News Nationals Team Notes

[Washington Nationals]

Trio of former Washington Nationals shut out in Hall of Fame voting

Last night, two players were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Center Fielders Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones got the call to Cooperstown. However, the night was not as successful for former Nationals. Daniel Murphy, Howie Kendrick and Gio Gonzalez were all on the ballot for the first time, but did not get any votes.

Center fielders Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame today.

Since 1981, only two other center fielders had been elected: Ken Griffey Jr. and Kirby Puckett. Rightful due for one of the most vital positions and two incredible players.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 20, 2026

First off, congratulations to Beltran and Jones. Both had wonderful careers that were Hall of Fame worthy. Jones was the best defensive center fielder of his generation, while also being a prolific power threat. He hit 434 home runs and also won 10 Gold Gloves.

Beltran was also an elite power/speed guy in center field. He was not as good in the field as Jones, but was a better hitter and had a longer peak. Beltran would have gotten inducted sooner, if not for his connection to the Astros cheating scandal. Despite that blemish, it was not enough to keep him out of the Hall of Fame.

On the other side of the spectrum were the three Nationals players. Daniel Murphy, Howie Kendrick and Gio Gonzalez were the only three players on the ballot not to get any votes. These guys were never going to make the cut, but not getting any votes is interesting.

Final Hall of Fame election results.

59 percent for Utley and almost a 26 percent jump for Felix! pic.twitter.com/cv854pnvBg

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) January 20, 2026

Players like Rick Porcello, Hunter Pence, Alex Gordon and Shin-Soo Choo all got votes. I would say the trio of former Nats are on the same level as those players. It does not matter that much, but it is a shame they were the only ones to get totally shut out.

Given the fact they did not meet the 5% threshold, Murphy, Kendrick and Gonzalez will be off the ballot. However, next year will be the first year we see Ryan Zimmerman on the ballot. I would be shocked if Zimmerman were totally shut out and think he will meet the 5% threshold. Jordan Zimmermann will also be on the ballot in 2027.

A first look at the potential first-timers on the 2027 @BaseballHall ballot pic.twitter.com/Y5y6f9K7aY

— MLB (@MLB) January 21, 2026

Back to the Nats trio, all of them had very exciting peaks, but did not do enough to get in obviously. Kendrick had the highest WAR of the trio, with 35 wins above replacement. Most of that came with the Angels, but his most memorable moments came in DC. He hit arguably the two biggest home runs in franchise history during the Nats 2019 World Series run.

Kendrick had a really nice career, with a .294 average and an All-Star appearance. He was just never a star player, even if he was a key part to the Nats World Series run. It is a shame he got totally shut out though.

Daniel Murphy had the least amount of WAR, but probably hit the highest peak. He was second in NL MVP voting in his magical 2016 season. Murphy was a hitting machine that year, with a .347 average and 25 homers. He followed it up with another All-Star caliber 2017 season.

Those two years, as well as his 2015 playoff run were the extent of Murphy’s peak, but what a peak it was. He had a nice run on the Mets, but never hit the heights he did in DC. Injuries started to catch up to Murphy after 2017, and he was never the same. He was an elite player, but only for two seasons.

Gio Gonzalez had the longest tenure in DC of the trio and he was very good. He finished third in Cy Young voting in 2012, his first year as a Nat. That was his best season in DC, but he was a solid number 2 or number 3 starter for a long time.

His inconsistent command made him frustrating to watch at times, but he was still a very effective pitcher. Gio posted a 3.62 ERA in 6.5 seasons as a Nat. Obviously, that is not Hall of Fame worthy, but it is still very good.

None of these guys are Hall of Famers, but they were all high end players. Nationals fans will remember all three of these players very fondly. Just getting onto the ballot is very impressive in its own right.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/mlb...ton-nationals-shut-out-in-hall-of-fame-voting

 

[Washington Nationals]

Three Washington Nationals feature on the Baseball America top 100 prospect list

The great folks over at Baseball America released their top 100 list today. There are three Nationals on the list, with two more that are probably close calls. The three top 100 guys are Eli Willits, Jarlin Susana and Harry Ford. Willits is the highest ranked National at 31st. Susana checks in at 68th, while Ford just snuck on to the list at 99th.

The 2026 preseason Top 100 prospects list is here!

See full rankings + scouting reports: https://t.co/AhNarjQoya pic.twitter.com/z8awj23Pam

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 21, 2026

Baseball America is probably my favorite prospect service. They are very up to date and are unafraid to change things up. The only thing I would push back on is not having Travis Sykora in the top 100. Sure, he underwent Tommy John Surgery, but he was one of the most dominant pitchers in the minors before going down. At 21, he is still a young pitcher as well.

Despite that snub, it is exciting to have three Nats in the top 100. All of them are a little lower than I would probably have them, but that might just be my personal bias. The folks at BA know a lot more than I do, so I will trust them.

The Nats top prospect is Eli Willits, which is no surprise. He was the first overall pick and had a very strong debut. There are some concerns about his power, but Willits only turned 18 in December. The rest of his game is just so well-rounded and I love his pure hitting ability, as well as his approach.

Eli Willits wasted no time making his mark in pro ball! First AB = RBI, next AB = first hit, the kid keeps on delivering!

by Sol Tucker for TalkNats pic.twitter.com/4lFlkiF86B

— natsfanatics (@natsfanatics_) August 22, 2025

BA wrote that Willits has a chance for five average or better tools, and is the Nats shortstop of the future. I agree with this assessment, though the power requires some projection. Willits is a no doubt shortstop, who is a super advanced hitter. My personal comparison for him is Geraldo Perdomo, who was a star player for the D-Backs in 2025.

The second highest ranked Nats prospect is Jarlin Susana. Despite a lat injury that could delay his start to the season, Susana is still in BA’s top 75. This is due to his insane stuff. Susana’s fastball has touched 104 MPH according to BA. Even in an era where velocity is king, that kind of heat is rare.

