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"

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Washington Nationals’ rebuild hits a turning point as MacKenzie Gore is traded for a promising prospect haul—does this signal a brighter future, or confirm past failures? Ryan Clary tackles the core question facing Nationals fans, spotlighting the moves that defined the organization’s attempt to reset. From leadership shakeups to the disappointing performance that triggered sweeping changes, the episode breaks down why the rebuild faltered long before Gore’s departure. Key discussions include the emergence of top prospects like Eli Willits, Travis Sykora, Harry Ford, and Jarlin Susana in MLB Pipeline’s latest rankings, and how the new regime’s player development approach could reshape the farm system. Ryan Clary also addresses the Washington Post’s potential sports layoffs—raising concerns about the impact on Nationals coverage and fans’ access to critical team news. Will this new chapter restore hope in D.C., or are more challenges ahead?

00:00 Gore Trade Means Nats Failure?

03:16 Nationals' Rebuild: A Failure

07:31 Nationals Strengthen Roster with Prospects

15:20 Eli Willits: A Well-Rounded Prospect

18:37 Nationals' Catcher Battle: Ford vs. Ruiz

22:04 Elite Pitching Prospect Overview

26:12 "Impact of Cuts in Sports Journalism"

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Washington Nationals shock MLB by trading left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers, signaling a bold new direction for the franchise’s rebuild. Can a five-prospect haul featuring 2025 first-rounder Gavin Fien accelerate Washington’s return to contention faster than expected? Ryan Clary breaks down the blockbuster trade, dissecting the talents of Gavin Fien, and the 4 other prospects in this deal. Discussion centers on Washington’s player development overhaul, the risks and rewards of parting with an All-Star arm, and whether Scott Boras clients fit the Nationals’ long-term plans. Key talking points include potential impact on the Nationals’ farm system ranking, first base depth questions, and the strategic vision of Paul Toboni’s front office. With rumors swirling about C.J. Abrams, will more stunning moves reshape the Nationals’ future?

00:00 Nationals Trade Mackenzie Gore

06:09 Nationals' Prospect Development Strategy

09:01 Nationals' Trade: Right Move

14:23 Nationals' Prospect-Driven Rebuild Success

19:54 "Nationals' Four Key Prospects"

20:43 Alejandro Rosario's Recovery Timeline

26:41 Nationals Focus on Development Potential

27:37 Nationals' Strategy and Prospects

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Washington Nationals set their sights on a new era as top prospect Eli Willits becomes the centerpiece of their rebuilding hopes. Is Willits destined to be the next franchise cornerstone, or will lofty expectations prove too much for the number one overall pick? Ryan Clary examines the Nationals' revamped player development system and weighs the risks around ace lefty MacKenzie Gore’s future. The conversation explores trade scenarios, including fit with contenders like the Yankees, Brewers, and Giants, and questions whether holding onto Gore might cost Washington crucial value. Dive into analysis of the farm system’s depth, MLB draft strategy, and the impact of recent front office changes shaping the Nationals’ long-term trajectory.

0:00 "Eli Willits: Nationals' Top Prospect"

03:14 "Eli Willits: Nationals' Top Talent"

08:18 Nationals' Challenge: Developing Eli Willets

12:26 "Why Mackenzie Gore Stays"

15:59 "Nationals' Gamble on Gore's Value"

17:30 Nationals' Risky Trade Decisions

20:16 Nationals' Talent, Strategy, and Risks

24:06 Mackenzie Gore Trade Implications

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.

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Washington Nationals set their sights on a player development revolution as a new era begins. Can a revamped focus on analytics and culture under manager Blake Butera finally unlock the potential of top prospects like CJ Abrams, Brady House, and James Wood? Ryan Clary dissects why player development—not win-loss records—will define a successful 2026 season, spotlighting past struggles with Victor Robles and the need for consistency at both the major and minor league levels. Roster shake-ups make headlines as the Nationals DFA former top pitching prospect Andry Lara and claimed versatile utility player Mickey Gaspar. Ryan Clary explores how these moves reflect the franchise’s shift toward a data-driven front office, and what establishing a winning culture will mean for young stars and the team’s future in the NL East.

00:00 "Nationals' Success In 2026"

06:08 Nationals' Need for Breakout Stars

09:36 "Nationals' Success & Blake Butera"

15:31 "Building Culture Through Hard Work"

18:31 "Patience, Analytics, and Consistency"

20:14 Nationals DFA Lara, Claim Gasper

23:27 "Mickey Gasper Joins Nationals"

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FanDuel
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The Washington Nationals still have yet to address the 1B position in a meaningful way... Ryan Clary tells you why Paul Goldschmidt could be the best short term answer for 1B. Veteran leadership and big-game experience meet a young core as Ryan Clary weighs Goldschmidt’s value against alternatives like Rhys Hoskins, Carlos Santana, and Luis Arraez.

00:00 Nationals' First Base Dilemma

03:56 Nationals Eyeing Paul Goldschmidt Option?

08:51 "Paul Goldschmidt to Nationals?"

12:40 "Nationals Considering Rhys Hoskins?"

15:27 Goldschmidt's Leadership vs. Hoskins

18:07 Luis Arraez: Nationals Fit Uncertain

22:38 "Nats Simulcast Idea: Zimcast"

23:39 Nationals' Broadcast and YouTube TV Plans

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FanDuel
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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