The Talk Nats Podcast w/Dan Holmi

The Washington Nationals have launched a bold organizational reset by handing the managerial job to 33-year-old Blake Butera and empowering new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni to reshape the franchise from the inside out. Butera’s age isn’t a flaw but a clear signal of the Nationals’ direction. His background in the Rays’ development-centric system makes him a natural fit for a young roster and a front office that values process, communication, and alignment. His emphasis on relationships, daily habits, and individualized growth suggests the Nationals want a manager who can turn prospects into core players and unite veterans and young talent under one message. At the same time, Toboni’s structural overhaul is poised to redefine how the Nationals operate at every level of the organization. From staffing and analytics to scouting philosophy and development pipelines, his approach indicates deep, foundational change rather than superficial adjustments. The shared stage between Toboni and Butera during their introduction highlighted the unified strategy D.C. wants to build. For Nationals fans, the next 6 to 18 months will be the first real test of this new era, as coaching hires, roster moves, and the progress of key prospects reveal whether this cultural and developmental reset becomes the long-term engine that lifts the Washington Nationals back into contention. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals’ new head of baseball operations, Paul Toboni, is already making his mark as the offseason ramps up. Speaking at the GM Meetings, Toboni identified three major priorities for reshaping the Nationals — strengthening the starting rotation, addressing needs at first base and catcher, and building a player development culture that drives sustainable success. He emphasized that pitching remains the organization’s most pressing need, but noted that roster building will be guided as much by development and structure as by big-ticket acquisitions. Toboni’s comments suggest a shift in how the Washington Nationals plan to operate in 2026 and beyond. Rather than chasing expensive free agents, the focus will be on acquiring and cultivating players who fit the Nationals’ long-term blueprint. With key staff hires still to come, Toboni’s vision centers on blending analytics, scouting, and coaching to maximize internal growth and make smarter, more strategic roster additions. It’s a pivotal moment for a team seeking to turn the corner in its rebuild — and Toboni’s decisions this winter could define the Nationals’ next era. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals made a strategic move by hiring Blake Butera as their new manager, emphasizing his strong background in player development from his time with the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni highlighted Butera’s ability to connect with young players, align with organizational values and help guide a roster built around emerging talent. With the Nationals in a rebuild, his experience shaping prospects into major leaguers could be a key advantage as Washington looks to accelerate its competitive timeline. While Butera lacks MLB managerial experience, the Nationals believe his leadership, communication skills and developmental approach match the long-term plan for the franchise. The move signals a deeper commitment to growth, organizational alignment and modern baseball strategy. As the Washington Nationals continue shaping their young core, Butera will play a vital role in player improvement, clubhouse culture and the team’s overall future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals are ushering in a new era with the hiring of 33-year-old Blake Butera as their next manager — making him the youngest skipper in Major League Baseball in decades. Once a player development leader in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, Butera brings a reputation for communication, teaching, and modern player development philosophies to a Nationals team ready for a fresh voice. His hiring signals a franchise pivot toward youth, alignment, and long-term growth after several years of inconsistency and rebuilding. In this episode of The Talk Nats Podcast, host Dan Holmi breaks down what Butera’s hire means for the Nationals’ clubhouse, how his coaching staff could shape the future, and what fans should expect in year one. Can Butera’s modern approach help rebuild accountability and fundamentals in D.C.? Or will his inexperience at the big-league level pose early challenges? Dan explores both sides — and explains why this could be one of the most defining managerial hires in Nationals history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Wood crushed 31 homers in 2025 — but can he sustain that success for six full months? Dylan Crews, meanwhile, battled injuries and inconsistency in his first full MLB season. In this episode of The Talk Nats Podcast, host Dan Holmi breaks down what’s next for the Washington Nationals’ two cornerstone outfielders: Wood’s strikeout problem and how he can adjust to stay hot all season Crews’ recovery plan, areas for growth, and signs of a 2026 breakout What it all means for the Nationals’ rebuild and lineup next year Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals have taken another major step in their front office overhaul, hiring Devin Pearson, formerly the Red Sox’s director of amateur scouting, as an assistant general manager. This marks Paul Toboni’s first major hire since being named president of baseball operations. Pearson, 31, worked closely with Toboni