Pitcher archetypes and their corresponding prospect:

Ground-ball machine: Walbert Urena
Workhorse: Trey Gibson
Power Pitcher: Jarlin Susana
Command King: Jedixson Paez
Strikeout artist: Thomas White
Crafty Lefty: Robby Snelling
Shutdown closer: Wellinton Herrera pic.twitter.com/ssII4Nek4b

— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) November 9, 2025

Susana also has a wipeout slider to go with it. He can manipulate the shape of the pitch very well. Sometimes, it looks like a power curveball, but he can also turn it into more of a cutter. Susana also developed a more consistent changeup in 2025, which he threw in the mid-90’s.

The injury probably cost him some spots in the rankings, but his stuff is so electric. He had a rough start to 2025, but really was turning a corner before his injury. Susana was throwing more strikes and looked ready for a 2026 debut. Hopefully he is just as sharp after his injury.

After being acquired for Jose A. Ferrer, Harry Ford just snuck into the top 100. Ford has been a well known prospect for years now, but will finally get his shot in the MLB this year. As Carlos Collazo noted when I interviewed him, there are questions about his defense, which is why he is not higher.

Ford is an exciting offensive catcher though. His contact and power skills are about average, but they play up due to his elite approach. Throughout his career, Ford has been able to get on base at a high level. In 2025, his power also trended upwards, which is a good sign.

Harry Ford is an intriguing catcher for #FantasyBaseball purposes.

2025 in Triple-A…

458 PA, .283/.408/.460, 16 HR, 7 SB

– 42% Hard-Hit, 8.7% BRL
– 82.9% Zone Contact, 76.8% Contact
– Above-average speed
– Great approach (16.2% BB, 19.2% K)pic.twitter.com/J6Xdbl0zT8

— Eric Cross (@EricCrossMLB) December 7, 2025

He is also a great athlete for a catcher and can steal some bases. The defense needs work, but even that should be better than what the Nats have had in recent years. I understand not having Ford in the top 50 due to his defense and good, but not great upside. However, he is deserving of a top 100 spot, and I am happy to see BA put him on the list.

Travis Sykora missing out makes sense, but I still disagree with the decision. He has top of the rotation upside, which you cannot say for most of the arms on the back end of this top 100 list. We see plenty of pitchers come back better than ever from Tommy John. He was easily a top 50 prospect before the injury, so taking him off the 100 is not something I agree with.

Overall, this list shows the Nats system for what it is. It is a solid system, but not an elite one. The team has a few really nice prospects, but nobody who is truly elite. Willits or Susana could take that step in 2026, but they are not there yet.

In a year, I hope the Nats can have at least five players in the top 100. It would be a good sign that Paul Toboni’s player development plan is working. There is talent in the system, but a lot of these players still have so much to prove.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/was...eature-baseball-america-top-100-prospect-list

 

[Washington Nationals]

What Improvements Does Washington Nationals Brady House Need To Make In 2026

Brady House made his long-awaited debut at the big league level in 2025 for the Nationals, and it came with a mix of good and bad. On the bright side, House was a fantastic defender at third base, finishing in the 78th percentile in OAA and 79th percentile in arm strength. He also made a solid amount of hard contact, finishing above the 50th percentile in average exit velocity and hard hit rate among all big league hitters.

On the downside, some of the issues that plagued House in the minors followed him up to the bigs, such as his proneness to swing and miss, as he finished 2025 with a 28.5% strikeout rate. Plate discipline also remained an issue for House, as he walked as little as almost anyone in the bigs last year, finishing with a 2.9% walk rate. Thirdly, the power didn’t come as consistently as fans would’ve hoped to see, as House had a .322 slugging percentage in 274 plate appearances his rookie year.

Still just 22 years old, it’s far from time to panic when it comes to House’s future at the big league level, but there is reason for concern entering his sophomore campaign. His great defense at third base provides a nice floor for his value and makes his ceiling that much higher if he can get the bat going, but the issues he has at the plate cannot be ridden of easily.

The first key for House to improve on offense in 2026 is a revamped plate approach. Under the old coaching regime, plate approaches were a weak point of many young Nats, including House. With the new coaching staff in town, a point of emphasis with House and many others will be to improve their approaches, which in House’s case will mean being more patient at the plate and being aggressive when he gets his pitch. House’s BB/K ratio was 0.10 in 2025, and if he could get that ratio to 0.25 in 2026, while still not great, it would be considered a success to me.

House becoming more patient at the plate not only would mean more free passes, but also more favorable counts to hit in. House struggled mightily when behind in the count in 2025, posting a wRC+ barely above 0 in 2-strike counts, but was an above league average hitter when he was ahead in the count. Proving to opponents you won’t chase the junk they throw you will be critical in House, not only improving his walk rate, but increasing the number of strikes to hit he will get.

The next key for House to improve on offense in 2026 is getting to his pull side more and keeping the ball on a line and in the air. The majority of House’s offensive success in 2025 came when he hit the ball to his pull side, where he had a 150 wRC+ and 3 of his 4 home runs. House also had a ton of success when he was hitting line drives in 2025, as he posted a .725 batting average on his 40 line drives last season. A focus on pull-side power and lifting the ball will not only turn more of House’s ground balls into line drives, but more of his line drives into home runs.

My third and final key for House to improve in 2026 will be continued defensive success at the hot corner, possibly even at a Gold Glove level. It was known throughout the minor leagues that he was a strong defender, but proving it in the big leagues was huge in proving that he belonged up there long-term.

Now, as his bat hits a critical juncture, staying elite defensively will be important in extending his leash as a major leaguer. If he can make a leap on defense from 2025 to 2026, House could enter Gold Glove talks, and possibly bring home the Nats’ first Gold Glove since Adam LaRoche in 2012.

House is still early in his big league career, and he will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself, but there are some areas he will need to clean up in his sophomore season. With the new coaching staff, which specializes in unlocking players’ true potentials, I am confident House is going to make major strides this season and prove he will play a major role in breaking the Nats through their rebuild.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/general/88441/what-improvements-brady-house-need-make-2026

 

[Washington Nationals]

Washington Nationals claim RHP Gus Varland, DFA’s C Riley Adams

While this move will be overshadowed by the MacKenzie Gore trade, Paul Toboni made another waiver claim. This time he picked up Gus Varland from the Diamondbacks. He is the older brother of Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland and has some similarities. To make room on the 40-man roster the Nationals DFA’d Riley Adams.

The Nationals have claimed right-handed pitcher Gus Varland off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and designated catcher Riley Adams for assignment.

— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) January 22, 2026

While Varland did not pitch in the MLB in 2025 and had an injury riddled season, he has MLB experience. He had a really strong season in 2024, posting a 3.42 ERA in 26.1 innings with 27 strikeouts. If he can get back to that form in 2026, he can be a nice piece for the Nats bullpen.

At just 29 years old, Varland still has time on his side as well. Varland has an exciting fastball/slider combination that can get big league outs. His fastball sat at 95 MPH in 2024, but it has a ton of carry at the top of the zone. The heater is comfortably his best pitch and he throws it over 55% of the time. Varland’s primary secondary pitch is a high-80’s slider, but he also mixes in a changeup.

He is an interesting piece to add to a wide open mix in the Nats bullpen. With Varland and Paxton Schultz in the fold, Paul Toboni has created some more bullpen depth. The high leverage spots are a concern, but it feels like the bullpen has more capable bodies now.

On the other side of the coin, the Nats DFA’d Riley Adams, who has been with the team for a while. Adams was part of a deal that sent Brad Hand to the Blue Jays. While he has not been great, getting a big leaguer for Hand is a win. In his time with the Nats, Adams posted a .640 OPS.

The Nationals have claimed Gus Varland off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and DFA’d catcher Riley Adams.

Adams, acquired in the sell-off in 2021 for Brad Hand, hit .215 with a .640 OPS in five seasons with the Nationals.

— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) January 22, 2026

Adams has some eye-popping tools, most notably his elite bat speed. His 78.3 MPH average swing speed is one of the best marks in the sport. He also has an absolute cannon of an arm. However, he was just unable to fully put things together.

Adams will turn 30 this year, so time is not really on his side anymore. He is also out of options, so it feels unlikely that he gets claimed. Given some of the tools, I would not be shocked if he got claimed though.

Obviously, this move will be overshadowed by the Gore trade, but it could be a decent pickup for the bullpen. Paul Toboni is making his mark on this roster, there is no denying that.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/lat...nals-claim-rhp-gus-varland-dfas-c-riley-adams

 

[Washington Nationals]

Could CJ Abrams be the next core Washington Nationals player traded by Paul Toboni?

Yesterday, MacKenzie Gore became the first piece of the Juan Soto deal to be traded away from the Nats. However, there is a decent chance he will not be the last. As the Gore trade was finalized, rumblings about the Nats dealing CJ Abrams emerged.

Nationals Have Shopped CJ Abrams, Jacob Young https://t.co/r87dSfAXcf pic.twitter.com/0gInrG3duo

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) January 23, 2026

The Washington Post reported that the Nats have been shopping Abrams, as well as defensive ace Jacob Young this offseason. This lines up with reporting earlier this offseason that there was interest in Abrams around the league. In December, Ken Rosenthal reported that Abrams was drawing heavy interest.

However, Paul Toboni’s tone has always been a bit different with Abrams than it was with Gore. Throughout the offseason, Toboni acknowledged that the team was actively listening with Gore. When discussing Abrams, he said the team was picking up the phone, but there has been a subtext that they would really need to be blown away to move him.

That stance was on display today when Toboni talked to Grant and Danny on 106.7. He said that he would pick up the phone, but that he sees Abrams as his shortstop. Toboni was never that committal towards Gore, which tells me something.

Toboni on trading CJ Abrams: “I won’t refuse to pick up the phone but Abrams is our shortstop, and as we speak, no trade is close.”

— Kev (@klwoodjr) January 23, 2026

This is not to say he won’t be traded. There is a chance that we wake up in a couple days and Abrams is on a different team. After all, my feel for these things is not great. Yesterday, I wrote about how a Gore trade felt less likely than ever, and hours later he was dealt. You just never know with these things, but throughout the offseason, I thought a Gore trade was more likely than an Abrams move.

If Abrams gets moved, I feel like the deadline might be a better time. With three years of team control remaining, the Nats should be in absolutely no hurry to move Abrams. They should only move him if they feel like they are getting surplus value in the trade.

The deadline honestly feels like a better time to get that surplus value. There are teams that feel confident in their infield situation right now that could not feel so confident as things play out in the season. The Red Sox, Yankees and Royals are three teams that this could apply to. If Anthony Volpe continues to struggle in the Bronx, the Yankees would have a pretty glaring hole at shortstop that Abrams could address.

"I wouldn't be shocked if CJ [Abrams] is traded closer to the deadline than this winter."@SpencerNusbaum_ also wouldn't be surprised if he was traded tomorrow though. pic.twitter.com/NecW0oa1NV

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 23, 2026

You can never count anything out with Toboni though. If you asked me to name five teams that Gore could be traded to, I am not sure the Rangers would be on the list and if it was, they would have been 4th or 5th on the list. Teams like the Yankees, Orioles, Cubs and even the A’s were speculated about more.

When you think about it though, the Rangers needed a younger number 3 starter behind Degrom and Eovaldi, so the fit made sense. Could there be a team like that for Abrams? The Mariners have been an AL West team that has been oddly quiet lately. Could they be a player for Abrams if they cannot land Brandon Donovan from the Cardinals? I think it is possible.

At the end of the day, if a deal happens, I think it is more likely to take place at the deadline or next offseason. Unlike Gore, the service time clock is not really ticking for Abrams yet. They could hold on to Abrams and still get the same type of package in a few months. The new player development is also probably eager to get their hands on a talent like him.

The Scott Boras factor that existed with Gore is also not there with Abrams. If they really pushed, they could get Abrams extended. It is unclear if they want to do that, but it is a possibility. I hope they at least give it a shot because Abrams is a very exciting message and it would be a good message to send to the fans. Given recent history, Nats fans probably shouldn’t get too attached to Abrams though.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/gen...ashington-nationals-player-traded-paul-toboni

 

[Washington Nationals]

Everything You Need To Know About Newest Washington Nationals Prospect Gavin Fien

After nearly 6 months of trade speculation, Paul Toboni finally got a MacKenzie Gore deal done, sending the left-hander to the Texas Rangers in exchange for 5 prospects. While none of the 5 prospects acquired for Gore are top 100 prospects on any major publications currently, they all have unique skillsets that could put them in those talks in the upcoming 2026 season.

