Let’s be honest—Yankees vs Washington Nationals match player stats isn’t your classic century-old rivalry, but every time they meet, something interesting happens. These two teams have clashed only a handful of times compared to division rivals, but when they do, stats tell us a lot more than just who won or lost.
Over the years, the Yankees and Nationals have played 37 games against each other. The Nationals lead the head-to-head with 20 wins, while the Yankees have 16 wins, and one game ended in a draw. Their matchups are fairly even in terms of runs scored, too. The Nationals have scored a total of 138 runs, and the Yankees aren’t far behind with 132. That’s an average of about 3.7 and 3.6 runs per game, respectively.
Most of these matchups happened during interleague play, which makes each game feel more like an event. And because they’re from different leagues, fans only get to enjoy this clash occasionally—making every stat and every player performance even more fun to watch.
Here’s a quick glance at their historical matchup:
| Matchup Stat | Yankees | Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 16 | 20 |
| Total Runs | 132 | 138 |
| Last 5 Games | 2 Wins | 3 Wins |
| Most Recent Meeting | Aug 26, 2024 | Yankees Won 5–2 |
These aren’t just numbers. They hint at momentum swings, pitching duels, and big moments that have made this matchup worth following—even if you’re not a fan of either team.
And if you’ve ever wondered, “Who usually dominates when these two face off?”—well, now you’ve got a clear answer: it’s close, but the Nationals have a slight edge.
Table of Contents
Recent Match Highlights: Top Performers
Let’s talk about the games that really made fans pay attention.
One of the most talked-about matchups between the Yankees and Nationals happened on August 26, 2024. The Yankees came out strong, beating the Nationals 5–2. But this wasn’t just about the score—it was about who stepped up when it mattered.
Gleyber Torres was one of the stars for the Yankees that day. He homered, drove in two RBIs, and looked confident at the plate. Not to mention Aaron Judge, who didn’t hit a home run this time but made a huge impact with his defense and presence in the lineup. And pitcher Nestor Cortes? He was locked in. He threw over five innings with 7 strikeouts, keeping the Nationals quiet for most of the night.
On the Nationals’ side, Mitchell Parker started on the mound. He had a tough outing, giving up early runs, but Jacob Young and Andrés Chaparro tried to spark a comeback with solid hits. Still, the Yankees controlled the pace from the first inning.
These games are often defined by moments—and these were the moments that mattered most.
Yankees vs Nationals – Batting Leaders & Trends
If you’ve been following these teams, you already know they bring different styles to the plate. The Yankees? They’re all about power. Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Gleyber Torres can change a game with one swing. The Nationals, on the other hand, lean more on speed, timing, and getting men on base.
So let’s break down what the numbers say:
| Player | Team | Batting Avg | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | Yankees | .322 | 58 | 144 |
| Juan Soto | Yankees | .288 | 41 | 109 |
| James Wood | Nationals | .277 | 32 | 109 |
| CJ Abrams | Nationals | .246 | 20 | 65 |
| Jacob Young | Nationals | .249 | 3 | 63 |
You can’t ignore the kind of year Judge is having. His power numbers are off the charts, and Soto isn’t far behind. But James Wood, a breakout star for the Nationals, is quietly putting together an All-Star level season. His strength at the plate is becoming a real asset for Washington.
Still, there’s a difference in experience. The Yankees’ hitters have been here before, and that shows when the pressure is on.
Pitching Matchups & Stat Breakdowns
Pitching wins games. It’s a cliché, but it’s true. And in the Yankees vs Nationals matchups, it often comes down to who gets more out of their rotation.
For the Yankees, Nestor Cortes and Luis Gil have been strong, mixing up pitches and keeping batters guessing. Their bullpen also deserves credit. When they have a lead going into the 7th, they rarely lose it.
Meanwhile, the Nationals lean on MacKenzie Gore and Mitchell Parker. Gore especially has shown flashes of being elite, with over 100 strikeouts and an ERA under 4.00. But consistency has been a challenge for Washington’s staff overall.
