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The Nats have climbed the NL East behind improvements in home runs and expected weighted on-base average under Blake Butera.
The Washington Nationals have turned around their 2026 season through gains in both raw power and contact quality. Home run production and expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) have emerged as the statistical anchors of the team's improvement under manager Blake Butera.
The dual focus on distance and expected output reflects a shift in how the lineup approaches pitches, suggesting the Nats have begun to prioritize the kind of contact that generates runs rather than relying on volume alone.
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Source: Yahoo Sports Verified news feed
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