Of the 5 prospects, the most highly touted is shortstop Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Fien was MLB Pipeline’s 22nd-ranked prospect and my 15th-ranked prospect in the 2025 draft class, and was a favorite of many draft analysts who especially value summer circuit performance. In the summer of 2024, before Fien’s senior year, he demolished the top prep pitching in the country, hitting .450 with a 1.262 OPS in 68 plate appearances. The underlying numbers backed up Fien’s great success as well, most notably an 81st percentile contact rate, 90th percentile strikeout rate, and 97th percentile bat speed.

Much of the Red Sox scouting department loved Gavin Fien in the 2025 Draft. He had real buzz in the top five or six picks. Boston was seen as the floor.

Now, much of that Red Sox brass is in Washington.

Fien ranked as the No. 13 player in the Draft after a mammoth summer. https://t.co/13Lhef7G9n pic.twitter.com/fmMrXn6kor

— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) January 22, 2026

Fien seemed destined to skyrocket up draft boards, but an odd senior season at Great Oaks High School in California held that back somewhat. He still finished his senior season with a 1.056 OPS, but he got off to a slow start to the year and finished below his sophomore and junior years’ marks of 1.133 and 1.147. Even without a ridiculous senior campaign, Fien still made himself a lot of money in the draft, going 12th overall to the Texas Rangers for a signing bonus of 4.8 million, with reports he was under consideration by the Cardinals and Pirates with their first round picks, 5th and 6th overall, respectivelly, as well.

According to Joe Doyle of Over-Slot, a fantastic site that covers the MLB draft extensively, the Red Sox scouting department was enamored by Fien’s abilities pre-draft, and it seems likely he would have been their pick if he had made it to 15th overall. With Paul Toboni and many of his Red Sox colleagues now in DC, they bring in a prospect they were very high on in last year’s draft class, someone they saw the potential to be a star in.

Fien’s professional debut after the draft in 2025 was short, just 10 games at Low A, and while it wasn’t anything remarkable, as he hit .220 with a 75 wRC+, he did show part of the reason he was so beloved by many draft analysts. In his 10-game debut, Fien had 4 extra base hits, 3 doubles and 1 triple, showing off the power potential he’ll have as he matures into his 6’3” frame. He also did a solid job of pulling the ball, a skill that is key in maximizing power output for hitters like Fien.

Defensively, while Fien is listed as a shortstop, he is likely destined for third base in pro ball, where he should be a natural fit thanks to his strong arm. This coincides well with Eli Willits in the organization, who is at the same level and, currently, plays the same position as Fien. Expect Fien to make his Nationals organization debut with the FredNats this season, where he will play third base right next to Eli Willits at shortstop, a left side of the infield that fans will watch grow up together in the minor leagues for years.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/gen...west-washington-nationals-prospect-gavin-fien

 

[Washington Nationals]

Washington Nationals trade ace MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in a quantity over quality return

Just after I wrote that a MacKenzie Gore trade seemed unlikely, Paul Toboni pulled the trigger. He sent Gore to the Texas Rangers for a five prospect haul. While the Nats did not get Sebastian Walcott, they got five quality pieces from Texas. The return consists of SS/3B Gavin Fien, RHP Alejandro Rosario, 2B Devin Fitz-Gerald, 1B Abimelec Ortiz and OF Yeremy Cabrera.

Full trade, per ESPN sources:

Rangers get: LHP MacKenzie Gore

Nationals get: 3B Gavin Fien, SS Devin Fitz-Gerald, RHP Alejandro Rosario, 1B Abimelec Ortiz and and OF Yeremy Cabrera

A big return for the Nationals. Fien was the 12th pick last year. Evaluators love Fitz-Gerald.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 22, 2026

The headliner of the return is Fien, who was selected 12th overall by the Rangers last year. He was a shortstop in high school, but is likely to move to third base. Fien was one of the most impressive hitters in last year’s class with a really nice blend of hitting ability and power.

Analytically inclined scouts loved Fien’s bat speed and plate discipline. While his swing is not the most traditional, he made plenty of contact on the showcase circuit. He may not be a top 100 prospect yet, but with a strong year, he can surge on to the list.

What you need to know about new Nats prospect Gavin Fien
-12th overall pick in 2025 MLB Draft
-Demolished top prep arms in summer before senior year, posting a 1.262 OPS
-Analytics people love him for his strong plate discipline and bat speedpic.twitter.com/SOKv6ECNmV

— Paul Cubbage (@PaulCubbage23) January 22, 2026

Admittedly, this is a bit of an underwhelming headliner for Gore. However, that is the reason the Nats were able to get five interesting pieces in this deal. Toboni had a choice, he could swing big for one top 50 type prospect or get a grab bag of solid pieces. He chose the latter option, and only time will tell if he is right.

Most of my trade suggestions had the Nats going after a big name headliner, but only getting one or two other pieces. Toboni decided to do something different, which is a bit of a gamble. However, it is one that could pay off in a big way.

There is a world where Fien and Fitz-Gerald are top 100 prospects. As Jeff Passan noted, evaluators loved Fitz-Gerald. He is a switch hitter with a really nice blend of contact and power. Fitz-Gerald is not much of a defender, but scouts think he could be serviceable at second base.

Alejandro Rosario is an interesting case. He was a top 100 prospect in 2024, but went down with a torn UCL in 2025, missing the whole season. However, it has been reported that he did not get his Tommy John Surgery until a couple weeks ago and will miss all of 2026 as well. A weird situation, but if the 2024 version of Rosario returns, his upside is massive.

The squatty 5’10 230 pound Abimelec Ortiz is the fourth prospect in the deal. The 23 year old slugger hit 25 homers in the minors last year and has very good bat to ball data. He should have a chance to compete for reps at 1B or DH.

Abimelec Ortiz finished 2025 with 25 HR and a 124 wRC+ across AA and AAA. In 165 PA at AAA, he put up a .953 OPS w/ a 53.8% Hard-Hit%, .377 xwOBA, & an 88.6% Z-Contact%. He's raked in his professional career & put up a 33 HR campaign back in 2023 in just 109 games. pic.twitter.com/MMPJ6zCv8X

— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) January 6, 2026

The last piece is 20 year old outfielder Yeremy Cabrera. He is a speedster who also has some power upside. It is more of a throw in, but he is better than your average throw in.

