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"
Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11
Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals
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