New York Mets @ Washington Nationals Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 8/20/2025 6:45 PM EDT

We have your New York Mets @ Washington Nationals prop betting and game preview needs covered as the New York Mets hit the road to face the Washington Nationals.

New York Mets @ Washington Nationals Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: New York Mets -170 (Caesars), Washington Nationals +148 (BetRivers)
Best Spread Odds: New York Mets -1.5 (-102) (Fanduel), Washington Nationals +1.5 (-110) (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: Over 8.5 (-122) (Fanduel), Under 9.0 (-110) (Caesars)

Game Info

Date: 2025-08-20
Time: 6:45 PM EDT
Location: Nationals Park
TV: SNY

New York Mets @ Washington Nationals Preview

The New York Mets (67-58, 2nd NL East) travel to Nationals Park to take on the Washington Nationals (50-75, 5th NL East) in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Mets are currently fighting for a National League Wild Card spot, adding significant stakes to this game. They enter this contest with momentum, having won their last three games, including a dominant 8-1 victory over the Nationals yesterday.

The Mets' offense has been particularly potent recently, averaging 4.6 runs per game (10th in MLB) and ranking 7th in the league with 164 home runs. Yesterday's outburst saw them launch four homers, with Mark Vientos hitting two, and Brett Baty, Juan Soto, and Jeff McNeil each adding solo shots. Jeff McNeil has been especially hot, going 8-for-17 (.471) over his last four games.

On the pitching front, the Mets will send right-hander Kodai Senga (7-4, 2.35 ERA) to the mound. While Senga is winless in his last six starts since returning from a hamstring injury, his season ERA remains impressive. He has a strong track record against the Nationals, holding a 1-1 record with a 1.99 ERA in four career starts against them. His road performance this year has also been solid, with a 2.19 ERA in nine starts.

The Washington Nationals, meanwhile, have been inconsistent, holding a 5-5 record over their last 10 games. Their offense ranks 20th in runs per game (4.1) and 26th in home runs (126). They've struggled to generate offense recently, managing only five hits in each of their last two games. The Nationals' team ERA of 5.35 ranks 29th in the league, indicating a vulnerable pitching staff.

Right-hander Brad Lord (3-6, 3.26 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Nationals. Primarily used as a reliever this season, Lord has made 11 starts. He has a 0-3 record in six home starts with a .264 opponent batting average. He has faced the Mets twice this year, posting a 3.60 ERA against them.

The Mets are dealing with several injuries, including catcher Francisco Alvarez (10-Day IL) and pitchers Tylor Megill, Christian Scott, and Drew Smith (all 60-Day IL). The Nationals have no significant injuries to report.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

The New York Mets hold a slight edge in the all-time series against the Washington Nationals, leading 484-472. Recent history heavily favors the Mets, who have won 12 of their last 14 games against the Nationals. The Mets also have a strong record when playing at home against Washington, going 3-0, though they are 2-2 on the road this season. The Nationals have secured 73 victories against the Mets in their history, with 40 of those coming at home, while the Mets have 94 victories, 41 of which were on the road. The most recent encounter saw the Mets dominate with an 8-1 win. The Nationals have also struggled in night games against the Mets following a loss, dropping seven of their last eight such contests. Historically, the Mets average slightly more runs per game (4.84) as visitors in this matchup compared to the Nationals' 4.41 runs per game at home.

Pick: New York Mets Moneyline

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The New York Mets are the favored team in this matchup, and for compelling reasons. Their recent offensive surge, highlighted by a four-homer performance in yesterday's 8-1 victory over the Nationals, demonstrates their current firepower. Key hitters like Jeff McNeil, who is batting .471 over his last four games, and power threats such as Mark Vientos, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso, are all contributing significantly. This offensive momentum is a critical factor against a Nationals pitching staff that ranks 29th in team ERA.

On the mound, Kodai Senga provides a distinct advantage for the Mets. Despite a recent winless streak, his season ERA of 2.35 and his career 1.99 ERA against the Nationals underscore his effectiveness. His strong road performance this year (2.19 ERA) further solidifies his reliability. Conversely, the Nationals' starter, Brad Lord, has struggled at home with a 0-3 record in six starts and a higher opponent batting average. The Nationals' offense has also been anemic, managing only five hits in their last two games, which will make it difficult to contend with Senga.

The betting trends also lean heavily towards the Mets. They have won 52 of the 87 games they were listed as moneyline favorites this season (59.8%), and when Senga starts as the moneyline favorite, his team has won 72.2% of those games. The sharp money is also heavily on the Mets, with a 60.47% sharp win percentage on the moneyline. Given the Mets' superior form, pitching advantage, and historical dominance in this head-to-head, backing the New York Mets on the moneyline is the most logical pick.

Top Player Prop Picks

Jeff McNeil Over 1.5 Total Bases (+105)

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Jeff McNeil has been on an absolute tear recently, hitting .471 over his last four games. In yesterday's game against the Nationals, he showcased his power by hitting a double and a home run, accumulating 6 total bases. Facing Brad Lord, who has a higher opponent batting average at home and is part of a struggling Nationals pitching staff, McNeil is in a prime position to continue his hot streak and exceed 1.5 total bases.

Mark Vientos Over 0.5 Home Runs (+155)

Mark Vientos exploded yesterday with two home runs against the Nationals, demonstrating his significant power potential. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has expressed confidence in Vientos, indicating he will continue to receive opportunities. Given the Nationals' high team ERA (5.35, 29th in MLB) and Brad Lord's struggles at home, Vientos has a favorable matchup to hit another long ball.

Pete Alonso Over 0.5 Home Runs (+110)

Pete Alonso leads the New York Mets with 28 home runs this season and is always a threat to go deep. With the Mets' offense clicking and facing a Nationals pitching staff that has shown vulnerability, particularly at home, Alonso is well-positioned to add to his home run tally. His power combined with the favorable pitching matchup makes this a strong prop bet.