Prospect rankings in Rangers' top 30 per MLB Pipeline/Baseball America:

SS Gavin Fien: 2/3
RHP Alejandro Rosario: 6/13
INF Devin Fitz-Gerald: 12/8
OF Yeremy Cabrera: 16/14
1B Abimelec Ortiz: 18/NR https://t.co/yji1lbdfon

— Bobby Blanco (@Bobby_Blanco) January 22, 2026

Overall, the package is solid, but unexpected. It is pretty similar to the Shane Baz deal that went down between the Rays and the Orioles. The Nats needed to add more depth to their farm system and they did that here. Only time will tell if this is the right move, but I am intrigued.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/lat...re-texas-rangers-quantity-over-quality-return

 

[Washington Nationals]

The Washington Nationals turn back San Francisco Giants pursuit of CJ Abrams

Shortly after I wrote about the potential of a CJ Abrams trade, a report came out that the Giants seriously pursued the Nats shortstop, but were unable to reach a deal. The fact that this leaked out right after the Gore trade is very interesting and makes me wonder about the timing. It also makes me wonder about whether the Nats will make a late offseason deal.

Giants aggressively pursued CJ Abrams but were unable to agree on fair return with Nationals, per @extrabaggs. pic.twitter.com/WNyGlALXro

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) January 23, 2026

The report came from Andrew Baggarly, the Giants beat reporter for the Athletic. This makes me think the leak came from the Giants side. It is clearly a strategic leak and has me wondering if this deal is dead yet. The piece reads like the Giants are telling their fanbase that we tried, but the Nats asking price was just too much.

The thing that stood out the most to me was the reporting that the Giants were willing to offer Josuar Gonzalez. Despite being 18 and never having appeared in a stateside game, Gonzalez is a top 50 prospect in baseball. In their new top 100, MLB Pipeline ranked him as the 44th best prospect, while Baseball America had him at number 30.

The Giants aggressively pursued shortstop CJ Abrams but couldn’t reach a deal with the Nationals. San Francisco was open to including top prospect Josuar Gonzalez, and discussions also involved Carson Whisenhunt, Jacob Bresnahan, Bo Davidson, and Jhonny Level, per @extrabaggs pic.twitter.com/qEZZguWZlv

— SleeperSFGiants (@SleeperSFGiants) January 23, 2026

Gonzalez was the top player in his IFA class, and had a strong showing in the DSL. He is a potential five tool player, who stands out for his elite defensive ability at shortstop. However, the bat is also very advanced. Pipeline said he has the ceiling of a .280 hitter with 25+ homer pop. If that is the case, he could be the closest thing we have seen to Francisco Lindor.

The biggest drawback to Gonzalez is obviously his age and lack of experience. He has never played above the DSL level, so there is some serious volatility. However, he has a truly massive ceiling. The fact the Giants were open to offering Gonzalez in a deal, and Toboni turned it down says a lot.

The report also stated that prospects Bo Davidson, Jhonny Level, Carson Whisenhunt and Jacob Bresnahan were discussed. These are all prospects with big upside. Davidson and Level are top 100 guys according to Baseball America. This report fired up Giants fans, who seemed stunned at these names all being discussed.

If Josuar, Whis, Bres, Bo, and Level can’t even get you CJ Abrams then I don’t even blame the Giants for not getting anything in the trade market this year.

Then again, that’s probably what they want us to think pic.twitter.com/cNuPwVCVFy

— bryan #ComeToCal (@bryarea) January 23, 2026

There is one line that intrigued me though. The report said that even if the Giants offered all five players, it would be unclear if the Nats would have accepted. That feels like spin to me. If Toboni was offered all five, he would be a fool to turn it down.

While the report mentioned plenty of names that were being discussed, there was no leaked offer. If Gonzalez was in the deal, I would imagine the secondary pieces were not very strong. The fact there is no actual deal leaked tells me the Giants are trying to make the price sound higher than it actually was.

However, I do have no doubt that Toboni was asking for a lot. There is less incentive to move Abrams now than there was with Gore. Abrams has three years of team control compared to Gore’s two and is also not represented by infamous super agent Scott Boras.

Toboni also seems excited to get his hands on Abrams from a development standpoint. On 106.7, he talked about how Abrams is one of the most athletic players in the league, but has not fully been able to translate that athleticism to production. While Abrams has been a quality player the last few years, Toboni sees more upside.

Is CJ Abrams on the trade block? Nats President of baseball operations Paul Toboni speaks on that here after trading away MacKenzie Gore. pic.twitter.com/oicB6uCO0s

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) January 23, 2026

That upside could lead to Abrams being a long term piece, or it could lead to enhanced trade value. If Abrams has a hot start to the season, he would be a very hot commodity at the Trade Deadline. Another thing Abrams could do to boost his stock is prove that he is a true shortstop. I think Toboni was mostly referring to Abrams’ defense when he was talking about his athleticism not translating into production.

The Nats shortstop has all of the twitch and movement skills to be a quality shortstop, but has not put it together yet. Toboni seems like he is on a mission to change that. Right now, most teams looking to trade for Abrams see him as more of a second baseman. The Giants certainly see it that way, with Willy Adames firmly entrenched at shortstop.

All of this leads me to believe a deal is more likely to happen at the deadline, but this leak raised my eyebrows. This could be interpreted as the Giants saying we are done with this or a challenge to Toboni to come back to the table. Either way, the Giants let this get out for a reason.

Over the next few months, I have a feeling that we will be talking about CJ Abrams trade rumors some more. He is a very exciting player, but given the Nats timeline and their glut of young infield talent, a trade seems like a possibility.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/nat...n-back-san-francisco-giants-pursuit-cj-abrams

 

[Washington Nationals]

Alejandro Rosario is the wild card of the Washington Nationals MacKenzie Gore return

Out of the five players the Nats received in the MacKenzie Gore trade, RHP Alejandro Rosario is the most complicated case. He has the highest upside of anyone in the package, but also has the lowest floor. The case of Alejandro Rosario is strange and mysterious, but if things break the right way, the Nationals are getting a top of the rotation arm.

