December 31, 2014
In 2014, the Washington Nationals won their second NL East title in three years, but once again fell in the NL Division Series, this time three games to one against the San Francisco Giants. Washington had high hopes for their 2014 campaign with immense talent in their prime, not to mention an incredible pitching staff that posted the MLB’s best ERA. Led by Doug Fister’s 2.41 ERA and 16 wins, the rotation also features stars Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman.
On the offensive side, Adam LaRoche provided the power, blasting 26 homeruns and knocking in 92 runs, both the highest on the team. Denard Span, Jayson Werth, and Anthony Rendon complimented LaRoche batting as they combined for a top 10 offense in all of baseball. However, with all of the pieces in play and relatively little injury impact on the season, the Nationals were unable to advance past the NLDS, a frustrating end for players and fans alike.
Currently, opening day prices for Nationals tickets has increased from $112.30 to $143.12 on the secondary market, a rise of 28%. Between 2014 and 2015, the average ticket price on the secondary market for the Nationals has risen from $38 to $98.33, an increase of 159%. Some of the most expensive games of the season come when the Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox visit Nationals Park.
Nationals Opening Day Ticket Prices Since 2010
| Year | Opponent | Avg Price | Get-in Price |
| 2015 | NYM | $143.12 | $58.00 |
| 2014 | ATL | $112.30 | $44.00 |
| 2013 | MIA | $98.97 | $35.00 |
| 2012 | CIN | $88.75 | $27.00 |
| 2011 | ATL | $66.45 | $12.00 |
| 2010 | ATL | $169.45 | $65.00 |
This rise in ticket prices aligns with the heightened expectations for the Washington Nationals in the 2015 season, as they will once again attempt to make a deep playoff push. Fans know the pieces are in place for a World Series run, and things just haven’t gone their way in the past 3 seasons. This is a team with a lot of potential, and better execution towards the end of the season could be all that is needed for postseason success. With Strasburg recovering further from his injury, and a more experienced playoff team, the Washington Nationals are expected to be World Series contenders once again.
In the offseason Adam LaRoche became a free agent, and with the current state of monetary affairs in Washington will almost certainly not be a National come 2015. Adrian Beltre and Chase Headley are both names that are floating around the trade rumor mill in Washington, as the Nationals move Ryan Zimmerman over to first to fill LaRoche’s infield role. Jed Lowrie and Stephen Drew are also being tossed around as possible offseason acquisitions to fill some gaps in the lineup.
The Nationals finished an impressive 30 games over .500 at 96-66 last season, winning the NL East by 17 games, but again stalled in the playoffs. The 2015 season has a lot of pressure for the Nationals who will seek to capitalize on their talent before it is too late. Expect another good season from the Nationals, and this could be the season they finally perform in the playoffs like they should.
Tickets For All 2015 Nationals Home Games (Spring Training & Regular Season)
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