? It's a question that many of us Nats fans have been wondering as the exciting 2024 playoffs continue to roll on while we are all stuck watching on the couch. Personally, I believe that it could be as soon as next season, but it will obviously take some steps in the right direction for that belief to come to fruition.

According to a recent article from Joel Reuter on Bleacher Report, he believes that the Nationals won't see a return to the MLB Postseason for our beloved Nats until 2027. Wow. Personally, I strongly disagree with this notion, however, I do understand Joel's reasoning for his belief.

James Wood, Dylan Crews, CJ Abrams, Keibert Ruiz, Luis García Jr. and Jacob Young are the start of a solid core of position players, but they still have a long way to go on the pitching side of things.

The Nats certainly need to improve their starting pitching this offseason, with the need for a true ace being near the top of this offseason's shopping list, but I don't know that I necessarily agree that the rotation is a long way behind the lineup. In fact, I would argue that the Nats' rotation is closer to being ready to support a winning team more than the current lineup.

James Wood and Dylan Crews will be playing in their first full seasons in the MLB beginning next year, and will likely still endure some struggles that come with being a young player making his way at the highest level of competition. CJ Abrams took some steps forward this year, but with his off-field issues coming to light at the end of this year, he clearly has some growing up to do going into next year. Keibert Ruiz brings all sorts of question marks in terms of his consistency on both sides of the ball, and if not for his contract I'm not 100% positive that he would even be the full-time starter behind the dish next year.

Luis Garcia Jr. was the best hitter on the team by a lot this past year, and should be a mainstay at the keystone moving forward. Jacob Young put together a very solid season, and should hopefully bring home his first career Gold Glove award, but even his starting spot next season isn't fully guaranteed if the Nats were to bring in an outfield bat to bolster the lineup.

If the team makes moves to bolster the starting rotation with a veteran ace and signs a big bat or two in free agency, the Nationals should easily be able to improve on their 71-91 record from the past two years. I believe the Nationals will at least contend for a Wild Card spot next season, and 2026 would be the absolute latest that I could see the team making it back to the postseason.

When do you think the Nationals will return to the postseason? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.