While Rosario has massive upside, there is a lot of weirdness involved too. After a dominant 2024 season which we will get into, Rosario blew out his elbow last February. In the modern game, this is not unusual at all. Pitchers go down with major injuries all the time.

However, this is just where the weirdness starts. In July, it was reported that Rosario had yet to undergo surgery. Apparently, Rosario was dealing with something that made him unable to get surgery. A couple weeks ago though, it was reported that Rosario had finally undergone surgery. However, after the trade, Paul Toboni refuted that, saying he had not had surgery yet, but will in the next few weeks.

Just to clarify this: Paul Toboni said Rosario will be undergoing Tommy John surgery in the next few weeks. Targeting a full return in 2027. Called it a "worthwhile bet to make." https://t.co/4jIhtQFic1

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) January 22, 2026

This is such a weird situation, and we are still awaiting clarity. Assuming Rosario actually has surgery in the next few weeks, he will be out for all of this season as well. At that point, Rosario will have missed the last two seasons due to this elbow injury. With all the time off, it is very hard to say if he will be the same pitcher. If he is the pitcher he was in 2024 though, the wait will be worth it.

The last time we saw Alejandro Rosario on the mound, he was one of the best pitching prospects in the sport. Despite an underwhelming career at the University of Miami, the Rangers still took Rosario in the 5th round of the 2023 draft due to his stuff. That bet paid off in a big way in his first pro season.

Rosario put up video game like numbers between Low-A and High-A. He posted a 2.24 ERA in 88.1 innings with 129 strikeouts to just 13 walks. That is just an absurd level of dominance and it made him a consensus top 100 prospect after the 2024 season.

Alejandro Rosario | RHP | 24 yo

Before his elbow injury in 2024, Rosario posted absurd K/BB numbers that landed him on top 100 lists.

A+, AA (2024):
2.24 ERA | 0.93 ERA | .207 BAA
88.1 IP | 129 SO | 13 SO

Disgusting numbers, and his stuff backs it up.pic.twitter.com/NxFnV5YEmy

— Nats Of The Future (@NatsOfTheFuture) January 23, 2026

It was not just the production that excited people about Rosario, it was also the stuff. He showcased three potential plus pitches with plus command in 2024. His fastball averaged 97 MPH on his fastball and it had good carry at the top of the zone. He also has a hard splitter that absolutely devastates hitters. To round out the arsenal, he also has a mid-80’s slider that is a potentially plus pitch too.

The craziest part of all is that he commands all of these weapons at a very high level. Rosario walked just 3.7% of hitters in 2024, which is nuts. He was pounding the zone with his premium stuff and hitters could not cope.

He will be out for two years, but the guy from 2024 is a top of the rotation arm. On the radio, Paul Toboni said the Nats would have had absolutely no shot at getting a player like this without the injuries. He acknowledged the risk he was taking, but felt like it was worth it.

In a five player package, taking a swing on Rosario makes a lot of sense. With players like Gavin Fien and Devin Fitz-Gerald in the deal, you are not relying on Rosario to make the haul worth it. He is just a high end lottery ticket with the chance to become a star.

There was a post that said Nats fans should think of this a little bit like the Cade Cavalli situation. I think there is a lot of truth in that. Rosario just turned 24 earlier this month, so we probably are not going to see the best of him until he is 26 or 27 years old, like Cavalli. However, if that stuff comes back, the Nats are getting a real piece, just like Cavalli.

I suppose the way to think of Alejandro Rosario is kind of like what Cade Cavalli was when he went down with TJ originally. He'll be older, but he has enough talent to establish himself once he's, like, 27. In the meantime, he's a non-factor to be treated like a lottery ticket

— Blake Butera Fan Club (@ckieboomfanclub) January 23, 2026

With how strange the Rosario saga has already been, I would not be shocked if he never throws a pitch in the MLB. I also would not be shocked if he has a top 10 finish in Cy Young voting one day. There is such a wide range of outcomes here. As a second or third piece of a five player deal, I am fine with accepting the massive variance.

We are going to have to make sure that Rosario actually gets the surgery, but if he does, he will be tracking for an early 2027 return. Hopefully the potential lockout does not provide yet another complication.

Even if he does come back fully healthy in early 2027 and games are being played, we are probably not going to see the best of Alejandro Rosario until 2028 and beyond. He will likely be pretty rusty after all that time off. This is a long term bet, but there is a chance the Nationals hit the jackpot here.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/gen...rd-washington-nationals-mackenzie-gore-return

 

[Washington Nationals]

Why DC sports fans need the Washington Post covering the Nationals

A disturbing report came out yesterday that the Washington Post could be shutting down their sports desk. This is not the sort of thing I normally write about, but it is something I could not avoid. Words cannot describe how big of a disaster this would be.

NEW: Massive layoffs coming to Washington Post… rumor inside Post is that sports desk could be shuttered entirely… foreign desk will be hit hard too

— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) January 25, 2026

As a kid growing up in DC, I was raised on the Post sports page. From a young age, I would get the paper, checking the box scores and the standings. As I grew older, I read more of their long form articles. I fell in love with the work of writers like Thomas Boswell. People like the Boz just enhanced my experience as a Washington Nationals fan.

Sure, the world has changed a lot since then, but there will always be a place in the world for the Post sports section. I cannot lie, it has been a dream of mine to work there one day. Being the next Thomas Boswell, Barry Svrluga or Chelsea Janes is something I have been striving towards. They are all such great journalists and unbelievable resources for sports fans.

Sad. Washington Post Sports used to be the gold standard.

𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘉𝘰𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘺 𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳, 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘣𝘰𝘯, 𝘔𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘦, 𝘙𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺, 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘨,… https://t.co/000igZ08Rh

— Cʜᴜᴄᴋ ᴅᴏᴜɢʟᴀs ✪ (@ChuckDouglas_) January 25, 2026

Over the past year or so, I have gotten the chance to talk to a few of the people that work on the Post sports desk. After my interviews or off the record conversations with them, I was always struck at how knowledgeable and smart these people are. However, it seems like being knowledgeable and smart may not get enough clicks in 2026, at least according to Jeff Bezos.