Here’s a look at some current season stats:
| Pitcher | Team | W–L | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestor Cortes | Yankees | 9–4 | 3.27 | 112 |
| Luis Gil | Yankees | 10–2 | 3.11 | 119 |
| MacKenzie Gore | Nationals | 6–9 | 3.96 | 121 |
| Mitchell Parker | Nationals | 5–7 | 4.22 | 88 |
In games like these, the little things—like a well-timed curveball or a diving catch—can tip the balance. And lately, it feels like the Yankees have been just a bit sharper in those moments.
Player Profiles: Standout Performers
Every matchup has a few names that just pop. These are the players who fans talk about after the game, who drive headlines, and who shape the outcome even if they don’t show up big on the stat sheet every time.
Let’s start with Aaron Judge. He’s not just a power hitter—he’s a presence. Teams pitch around him, and when they don’t, he makes them pay. This year, he’s on track for another MVP-level season. When the Yankees face the Nationals, Judge’s size, strength, and plate discipline make him the most feared man in the lineup.
Then there’s Juan Soto, one of the smartest hitters in baseball. His ability to draw walks, foul off tough pitches, and wait for his pitch is almost unmatched. And even though he’s wearing a Yankees jersey now, Nationals fans still remember what he did for them in that 2019 World Series run.
For the Nationals, James Wood is the name to remember. He’s young, but he’s hitting like a veteran. And CJ Abrams, with his speed and glove, makes things happen both offensively and defensively.
Last but not least, MacKenzie Gore. He might not have a Cy Young yet, but his stuff is electric. If he can stay healthy and consistent, the Nationals could build a rotation around him for years.
Stats to Watch: What Fans & Analysts Focus On
You know the basics—batting average, home runs, ERA. But what are the next-level stats that tell you more about this matchup?
Here’s what analysts love to track in Yankees vs Washington Nationals games:
- OPS (On-base + Slugging): Measures total offensive value
- WAR (Wins Above Replacement): Shows how valuable a player is compared to a replacement-level one
- Pitch velocity & spin rate: Can tell if a pitcher is improving or fatiguing
- Home/away splits: Some players hit better in New York, others in D.C.
For example, Aaron Judge’s OPS is consistently above .950, which puts him among the league’s elite. MacKenzie Gore’s strikeout-to-walk ratio also gives insight into how in-control he is each game.
These numbers might sound complicated, but they’re just another way to enjoy the game more deeply. The more you know, the more fun it is to watch.
How to Use These Stats: Betting, Fantasy & Fan Insights
Let’s say you play fantasy baseball or enjoy placing a bet on a game night—how do these stats help?
If you’re betting, knowing recent form, pitching matchups, and injuries can give you a real edge. For example, if Gore has struggled in his last two starts and the Yankees are hitting well, that’s a signal.
If you’re setting a fantasy lineup, you want to target hitters facing weak pitching or ballparks that favor home runs. Yankee Stadium is a hitter-friendly park, while Nationals Park plays more balanced.
And if you’re just a fan? These numbers make the game feel richer. You’re not just watching—you’re predicting, analyzing, understanding. That’s where the fun really starts.
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FAQs – Yankees vs Nationals Match Player Stats
Q1: Who leads the all-time series between Yankees and Nationals?
The Nationals currently lead by a small margin in total wins.
Q2: Who is the top hitter in this matchup?
Aaron Judge, with over 50 home runs this season, is the most dangerous bat.
Q3: Which pitcher dominates this series?
MacKenzie Gore has shown strong strikeout ability, but Nestor Cortes has been more consistent.
Q4: What was their most recent result?
Yankees beat the Nationals 5–2 on August 26, 2024.
Q5: Who is the breakout star to watch?
James Wood for the Nationals is having a standout season.
Conclusion – Final Thoughts on Yankees vs Nationals Stats
Here’s the truth—stats aren’t just numbers. They tell stories. Stories of hot streaks, comeback innings, and players rising to the moment. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy junkie, or just someone who loves baseball, these matchups between the Yankees and Washington Nationals are packed with players and moments worth watching.
The Yankees bring the power, the Nationals bring the hustle, and when they meet, it’s anyone’s game. That’s what makes these matchups special.