The Washington Nationals wrap up their home slate in 2026 on Friday, September 25, hosting the New York Mets at Nationals Park for a 6:45 PM ET first pitch. Andrew Alvarez gets the ball for Washington in what shapes up as a meaningful late-season matchup between two NL East rivals. The Mets have not yet announced their probable starter. Nationals fans can catch the action on Nationals.TV, while Mets followers can tune in on WPIX or radio via Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM. WJFK 106.7 The Fan will also carry the broadcast.
Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Game Preview: September 25, 2026
Andrew Alvarez Starts for Washington
Alvarez gets the nod for the Nationals on Friday. Specific season stats for Alvarez were not available at preview time, so how he has fared across 2026 will be worth tracking as the lineup cards are posted. What we do know is that a home start at Nationals Park to close out the regular season carries its own weight — this ballpark crowd tends to show up and show out for late-September baseball, and Alvarez will have that energy behind him.
On the New York side, no probable pitcher has been announced. The Mets' choice of starter could significantly shift the matchup dynamics, particularly depending on whether New York opts to line up one of their top arms or save rotation depth for a potential postseason push.
Keys to Watch Friday Night
- Alvarez's command and pitch mix: Without verified season stats, the focus shifts to how Alvarez manages the Mets' lineup inning by inning. His ability to limit hard contact and work deep into the game will be central to Washington's chances.
- New York's starter reveal: Once the Mets post their probable, that name reshapes the entire offensive gameplan for Washington's lineup. Keep an eye on the pregame lineup card.
- Nationals Park atmosphere: Late September at home means this could be one of the final regular season nights for Nationals fans in 2026. The crowd tends to lift Washington's club in those moments.
- NL East rivalry stakes: Mets-Nationals matchups carry built-in edge regardless of the standings. Expect competitive at-bats and a team in New York that will not mail in a road game this late in the year.
Prediction
Without confirmed stats for Alvarez or a named Mets starter, making a sharp statistical case for either side is difficult — and it would be dishonest to pretend otherwise. What this game has going for it is a legitimate NL East rivalry, a home crowd at Nationals Park, and a starting pitcher in Alvarez who earned this late-season start. Washington gets the edge at home. Nationals 4, Mets 3.
