# Nationals Aim for Continued Improvement

> Nationals target bullpen upgrades after strong 2026 season.
- Title: Nationals Aim for Continued Improvement · The Banner
- Summary: Nationals target bullpen upgrades after strong 2026 season. Nationals plan offseason bullpen improvements to maintain playoff contention after 2026 season.
- Keywords: nationals, bullpen, cave, paul toboni, blake butera, mlb, 2026, bullpen upgrades, playoff contention, mlb offseason, news, local
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/nationals-mlb/nationals-season-review-paul-toboni-cade-cavalli-YBPTJ4KMM5DGPBOE7RBE2KQYRQ
- Author: Kyle Williams
- Published: 2026-09-26T00:08:34.321+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nationals, bullpen, cave, paul toboni, blake butera, mlb, 2026, bullpen upgrades, playoff contention, mlb offseason, news, local
## Nationals' 2026 Season
Nationals had best season since 2019 with improved offense and Cade Cavalli's extension.

> Cade Cavalli Extended
## Bullpen Focus
Manager Blake Butera emphasized bullpen improvements as critical for avoiding September exit.

> We got to get better down there. I think, if we had an average bullpen, we’re probably talking about who we’re playing after this weekend, right?
## Cave's Extension
Cave signed four-year $47 million contract extension to stay with Nationals.

> Here To Stay
## Bullpen Challenges
Nationals' bullpen struggles led to 42 blown saves, risking wild-card contention.

> If the Nationals had converted half of their 42 blown saves, they’re probably angling for a wild-card spot.
## Offseason Strategy
President Paul Toboni prioritizes bullpen upgrades and payroll flexibility for future success.

> We’re going to have our bumps along the way. But my hope is that, whether it’s a year from now, hopefully it is, or two, or whatever it is, that we’re going to continue to make positive momentum until it comes, and then hopefully we’re there to stay.
## Pitcher Options
Adrián Morejón and Raisel Iglesias are potential bullpen reinforcements for Nationals.

> Adrián Morejón, who has pitched in a setup role because of Mason Miller’s dominance
## Playoff Momentum
Nationals remain closer to playoff contention than since 2019 World Series.

> Even in those low moments, the Nationals remain closer to playoff contention than they have since the 2019 World Series.
## Future Focus
Toboni aims to avoid rest on past success with relentless work ethic for sustained improvement.

> I think there are countless examples across the last 10 years of, like, really high-performing offenses, playing great one year and then, either because of health or just swings in how you’re playing, like, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to continue into next year
## Bullpen Strategy
Nationals target bullpen upgrades without limiting to ninth-inning experience.

> I wouldn’t want to pigeonhole us into just going after guys that have ninth-inning experience.
## 2026 Season Impact
Nationals' 2026 season showed improved offense but bullpen weaknesses threaten future success.

> The proof of their efforts lies in the results. Entering Friday, the Nationals had scored the third-most runs in the majors with the youngest lineup.
## Key takeaway

Nationals plan offseason bullpen improvements to maintain playoff contention after 2026 season.