Locked On Nationals - Daily Podcast On The Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals miss golden chance to extend All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams—will a blockbuster trade follow? The conversation focused on Washington’s failed extension attempts, Abrams’ breakout performance with increased power and speed, and the likelihood that his rising value puts him on track for free agency or an offseason move. The discussion explored why the Nationals’ current front office may be positioned to trade Abrams rather than pursue a long-term deal, citing ownership’s reluctance to spend and the club’s league-low payroll. Several points were raised, including the emergence of major league-ready prospect Seaver King as a potential extension candidate, and the future outlook for top prospect Eli Willits. The episode highlights how teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays achieve postseason runs through player development and early extensions—not just big-market spending. Can the Nationals build a contender by locking up their own talent before it’s too late, or will more stars slip away?00:00 Nationals and CJ Abrams extension talks06:37 Free agency and contract discussions08:12 CJ Abrams' contract strategy14:14 Brewers' smart young player deals15:40 Seaver King's contract extension?19:02 Discussing Eli Willits' contract potential22:13 Nationals' fans and World Series talk25:54 Comparing Nationals to Other TeamsFollow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Gameday Mens HealthGameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture  before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corpKALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.  OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.5-Hour ENERGYSpice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip.  Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.  FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington Nationals overhaul their approach as Paul Toboni earns an A+ for revamping player development and fueling breakout seasons across the organization. Can this analytics-driven front office turn the Nationals into perennial contenders? Host Ryan Clary spotlights the transformation since replacing Mike Rizzo, emphasizing dramatic improvements in the farm system, the emergence of James Wood and CJ Abrams, and a flurry of sharp trades. The discussion explores new hires from Driveline and Boston—like pitching strategist David Besky—and how advanced technology, individualized plans, and a fresh mindset are building a development powerhouse. 00:00 Nationals' farm system transformation05:48 Upgrades in Player Development09:46 Nationals surprising success and development13:09 Why The Nats Wouldn't Have This Success w/ Rizzo14:10 Discussing future of Nationals management17:35 Revamping Nationals' analytics and staff21:38 Nats Hire David Besky24:49 Nationals' new hire for analyticsFollow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Gameday Mens HealthGameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture  before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corpKALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.  OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.5-Hour ENERGYSpice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip.  Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.  FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington Nationals’ surge fueled by powerhouse slugging—can they sustain their offensive explosion? Slugging percentage emerges as the stat that defined the 2026 season, with Curtis Mead, Luis García Jr., James Wood, CJ Abrams, and Daylen Lile powering the Nationals to the third-best offense in MLB. Despite their 77-win campaign and elite run production, bullpen woes and blown saves cost them a playoff berth. Is slugging the new gold standard over batting average in today’s game? Host Ryan Clary spotlights the Nationals’ upcoming roster decisions and off-season strategy. Will Washington invest in a player like Jazz Chisholm Jr. to keep their top-three offense afloat? With payroll at a historic low and questions swirling around CJ Abrams’ future, the Nationals face crucial choices. Plus, Mike Rizzo’s potential move to the Houston Astros could shake up the GM landscape. How will these storylines shape the Nationals’ path to contention in 2027?00:00 Slugging Defined The Nats Success05:25 Teams' offensive stats and success08:13 Nationals' slugging and future challenges13:15 Nationals' mid-season offensive slump15:55 Jazz Chisholm's Contract...23:52 Mike Rizzo To Houston?26:01 Comparing Nationals and Astros organizationsFollow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Gameday Mens HealthGameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture  before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corpKALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.  OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.5-Hour ENERGYSpice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip.  Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.  FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington Nationals’ offensive breakout powers a new era—was a bold lineup shift the secret weapon? CJ Abrams thrives in the cleanup spot, as James Wood sets the table, propelling the Nats to a top-three National League OPS and a surge from 63 to 77 wins. Ryan Clary spotlights the club's embrace of analytics, the impact of unique lineups under Blake Butera, and how Matt Borgschulte and Andrew Aydt’s driveline-influenced coaching transformed Washington's bats. Key insights cover the Nationals’ improved home run count, the data-driven decision to move Abrams down the batting order, and how investments in bat speed and angle fueled breakouts for Luis Garcia Jr., Curtis Mead, and Daylen Lile. Plus: a preview of the Brewers vs. Rays World Series, and what their small-market success signals for Washington’s blueprint. Can the Nationals sustain their offensive resurgence in 2027?00:00 Nationals' offensive surge in 202606:03 Nationals adjust batting lineup strategy07:45 CJ Abrams' lineup promotion15:26 Driveline's player performance strategies19:21 Nationals' success with new coaching26:27 Brewers' momentum and star powerFollow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Gameday Mens HealthGameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture  before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corpIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.KALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.  OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.5-Hour ENERGYSpice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip.  Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.  LarineCoLarine is a better-for-you chewing gum . Larine is offering our listeners up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/LOCKEDONMLB.  FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington Nationals surge as NL East rivals falter—could a new division powerhouse be emerging? Ryan Clary spotlights the Nationals’ youth movement, best-in-division farm system, and savvy leadership from Blake Butera and Paul Toboni, contrasting this momentum with the aging cores and payroll woes of the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves. Clary dissects the fallout from blockbuster contracts, arguing the Nationals dodged disaster by avoiding long-term deals for stars like Trea Turner and Anthony Rendon—whose struggles with the Phillies and Angels now haunt their teams’ futures. With payroll flexibility and rising young talent, the Nationals are positioned to capitalize as Bryce Harper, Turner, and other division rivals feel the weight of past decisions. Can Washington seize control of an NL East in transition? Find out why optimism is building for a new era of Nationals baseball.00:00 Nationals' surprising success and growth06:08 Mets player contracts discussion08:57 Nationals' promising young team future14:17 Discussing Trea Turner's trade and contract18:18 Debating Trea Turner's contract decision25:47 Nats Avoided Disaster With RendonFollow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Gameday Mens HealthGameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture  before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corpIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.KALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.  OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.5-Hour ENERGYSpice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip.  Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.  LarineCoLarine is a better-for-you chewing gum . Larine is offering our listeners up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/LOCKEDONMLB.  FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.