New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Prediction 9/26/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

The New York Mets and the Washington Nationals will meet Saturday afternoon in a National League East matchup at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Let’s take a look at this matchup from a betting perspective.

New York Mets Betting Preview

The New York Mets enter Saturday’s contest with a 73-87 overall record (5th in the National League East) and a 37-42 mark on the road. The Mets offense has been inconsistent this season. New York has compiled 688 runs scored (21st in MLB), 207 doubles, 199 home runs and a .239 team batting average which ranks a rather low 23rd in Major League Baseball.

The Mets arrive at this contest in below average form. New York has lost three of the team’s last five games played this season, including a 7-2 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies last week.

The Mets will turn to right hander Jonah Tong in this game. In six appearances made in 2026, Tong has compiled a 2-2 win-loss record, a 4.21 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 25.2 innings pitched. Jonah Tong has struggled recently, allowing four earned runs or more in three of his last four starts made this season. Tong will look to rebound from his recent poor performances on the mound in tomorrow afternoon’s matchup with the Washington Nationals.

The Mets lineup features Juan Soto and Carson Benge. Soto has amassed a .276 batting average, 27 home runs, 68 RBIs and a .917 OPS, while Benge has compiled a .277 batting average, 20 home runs and 64 RBIs.                                                                    

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals enter Saturday’s contest with a 76-84 overall record (4th in the National League East) and a 38-41 mark at home. The Nationals arrive at this contest in good form, winning the team’s last three games played this season, including a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers three days ago.

The Nationals will start right hander Jake Irvin in this contest. In 20 starts made this season, Irvin has compiled a 2-9 win-loss record, a 5.40 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 101.2 innings pitched. Jake Irvin has pitched better recently, allowing two earned runs or fewer in three of his last five starts made in 2026.

Shifting our focus to the Washington offense, the Nationals lineup features shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood. Abrams has tallied 33 home runs, 105 RBIs (5th in MLB) and an .838 OPS. Wood has amassed .265 batting average, 30 home runs (17th in MLB), 77 RBIs, 101 walks, 30 doubles, 21 stolen bases and an .895 OPS which ranks sixth in Major League Baseball.                           

Why the New York Mets will win.

• Starting pitching. In six appearances made in 2026, Jonah Tong has compiled a 2-2 win-loss record, a 4.21 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 25.2 innings pitched.

• Offensive firepower. Juan Soto has amassed 27 home runs and a .917 OPS in 2026.     

Why the Washington Nationals will win.

• Home field advantage. The Nationals have played competitive baseball at Nationals Park.

• Starting pitching. In 20 starts made in 2026, Jake Irvin has compiled a 5.40 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 101.2 innings pitched.  

New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals Prediction

In my view, the way to go in this matchup is the total rather than a side. Why? New York starting pitcher Jonah Tong has struggled recently, allowing four earned runs or more in three of his last four starts made this season. Similarly, Washington hurler Jake Irvin been inconsistent the vast majority of the 2026 campaign, compiling a dreadful 2-9 win-loss record and a 5.40 ERA in 101.2 innings pitched, which is a concern when facing a formidable Washington Nationals lineup. With that said, I envision both teams finding offensive success. I am backing over 7.5 runs in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Over 7.5