New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Picks and Prediction for Monday May 18 2026
Use Code PPWC
The New York Mets visit the Washington Nationals on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Nationals Park in Washington, District of Columbia. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 PM ET with coverage on MLB.TV. New York is listed at -143 on the moneyline, while Washington is +119. The total is set at 10 runs, with the Mets -1.5 on the run line at +109 and the Nationals +1.5 at -131. Be sure to check out our free MLB picks.
Starting Pitchers Set the Tone
The Mets are expected to start Christian Scott, who enters with a 0-0 record, 3.45 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 15.2 innings pitched, 13 hits allowed, 20 strikeouts, nine walks, and one home run allowed. Washington counters with Jake Irvin, who is 1-4 with a 5.91 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 42.2 innings pitched, 42 hits allowed, 45 strikeouts, 20 walks, and six home runs allowed. New York has the stronger starting pitching profile in this matchup based on ERA and WHIP, while Washington’s starter has worked more innings but has allowed more traffic and runs overall.
Mets Looking to Keep Their Recent Push Going
New York enters this matchup with a 20-26 overall record and a 9-13 record away from home. The Mets recently won over the Yankees 7-6 in 10 innings and also recently won over the Yankees 6-3. New York recently lost to the Yankees 5-2, but also recently won over Detroit 9-4 and 3-2 in 10 innings. That gives the Mets four wins in their last five games entering this road matchup.
The Mets are batting .226 with 169 runs, 338 hits, 37 home runs, a .292 on-base percentage, and a .347 slugging percentage. On the pitching side, New York owns a 3.74 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP, 158 walks, 431 strikeouts, and a .233 opponent batting average.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
The biggest strength for New York is its pitching profile. The Mets have the better ERA, WHIP, strikeout total, and opponent batting average in this matchup. Even though the offense has not produced as much as Washington overall, the pitching numbers give New York a clear path if it can control the game early.
Nationals Aim to Answer Back at Home
Washington comes into this game with a 23-24 overall record and an 8-14 record at home. The Nationals recently lost to Baltimore 7-3, but they recently won over Baltimore 13-3 and 3-2 before that. Washington also recently lost to Cincinnati 15-1 and recently won over Cincinnati 8-7 in 10 innings. The last five games have shown a mix of strong offensive results and difficult losses.
The Nationals are hitting .244 with 252 runs, 384 hits, 56 home runs, a .324 on-base percentage, and a .415 slugging percentage. Washington’s pitching staff has a 4.90 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP, 179 walks, 357 strikeouts, and a .256 opponent batting average.
Washington’s biggest strength is its offense. The Nationals have the advantage in batting average, runs, hits, home runs, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. The concern is on the mound, where the Nationals have allowed more baserunners and carry the higher ERA entering this matchup.
New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Picks and Prediction
New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Pick
- Pick: New York Mets Moneyline
New York gets the edge because of the pitching matchup and the stronger recent form. The Mets have won four of their last five games, while Washington has been more uneven during that same stretch. New York also has the better overall team ERA, WHIP, strikeout total, and opponent batting average. Washington has the better offensive numbers, but the Mets’ pitching advantage is enough to back them on the moneyline.
New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Total Pick
- Pick: Over 10
I lean toward the over because Washington has produced strong offensive numbers overall, while New York has also scored six or more runs in three of its last five games. The Nationals have 252 runs and 56 home runs, and their pitching staff enters with a 4.90 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. With both teams showing paths to offense, I like this game to push past the total.
Final Score Prediction: New York Mets 6 – Washington Nationals 5
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
