Washington Nationals face a pivotal offseason—will bold moves accelerate their rebuild, or is a tough year ahead? Ryan Clary examines the merits of targeting free agents Rhys Hoskins and Paul Goldschmidt to fill Washington’s first base void and inject much-needed veteran leadership. Max Scherzer’s emotional return is debated, but does nostalgia outweigh on-field realities for this Nats icon? Key topics include the Nationals’ outfield future with rising stars James Wood, Dylan Crews, and Daylen Lile, as well as infield uncertainties and a thin starting pitching staff. Are the 2026 Nationals destined for growing pains, or do secret weapons like newly acquired reliever Richard Lovelady hint at brighter days ahead? Hear Ryan Clary break down recent roster moves, trade rumors, and what Washington fans should expect as the team weighs short-term pain against long-term contention in a retooling National League East.

00:00 Rhys Hoskins: Nationals' Top Target

05:36 Goldschmidt vs. Hoskins: Future First Base?

09:11 Max Scherzer's Nationals Legacy

15:19 Nationals' Uncertain Future

22:58 Nationals Betting on Lovelady

24:16 Nationals Reliever's Potential Rise

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Washington Nationals prep for spring training with a heated battle at catcher—will Harry Ford seize the role from Keibert Ruiz and redefine the team’s future behind the plate? Ryan Clary assesses Ford’s athletic upside, Ruiz’s defensive struggles, and why prioritizing prospects like Ford could be pivotal for the Nationals’ rebuild. Ryan Clary spotlights rising stars including Seaver King, Caleb Lomavita, Andrew Pinckney, and Yo-Yo Morales as top non-roster invitees to watch at camp. The Nationals’ stagnant bullpen and potential targets like Tommy Kahnle and Jake Cousins are dissected, with questions about whether new additions could bolster one of MLB’s least effective relief corps. Can Washington’s prospect depth and possible moves spark progress, or will familiar weaknesses persist into a new season?

0:00 - Nationals Catcher Battle
12:17 - Non-Roster Invitees Breakdown
21:55 - Nationals Bullpen Needs

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Washington Nationals face a pivotal decision as CJ Abrams lands squarely in the center of trade rumors. Should the Nats risk their All-Star shortstop and potential cornerstone, or lock him in for the future? Ryan Clary explores how Abrams’ youth, elite athleticism, and team control make him a unique asset—and why a blockbuster offer may be the only way to justify a trade. The episode also spotlights rising prospects Devin Fitz-Gerald and Alejandro Rosario, evaluating their potential impact on Washington’s future rebuild. Plus, Ryan Clary breaks down the Nationals’ broadcast shakeup, with Dan Kolko stepping in as the new TV play-by-play voice alongside Kevin Frandsen. With spring training on the horizon, discover how these decisions could shape the next era of Nationals baseball. Will the front office gamble or build around their young core?

00:00 "CJ Abrams Blockbuster Trade?"

03:55 "Nationals Should Retain CJ Abrams"

08:08 "Trading C.J. Abrams Breakdown"

13:00 "Devin Fitz-Gerald & Alejandro Rosario"

13:19 "Lockdown Nationals Updates & Insights"

18:03 "Promising Nationals Prospects Overview"

20:45 "Nationals' Rising Pitching Prospects"

24:48 "Nationals Announce New TV Crew"

Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11

Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals

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FanDuel
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