History of Washington Nationals in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2026

The Washington Nationals are a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Washington, D.C., competing in the National League East division. The franchise originated as the Montreal Expos in 1969 before relocating to the nation's capital in 2005. Playing their home games at Nationals Park, the team has established itself as a significant force in the league. The pinnacle of the organization's history occurred in 2019, when the Nationals secured their first World Series championship by defeating the Houston Astros in a dramatic seven-game series. Throughout their time in D.C., the team has featured iconic players such as Ryan Zimmerman, Max Scherzer, and Juan Soto. As a cornerstone of Washington sports, the franchise remains dedicated to building a competitive roster while engaging with its local fan base and maintaining a storied presence in professional baseball.

1901: Founding of the American League Washington Senators

In 1901, a new Washington Senators baseball franchise was established as a charter member of the newly formed American League.

1901: Inception of the Original Washington Senators

The original American League franchise in Washington began using the name Nationals in 1901.

1905: Official Renaming to Washington Nationals

Starting in 1905, the American League Washington Senators franchise officially adopted the name Washington Nationals.

1912: Formation and Dissolution of the United States Baseball League Senators

A Washington Senators team was formed in 1912 as part of the United States Baseball League, but both the team and the league folded after just over a month of play that same year.

1929: Founding of the Homestead Grays

In 1929, the Negro-league team known as the Homestead Grays was established, a team whose legacy would later influence naming discussions for the Washington Nationals.

1950: End of the Homestead Grays Tenure

The year 1950 marked the conclusion of the operational period for the Homestead Grays, a Negro-league team that had significant historical ties to Washington D.C.'s Griffith Stadium.

1955: Conclusion of Washington Nationals Branding

The period during which the American League franchise was officially recognized as the Washington Nationals concluded in 1955.

1956: End of Initial Nationals Branding Period

The official branding of the Washington American League franchise as the Nationals concluded in 1956.

1960: Relocation of the First Senators Franchise

Following the conclusion of the 1960 season, the original American League Senators franchise officially relocated to Minneapolis to become known as the Minnesota Twins.

1961: Inaugural Season of the Second Senators Franchise

In 1961, MLB introduced a new expansion team in Washington, which became the second American League Senators franchise to begin competitive play.

1969: Montreal Expos Join Major League Baseball

In 1969, the Montreal Expos were established as part of the Major League Baseball expansion, becoming the first MLB team based in Canada, taking their name from the Expo 67 World's Fair.

1969: Founding of the Montreal Expos

The franchise that would eventually become the Washington Nationals was established in 1969 as the Montreal Expos as part of a four-team MLB expansion.

1971: Relocation of the Second Senators Franchise

After completing their 1971 season in Washington, the second American League Senators franchise moved to Arlington, Texas, rebranding as the Texas Rangers.

1971: Relocation of the Washington Senators

In 1971, the third Washington Senators franchise moved to Arlington, Texas, to be renamed the Texas Rangers, marking a notable change in the MLB landscape.

1981: Expos 1981 Division Win

During the strike-split 1981 season, the Montreal Expos achieved their only division title during their existence as the Expos in 1981.

1991: Change in Team Ownership

In 1991, Bronfman sold the Expos to a consortium of owners, with Claude Brochu taking over as the managing general partner.

1994: Expos Best MLB Record

Led by stars such as Pedro Martínez and Larry Walker, the Expos held the best record in Major League Baseball during the 1994 season before the strike forced an early cancellation.

1999: Loria Acquires Control

In 1999, Claude Brochu sold controlling interest of the Montreal Expos to Jeffrey Loria.

2000: Media and Infrastructure Issues

Heading into the 2000 season, the team struggled under Jeffrey Loria as he failed to secure a new ballpark or reach essential English radio and television broadcasting agreements.

November 2001: MLB Franchise Contraction Vote

In November 2001, Major League Baseball owners voted 28-2 to contract the league by two teams, specifically targeting the Montreal Expos and the Minnesota Twins for potential removal.

August 2002: MLBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement

In August 2002, a new collective bargaining agreement signed between MLB and the MLBPA effectively halted league contraction until the end of the contract term in 2006.

September 29, 2004: MLB Announces Expos Relocation to Washington D.C.

On September 29, 2004, Major League Baseball officially announced that the Montreal Expos would relocate to Washington, D.C. for the 2005 season, marking the return of professional baseball to the nation's capital.

November 17, 2004: Transfer of Washington Senators and Nationals Trademarks

On November 17, 2004, the Texas Rangers Baseball Partners officially transferred all rights to the trademarks, service marks, and copyrights associated with the former Washington Senators and Washington Nationals clubs to Baseball Expos, L.P.

November 21, 2004: Selection of the Washington Nationals Name

On November 21, 2004, the management of the baseball team officially selected the name 'Washington Nationals' for the franchise.

2004: Selection of Washington, D.C. for MLB Franchise

In 2004, MLB owners officially selected Washington, D.C. as the new home for the franchise previously known as the Montreal Expos.