in Boston, helping to oversee successful drafts that produced key prospects like Kyle Teel and Connelly Early. Their long-standing connection, dating back to their playing days at Cal, signals Toboni’s trust in Pearson to modernize the Nationals’ amateur scouting and player evaluation systems. The move continues a sweeping transformation in Washington, as Toboni reshapes the Nationals’ baseball operations following the departures of several long-tenured executives. Pearson’s addition reinforces a data-driven, player-development-focused approach reminiscent of Boston’s model. For Nationals fans, this hire could foreshadow a sharper focus on college talent, revamped scouting processes, and a more cohesive draft strategy — all crucial steps in pushing the team’s rebuild forward in 2026 and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals have officially entered a new era. In this episode of the Talk Nats Podcast, host Dan Holmi breaks down the massive front office shakeup led by newly appointed President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni. Longtime executives Eddie Longosz, Mark Scialabba, and Kris Kline are among several key departures as Toboni begins what insiders are calling the most sweeping organizational overhaul in team history. From scouting to player development, the Nationals are hitting reset on how they build talent, scout players, and develop prospects for long-term success. Dan dives into what this means for the Nationals’ rebuild, how it impacts the direction of the franchise, and what fans should expect next from Toboni’s vision. With the entire pro scouting department dismissed and key leadership changes across baseball operations, this episode explores the strategy behind the shakeup — and whether the Lerners are finally giving Toboni the resources to create a sustainable winning model in Washington. Perfect for Nats fans who want to understand what’s really happening behind the scenes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, host Dan Holmi dives into the growing conversation around the Washington Nationals’ payroll strategy. After years of cautious spending, the Nats face a pivotal moment as young stars like CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore emerge as franchise cornerstones. Dan breaks down why new leadership under Paul Toboni insists it’s about process over money — but also why a lack of investment could stall progress in a competitive NL East. Then, we react to Jim Bowden’s harsh ranking of the Nationals among MLB’s non-playoff teams. Are the Nats really that far away from contending, or is national perception lagging behind the rebuild’s reality? We unpack the state of the farm system, the timeline to contention, and how outside voices could be underestimating Washington’s long-term plan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The newest Talk Nats Podcast covers one of the biggest organizational shifts in recent Nationals history: the hiring of Paul Toboni as the team’s president of baseball operations. At just 35 years old and with a background in scouting and analytics from the Red Sox system, Toboni laid out his vision to transform Washington into a “scouting and player development monster.” Host Dan Holmi breaks down what Toboni said at his introductory press conference, how he plans to tackle a roster that finished 66–96 with a –212 run differential, and why his process-first approach matters. We also explore the critical role of ownership. The Lerners must decide if they’ll truly empower Toboni with resources or repeat the pattern of shrinking payrolls that has plagued the team since 2021. Finally, we dive into the roster reality check: James Wood’s breakout, CJ Abrams’ development, and the glaring need for veteran pitching and bullpen help. This episode is a must-listen for fans looking to understand the Nationals’ future path, the challenges ahead, and how Washington can build back into a contender. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals wrap up their 2025 season today with Game 162 against the Chicago White Sox at 2:05 pm, closing the book on a year filled with ups and downs. While the final record won’t change with one more game, all eyes are on Miguel Cairo, who may be managing his last contest in D.C. The pitching struggles defined much of the Nationals’ season, but bright spots emerged in the form of CJ Abrams, James Wood, and MacKenzie Gore, giving fans a glimpse of what could be the foundation of the next competitive roster. With new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni set to take over this offseason, today’s game feels less like a finish line and more like the beginning of a new chapter for the Washington Nationals. The focus isn’t just on the field today but also on the future. Daylen Lile’s breakout September has the Nationals fanbase buzzing, showing signs that he could join Wood and Abrams as key offensive building blocks. James Wood was named Player of the Year for the club, while left-handed pitching prospect Alex Clemmey earned Minor League Player of the Year honors, highlighting the progress in Washington’s farm system. As the Nationals head into an offseason of big decisions, their young talent is beginning to shift the narrative from a struggling ballclub to one on the rise. This episode of the Talk Nats Podcast dives into the final game, the breakout performances, and what’s next for the Washington Nationals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals have finalized a major front office move, hiring Paul Toboni as their new head of baseball operations. Toboni, who previously