There is a side of me that thinks I could replace these people, but deep down, I know I cannot. People like Andrew Golden and Spencer Nusbaum have access, connections and a level head that I do not have. I am a blogger, while they are journalists, at least for now. One day, I want to be like them, but I am not there yet.

They provide such invaluable content for Nationals fans. There would be such a void in the coverage of the team if they are gone. Over the past year, they have broken some great stories. The one that comes to mind is the story about how the Nats were one of the few teams that do not have a Trajekt Arc machine. It felt like that story caught fire and became a symbol of how behind the curve the organization was.

It was also Spencer Nusbaum’s question that led Davey Martinez to his infamous answer about how the coaches are never to blame. These were two massive pieces of the Nats season last year that were due to the Post. With the Post potentially shutting down and MASN being gone, there is a real news desert for Nationals fans. I will be here for you guys, but I can only do so much.

This goes beyond baseball though. There was also a report that said the Post will not be sending anyone to the Winter Olympics next month. The Olympics are one of the most iconic sporting events on the planet. One of the biggest papers in the world not sending anyone to cover it feels crazy.

According to an internal email to Washington Post sports staff, the paper isn't sending any reporters to cover the winter Olympics next month. The decision comes as major layoffs are expected in the coming weeks.

— Max Tani (@maxwelltani) January 23, 2026

There is just so much to say here, but at the end of the day, I just feel a sense of sadness over this news. So much has changed in the world in the past decade, and a lot of it has not felt positive. This is just another example of a negative change.

Hopefully this does not happen, but the reporting sounds pretty grim. This would be a real disservice to DC sports fans, who deserve so much better. The Washington Post was a real institution at one point, and it is sad to see that go away. If this change comes to pass, it would be a massive shame for Nationals fans and sports fans in the area.

Reporters like Andrew Golden, Spencer Nusbaum, Chelsea Janes and Barry Svrluga do a fantastic job covering the Nats right now. It is tough to imagine being a Nats fan without the Post. However, that could be a reality before too long and it would suck.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/gen...-fans-need-washington-post-covering-nationals

 

[Washington Nationals]

Abimelec Ortiz has a chance to make an immediate impact for the Washington Nationals

While most of the players the Nationals received in the MacKenzie Gore trade are years away from the big leagues, Abimelec Ortiz is an exception. He may not possess the upside or athleticism of other players in the deal, but Ortiz has proven he can mash. At some point in 2026, we are likely to see Ortiz’s bat in the Nats lineup.

When talking about the trade, Toboni echoed that sentiment. He said that we could see Ortiz at either first base or DH in the big leagues this year. Ortiz did play some outfield last season, but Toboni seems to view him as a 1B or DH type. Given his squatty 5’10 230 pound frame, it makes sense why Toboni sees him that way.

Paul Toboni: “You could see Ortiz at 1B/DH this year”

— Kev (@klwoodjr) January 23, 2026

Scouts actually thought he looked surprisingly decent in the outfield in the Arizona Fall League, but the range is always going to be a limiting factor. He is a decent defender at first base, but is not elite by any means. The idea of a 5’10 first baseman is a little bit scary to me. He just is not able to get the high throws a prototypical 6’4 first baseman could get.

All of this means that Ortiz will have to absolutely mash to be an impactful big leaguer. He has done just that at the minor league level. In 2023, Ortiz hit 33 home runs across both A ball levels, putting his name on the map. Ortiz’s 2024 was an up and down year in a more pitcher friendly Double-A environment.

However, Ortiz returned to form in 2025, especially after a mid-season promotion to Triple-A. The big slugger hit 16 homers and posted a .787 OPS in 89 Double-A games before he got promoted to Triple-A. In a more hitter friendly environment, Ortiz exploded, with 9 homers and a .953 OPS in 41 games. For the season, Ortiz hammered 25 home runs.

His batted ball data was also excellent at the AAA level. Ortiz absolutely crushed baseballs, with a hard hit rate near 55%. He also had a knack for pulling the ball in the air, which allowed him to do damage. Ortiz’s batted ball profile is exactly what you want from a slugger.

Abimelec Ortiz (acquired by WSH) looked outstanding in his taste of AAA with extremely loud power metrics and solid plate discipline. He wields a quick bat and has a knack for pulling fly balls which has fuelled a productive MiLB career

He likely makes his MLB debut in 2026 https://t.co/WBPV2y6jnZ pic.twitter.com/3jqbD63Pgv

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) January 22, 2026

Ortiz turns 24 in late February, so this is not the case of a mid-20’s bopper abusing Triple-A. However, there is a sizable chance that Ortiz is one of those Quad-A sluggers along the lines of Andres Chaparro.

He will be given the chance to prove himself in the big leagues though. If Ortiz has a strong camp, he could make the MLB roster. There is not a lot of competition for reps at 1B or DH right now. That could change if the Nats sign somebody like Rhys Hoskins, but that has not happened yet.

Abimelec Ortiz | 1B/OF | 23 yo

Ortiz, the only prospect with a chance to debut in 2026, likely will, and may very well play lots of 1B in DC this year.

556 PA in AA, AAA (2025):
.257/.356/.479 | 25 HR | 89 RBI
4/6 SB | 53 XBH | 22-K% | 12-BB%

53 XBHs.pic.twitter.com/MJrhBU8G70

— Nats Of The Future (@NatsOfTheFuture) January 23, 2026

In my view, Ortiz has a chance to be a strong side platoon player at first base or DH. Since hitting the upper levels, Ortiz has had his struggles against left handed pitching. He has hit below .200 against them each of the last two seasons. However, he has not had problems mashing right handed pitching.

Ortiz has a lot of similarities to fellow rotund first baseman Rowdy Tellez. While Tellez has never been a star, he has been in the league for nearly a decade and managed a 35 home run season back in 2022. For a fourth piece in a trade, that is not too bad.

There is a chance that Ortiz is a little bit better than that as well. For Ortiz to be better than Tellez, he will need to be more selective at the plate. In Triple-A, his chase rate was 29% which is a bit higher than you would like. His walk rate last year was 11.7%, but he could still refine his approach some more.

The round slugger who hits bombs may never compile the most WAR, but they can be a solid piece to your team. These types of players can also be fan favorites. I mean who doesn’t love a big man that can mash. He will never be a .300 hitter, but Ortiz whiffs less than your average big man masher.