April 4, 2005: Washington Nationals First Official Game

On April 4, 2005, the Washington Nationals played their inaugural Major League Baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, resulting in an 8-4 loss for the team.

2005: Inaugural Washington Nationals Season

During the 2005 season, the franchise began its operations in Washington, D.C. as the Washington Nationals following the relocation of the Montreal Expos.

2005: Relocation of the Montreal Expos

In 2005, the Montreal Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., where they were rebranded as the Washington Nationals instead of the Senators due to trademark issues and political concerns regarding the lack of Congressional representation for the District.

2006: Expiration of Contraction Moratorium

By 2006, the point at which the contraction prohibition expired, the Montreal Expos had relocated to become the Washington Nationals, and the Minnesota Twins had secured plans for a new stadium, ending any consideration of team contraction.

2006: Nationals Last Place Finish

In 2006, the Washington Nationals began a period of struggle, finishing the season in last place as part of a trend spanning four out of five years until 2010.

2006: Ted Lerner acquires the Washington Nationals and appoints Stan Kasten

In mid-2006, Ted Lerner took ownership of the Washington Nationals and appointed Stan Kasten as team president. Kasten initiated a long-term strategy nicknamed 'The Plan', which focused on rebuilding the organization by heavily investing in the farm system and the MLB draft to prepare for the team's move into a new stadium.

March 30, 2008: Nationals Park Inaugural Game

On March 30, 2008, the Washington Nationals played their first-ever home game at their new stadium, Nationals Park. The event featured a ceremonial first pitch by President George W. Bush and concluded with Ryan Zimmerman hitting a walk-off home run to secure a victory for the Nationals.

2009: Mike Rizzo Named General Manager

In 2009, Mike Rizzo, who previously served as the Vice President of Baseball Operations, was promoted to the position of general manager for the Washington Nationals.

2009: Selection of Stephen Strasburg

In 2009, the Washington Nationals selected Stephen Strasburg as the first overall pick in the MLB draft.

2009: Stephen Strasburg Drafted

In 2009, the Washington Nationals selected pitcher Stephen Strasburg as the first-overall pick in the draft, marking a foundational moment for the team.

2010: Bryce Harper Drafted and Stephen Strasburg Debut

In 2010, the Nationals drafted catcher Bryce Harper as the first-overall pick and Stephen Strasburg made his highly anticipated Major League debut, striking out 14 Pittsburgh Pirates batters.

2010: Selection of Bryce Harper

The Washington Nationals utilized the first overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft to select Bryce Harper.

2011: Anthony Rendon Drafted

In 2011, the Washington Nationals selected infielder Anthony Rendon with the sixth-overall pick in the draft as part of their ongoing roster building.

2011: Signing of Jayson Werth

In 2011, the Washington Nationals signed Jayson Werth to the franchise's first major free-agent contract.

2012: Playoff Berth and NL Rookie of the Year

In 2012, the Nationals secured their first-ever playoff berth and division title, while Bryce Harper became the youngest player to be named the National League Rookie of the Year.

2012: First Playoff Berth and Division Title

In 2012, the team reached a significant milestone by securing their first-ever playoff berth and winning their first National League East division title.

2013: Missed Playoffs

The Washington Nationals failed to qualify for the postseason in 2013.

2014: National League East Division Title

During the 2014 season, the Washington Nationals won the National League East title for the second time in franchise history.

2014: Division Title and Trea Turner Acquisition

In 2014, the Nationals hired Matt Williams as manager, won their second division title, and acquired shortstop prospect Trea Turner from the San Diego Padres.

2015: Max Scherzer Signing and Bryce Harper MVP Award

In 2015, the Washington Nationals signed pitcher Max Scherzer to a 7-year, $210 million contract, and Bryce Harper became the youngest player to win the NL MVP award unanimously during an exceptional offensive season.

2016: Dusty Baker Hired and NLDS Appearance

In 2016, the Nationals hired Dusty Baker as their new manager and reached the postseason, where they were eventually eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS in five games.

2016: National League East Division Title

The Nationals clinched the National League East division title in 2016.

2017: NL East Title and Managerial Change

In 2017, the Nationals secured the NL East title but were defeated in the NLDS by the Chicago Cubs, leading to the decision not to renew Dusty Baker's contract and the subsequent hiring of Dave Martinez.

2017: National League East Division Title

In 2017, the team successfully repeated as National League East division champions.

2018: Nationals 2018 Season and All-Star Hosting

In 2018, Nationals Park hosted the MLB All-Star Game, while rookie Juan Soto finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting during his debut season. Despite high expectations, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs and finished second in the division, followed by the departure of star player Bryce Harper in free agency.

2019: World Series Championship

In 2019, the Washington Nationals entered the postseason as a Wild Card team and eventually defeated the Houston Astros in seven games to win their first World Series championship.

2025: Conclusion of the 2025 Washington Nationals Season

As of the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Washington Nationals franchise holds an all-time win-loss record of 4,331-4,665-4, while their record specifically since relocating to Washington, D.C. stands at 1,576-1,722.