The Washington Nationals may not be winning games, but they're certainly putting up runs—and turning heads across Major League Baseball. Currently sitting at 19-22, the Nats are far from playoff contenders, yet they've quietly climbed to second in the league in runs scored. That's right, tied with the Braves, Yankees, Cubs, and Dodgers—the usual powerhouses. So, how is this happening, and can fantasy baseball managers cash in?

A closer look at the numbers reveals a mixed bag. Washington ranks 12th in batting average, 14th in on-base percentage, but seventh in slugging and 13th in home runs. They're also fourth in steals and boast the best base-running team in baseball, though that alone doesn't explain their run-scoring surge. Are they clutch with runners in scoring position? Not exactly—they're slashing .255/.334/.422 in those situations, good for eighth-best OPS. Impressive, but not enough to justify being the second-best offense overall.

Ballpark factors aren't the answer either. The Nationals are ninth in home scoring and third on the road, with no trips to hitter-friendly Coors Field yet. So, what's the secret? It's not a schedule quirk or a park effect—it's the players.

The real story is the emergence of two young stars who are delivering first-round fantasy value. James Wood, despite a .244 average, has crushed 11 homers and swiped seven bags, scoring 35 runs and driving in 28. Batting ahead of him, shortstop CJ Abrams is putting up a stellar .287-23-9-36-7 line, making him the second-most productive shortstop in fantasy behind only Elly De La Cruz. Both Wood and Abrams were key pieces in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade back in August 2022—a deal that also brought MacKenzie Gore to Washington. While Soto remains a superstar, the Nationals clearly held their own in that swap.

For fantasy managers, the takeaway is clear: Washington's lineup is quietly loaded with under-the-radar contributors. The team's pitching woes (third-worst ERA at 4.82) keep them from winning, but their offense is no fluke. If you're looking for a boost in runs and steals, the Nationals are worth a second look—especially if you can snag Wood or Abrams before their value skyrockets further.