served as a senior executive in the Boston Red Sox front office, brings a strong background in drafting and player development. For the Washington Nationals, this represents a turning point after years of missed draft picks, a shallow farm system, and constant turnover in leadership. His experience building up Boston’s farm system signals a new emphasis on development and scouting in Washington. The hire comes at a critical time for the Nationals, who have endured six straight losing seasons and are looking to rebuild their organization from the ground up. With no GM currently in place, a vacant scouting director role, and questions about the roster’s future, Toboni will be tasked with reshaping the Nationals both on the field and behind the scenes. From the 2026 draft to future trades and manager hires, this is a reset moment for the Washington Nationals — and the start of the Toboni era. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals are seeing their young arms step up in a big way. Cade Cavalli bounced back with one of his strongest starts yet, while rookie Andrew Alvarez made history by throwing five scoreless innings in his MLB debut. With James Wood, Daylen Lile, Riley Adams, and Jacob Young all contributing at the plate, the Nationals showed flashes of the balanced lineup and pitching depth fans have been waiting for. Off the field, the Nationals made moves behind the plate, signing veteran catcher Jorge Alfaro while optioning C.J. Stubbs back to Triple-A. Stubbs may be heading down, but his debut — catching a shutout and getting ejected in the same game — won’t be forgotten. With Keibert Ruiz on the rehab trail and MacKenzie Gore cleared to throw, the Washington Nationals are finding ways to stay competitive while showcasing the future of the franchise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals’ struggles hit rock bottom as the team dropped its eighth straight game to close out a brutal August. With the worst monthly ERA in franchise history, poor starting pitching, and an offense stuck at the bottom of MLB in batting average, the Nationals’ season continues to unravel. Adding to the frustration, All-Star pitcher MacKenzie Gore landed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, while young starter Cade Cavalli was hammered by the Yankees in his latest outing. With Andrew Alvarez set for his MLB debut, the Nationals must find answers quickly to stop the slide and salvage September. Take control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for DeleteMe. Now at a special discount for our listeners. Today get TWENTY PERCENT off your DeleteMe plan by texting HIT to 64000. The only way to get twenty percent off is to text HIT to 64000. That’s HIT to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals are once again searching for stability at first base. Luis García Jr. has been taking reps at the position under interim manager Miguel Cairo, even though he’s been the team’s everyday second baseman since 2022. With Nathaniel Lowe designated for assignment and veterans like Josh Bell, Paul DeJong, and Andrés Chaparro filling in, Washington is experimenting to see who might emerge as a long-term option. García’s versatility could increase his value, especially as his defense at second continues to struggle. Beyond García, the Nationals are testing multiple paths forward. Prospects like Yohandy Morales remain intriguing but inconsistent, while catchers Keibert Ruiz and Riley Adams have each taken practice reps at first. Adams’ August 3 start at the position highlighted Washington’s willingness to get creative to keep his bat in the lineup. With the rebuild in full swing, the Nationals are searching for answers, and the question remains: who’s on first for the Washington Nationals in 2025 and beyond?   🎟 SeatGeek – Your Ticket to the Action!   Heading to a Nats game? Commanders? Caps? A concert? SeatGeek makes it easy to find the best seats at the best price!   🎯 Get $20 OFF your first ticket purchase over $50 Download the SeatGeek app or click the link below: 👉 SeatGeek Link Use promo code: MINUTECAST   Your seat starts here.   http://www.seatgeek.com   ---   🥩 Righteous Felon Craft Jerky – Snack Smarter!   Looking for a high-protein, keto-friendly snack? Try Righteous Felon Craft Jerky — premium Black Angus beef, hormone & antibiotic-free, with flavors like O.G. Hickory!   🎯 Get 15% OFF your order using promo code MINUTECAST: 👉 righteousfelon.com/?ref=MINUTECAST   Snack smart. Stay fueled. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals snapped a rough stretch with a 3-2 win over the Phillies, powered by the return of Dylan Crews. After nearly three months on the injured list with an oblique strain, Crews wasted no time making an impact, ripping a single in his first at-bat, stealing second base, drawing a walk, and flashing elite defense with a diving catch in right field. His energy helped spark a young lineup, while José Tena delivered the go-ahead two-run single in the seventh inning. Brad Lord pitched six solid innings, and Cole Henry capped it off with his first career save, striking out Trea Turner to strand the tying run at third — a big moment after his long recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome. Off the field, the Nationals made a bold move by designating Nathaniel Lowe for assignment. The offseason acquisition struggled to a .216 average and -0.7 WAR, making his $10.3 million salary hard to justify. The decision clears playing time for a crowded young outfield headlined by Crews and James Wood, with Robert Hassell III, Daylen Lile, and Jacob Young competing