Washington Nationals shake up their rotation, signing Foster Griffin from Japan. Is Griffin a diamond in the rough, or a risky wildcard? Ryan Clary examines Griffin’s stats, his journey from first-round MLB disappointment to NPB success, and questions whether this underwhelming addition signals bigger plans on the horizon—like the anticipated trade of MacKenzie Gore. Hot topics include the Nationals’ crowded starting pitching room, possible trades involving Mitchell Parker or Trevor Williams, and the front office’s aggressive pursuit in the Japanese and Korean markets. Ryan Clary explores competition within spring training, the evolving influence of Paul Toboni, and the team’s search for clubhouse leadership following key veteran exits. Could a surprise first base acquisition be next? Nationals fans get a glimpse of the franchise’s bold new direction as rumors swirl and roster battles heat up.

00:00 "Nationals Sign Foster Griffin"

05:15 "Why Not Go For Dustin May?"

07:30 Underwhelming Pitching Move Made

11:38 Nationals Expand Scouting Globally

19:40 Nationals' Pitching: Uncertainty Ahead

22:41 Pitching Uncertainty and Trade Speculation

24:39 Nationals Likely to Make Moves

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Washington Nationals shake up their pitching future with a bold swap: top prospect Jake Bennett heads to the Boston Red Sox, while flame-throwing right-hander Luis Perales joins DC’s rotation mix. Is this high-upside gamble the spark the Nationals need for a rebuild under Paul Toboni’s new data-driven regime? Ryan Clary breaks down the implications of the Nationals’ evolving player development approach, the contrast with the Mike Rizzo era, and how analytics and player options now shape roster moves. Key topics include Harry Ford’s potential at catcher, Perales’ electric arsenal post-Tommy John surgery, and a rough draft of the Nationals’ projected 2026 starting rotation. The conversation explores whether Perales can emerge as a frontline starter or dynamic bullpen weapon, and how these changes might impact future playoff hopes. Will the Nationals’ shift to analytics pay off in the long run?

00:00 "Nats Trade: Jake Bennett for Luis Perales"

04:48 "Perales Trade: High-Ceiling Move"

08:06 "Surprising Prospect Move Analyzed"

11:38 Nationals' Pitching Prospects Dilemma

14:16 Nationals' Rebuilding Progress Analyzed

20:26 "Data-Driven Pitching Strategy"

22:04 Nationals Embrace Analytics Revolution

25:26 Nationals 2026 Rotation Preview

29:31 "Starter to Bullpen Success Story"

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Washington Nationals shake up the offseason by holding onto Mackenzie Gore for now and staying quiet on starting pitching signings—could an evaluation year be ahead? Ryan Clary unpacks trade rumors swirling around Gore, the intrigue of a possible deal with the New York Mets, and what Jonah Tong or Jett Williams could bring to Washington. The conversation spotlights why Lucas Giolito might be the veteran leadership this young Nationals roster desperately needs and examines missed opportunities with pitchers like Dustin May. Key storylines include the potential reshuffling of Luis Garcia Jr. to first base, the organization’s focus on player development, and the looming question marks around C.J. Abrams’ future. Ryan Clary also discusses Josiah Gray’s return from Tommy John surgery and what his 2026 deal means for the rotation.

00:00 MacKenzie Gore Trade Speculation

03:11 Mets Eyeing Pitching Trade Targets

07:14 Cardinals Sign Pitcher Dustin May

10:48 Nationals Should Chase Giolito

15:29 Nationals Evaluation Season Insights

17:49 Nationals Focus on Youth Evaluation

20:19 Nationals' Lineup Changes Explored

24:55 Nationals Avoid Arbitration with Gray

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