for one remaining spot. As interim manager Miguel Cairo put it, the team is leaning into its youth and leadership potential as they look to finish strong and embrace the spoiler role against contenders down the stretch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals snapped their daytime woes with a 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants, fueled by James Wood’s leadoff homer, back-to-back blasts from Paul DeJong and Josh Bell, and six solid innings from rookie Brad Lord. Despite going just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position, the Nats held on as new closer José A. Ferrer earned his first save since September. In other news, Dylan Crews is nearing his MLB return after a strong Triple-A rehab stint, and Cade Cavalli impressed in his first big-league start since 2022, striking out six in 4.1 scoreless innings. The Nationals hope these young players can anchor a brighter future as the season progresses. Nats fans — or Caps, Wizards, Commanders fans... Looking to catch a game or live event in the DC area? Check out SeatGeek — the best ticket app that lets you shop smart, rate every deal, and sit where it matters. And here’s the kicker — SeatGeek is giving Talk Nats listeners $20 off your first purchase over $50. Just use the code: MINUTECAST at checkout. Again, that’s MINUTECAST — for 20 dollars off. Score the seats. Skip the hassle. https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MacKenzie Gore struggled in what may have been his final start with the Washington Nationals, surrendering six runs over 5⅓ innings in a 9–1 loss to the Astros. Despite some signs of improvement, Gore’s second-half ERA ballooned to 10.66, and with trade speculation swirling, his future in D.C. remains uncertain. While Gore admitted the chatter is hard to ignore, he emphasized focusing on his performance and controlling what he can. Meanwhile, the Nationals leaned fully into their rebuild at the trade deadline, flipping veterans Michael Soroka, Andrew Chafin, Luis García, and Amed Rosario for four minor leaguers, including lefty Jake Eder and infielder Ronny Cruz. These moves reinforce Washington’s long-term plans and reflect their belief in a young core led by CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Brady House. Though the rebuild drags on, the front office’s recent decisions aim to restock the farm and avoid a complete reset. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals face a pivotal decision with MacKenzie Gore, their best pitcher and most valuable trade chip. With two more years of team control and a dominant season on the mound, Gore’s trade value is sky-high. Interim GM Mike DeBartolo must weigh whether dealing Gore now — at his peak value — is smarter for a franchise still years away from contention. Given that Gore, like Juan Soto before him, is unlikely to sign long-term, the Nats could follow a familiar pattern: sell high to accelerate the rebuild. Meanwhile, the team suffered a major blow with top pitching prospect Travis Sykora requiring Tommy John surgery, setting back his development until 2026. It’s another setback for a team already dealing with pitching injuries to Cade Cavalli and Jarlin Susana. Veteran Michael Soroka could be the likeliest player dealt by Thursday’s deadline, and while Gore may stay put for now, the front office’s actions this week will shape the Nationals’ next phase of rebuilding. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luis García Jr. finally broke out of a frustrating slump with a thunderous 390-foot homer Saturday night, leading the Washington Nationals to a 9–3 win over the Twins. The bat-flip moment was both relief and release after several hard-hit outs in recent games. His performance, paired with big nights from CJ Abrams and Alex Call, helped snap a 22-inning scoreless streak and reminded fans what this young team can do when the lineup clicks. Interim manager Miguel Cairo praised García’s resurgence, calling it “the Luis García that we know.” Off the field, the Nationals made their first trade under interim GM Mike DeBartolo, sending veteran Amed Rosario to the Yankees for pitching prospect Clayton Beeter and 18-year-old DSL standout Browm Martinez. Rosario’s leadership and consistent bat (.270/.736 OPS) will be missed, especially by teammates like García. With Rosario gone, infielder José Tena is set to rejoin the big league roster. The move hints at more changes ahead with the trade deadline looming on Thursday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly targeting Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore after losing Tanner Houck to injury, with Gore seen as a “perfect match” due to his age, team control, and strong 2025 performance. Boston, still in playoff contention, could part with top prospects to bolster their rotation, though it would take a massive offer to pry Gore from Washington. For the Nationals, moving Gore would signal a full reboot as the franchise pivots under new leadership following a rough season and front-office turnover. Meanwhile, Josh Bell has emerged as an unlikely bright spot in a disappointing Nationals lineup. After struggling early, he’s been one of Washington’s best hitters since May, thanks to a return to his natural, all-fields approach. Bell’s resurgence could make him a valuable trade chip or a key veteran presence if retained. His turnaround also underscores the Nationals’ broader development problem: tailoring approaches to individual strengths rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all philosophy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.