Abimelec Ortiz may never be anything more than a Quad-A slugger. The mediocre plate discipline and lack of a true position might end up costing him. However, I would not count him out. The former undrafted free agent has already beaten the odds to get this far. I am really rooting for Ortiz because he could be a very fun player if everything comes together.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/was...ake-immediate-impact-for-washington-nationals

 

[Washington Nationals]

Four Washington Nationals feature in MLB Pipeline’s top 100 rankings

The other day, MLB Pipeline dropped their new top 100 rankings and it featured four Nationals in the top 80. Out of all the public rankings I have seen, Pipeline is the highest on the Nats prospects. They have Eli Willits at 13th, Travis Sykora at 54th, Harry Ford at 71st and Jarlin Susana at 80th.

This is very exciting for Nats fans, who are very attached to prospects these days after all the losing that has come this decade. If these guys pan out, they can lead the next generation of winning Nats baseball. After all of the losing, Nats fans deserve it.

Let’s dive into the rankings and what they have to say about each player. Former first overall pick Eli Willits is the top ranked Nats prospect. Pipeline is higher on him than most other outlets, ranking him at 13th. Willits is the highest ranked player drafted in 2025, despite being 5th on their draft rankings. A strong pro debut combined with questions about Ethan Holliday’s hit tool allowed him to move past the more famous prospect.

Eli Willits joins some elite company pic.twitter.com/DAT5nqkLdu

— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2025

Willits has three 60 grade tools according to Pipeline. His hitting, running and fielding all have 60 grades, meaning they are plus tools. Players with a 60 hit tool and 60 defense at shortstop do not come around very often, and that is why Willits was taken first overall. He showed both of those skills in his pro debut, where he hit .300 and flashed the leather at shortstop.

The biggest question mark about Willits is his power. Pipeline gave his power tool a 45 grade, which is slightly below average. Due to how great the rest of his game is, that is okay. Willits has the chance to be a 15 home run guy, which is more than good enough considering the rest of his profile. I have always liked the comparison of Geraldo Perdomo when discussing Willits.

One of Pipeline’s more interesting rankings is Travis Sykora. While Baseball America and Keith Law dropped him out of their top 100 list after his Tommy John Surgery, Pipeline still has him at 54th. Personally, I would probably have him somewhere in between, on the back end of a top 100.

Sykora was one of the most dominant minor league arms in the sport before going down with injury. In his pro career, Sykora has a 2.14 ERA and 208 strikeouts in 130.1 innings. He overwhelmed lower minors hitters with his three potentially plus pitches and strong feel for pitching.

Travis Sykora's 2nd Single-A @FXBGNats start of 2025:

– 9 up, 9 down
– 5 strikeouts
– 11 whiffs (on 25 swings)

The @Nationals' top-ranked prospect has allowed just 2 hits in 11 IP across two levels this season: pic.twitter.com/jUu98Se2YL

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 20, 2025

Sykora will need to throw his fastball in the zone more often when he comes back, but outside of that, he does not have many weaknesses on the mound. He fires a mid to upper 90’s heater from his unusual delivery. Sykora also has a slider and a splitter that can be plus pitches. The splitter was particularly effective in 2025 according to Pipeline.

Unfortunately, Sykora will miss most, if not all of this season due to the surgery. If he looks as good as new when he comes back, Travis Sykora has the chance to really surge up the rankings. He has top of the rotation upside, and I cannot wait to see him pitch again.

The next player on the list is the only Nats top 100 prospect who was acquired this offseason. That would be Harry Ford, who the Nats got in the Jose A. Ferrer trade. Ford is the closest to the big leagues of all these guys, having already made his debut.

Seattle developed Ford for a number of years, but had no room for the catcher due to Cal Raleigh. That made him expendable, and the catcher needy Nats took advantage. Ford, who ranks 71st on Pipeline’s list, has average hitting ability and power, but that is amplified due to his elite plate discipline.

Harry Ford homers off Brandyn Garcia in the 8th. pic.twitter.com/DBJZ8gftXl

— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) August 7, 2025

Ford has a real chance to be a strong offensive catcher. He has 18-20 homer power and can be a .260ish hitter. That .260 average will come with a .350+ on base percentage. In his minor league career, Ford has a .405 career OBP in 1,693 at bats, despite only having a .266 average. That ability to get on base gives him a strong offensive floor. Ford is also a great runner for his position and has a chance to steal up to 15 bags a season.

The defensive side of the game is more of a question mark. Pipeline gives his glove a 45 grade, meaning he is a slightly below average defender behind the plate. With how important defense is behind the plate, this is not ideal, but he is certainly playable as a catcher.

Pipeline notes that he is a solid thrower, but his framing is not very good, even if it has gotten better over the years. With the challenge system coming in, that weakness could be mitigated. Ford’s leadership has been praised, which is something you like to see from a catcher. He will never be confused for Yadier Molina, but Ford should be able to stick behind the plate.

The last National on the top 100 list is Jarlin Susana, who ranks as the 80th best prospect. Like Sykora, Susana had season ending surgery, but his recovery from lat surgery should not take as long.

Susana has some of the most electric stuff in the minor leagues. His fastball sits at 100 MPH and can get up to the 103-104 range. He also has the rare ability to hold his triple digit velocity deep into games. However, some scouts think his slider is even better than his fastball. Pipeline gives both pitches a 70 grade, which is plus-plus stuff.

Jarlin Susana with another good performance today:

5 IP 2 H 1 R 3 BB 10 K
20 whiffs

The arsenal is there! If he can keep his command in check, this is a scary arm!
pic.twitter.com/Fh7gAVHzkH

— Andrew DeCeglie (@Andrew_FBB) August 25, 2025

After struggling with injuries and inconsistency early in the season, Susana had a crazy run in the second half before his lat injury. Unfortunately, durability has been a problem for Susana in his career. He has had a few injury scares, which comes with the territory for pitchers with his velocity.

There are also some control issues, with Pipeline giving it a below average 40 grade. However, his stuff is so insane that he still has the chance to be a front of the rotation arm. If the injuries and control move him to a relief role, he could be one of the most dominant closers in baseball.

As long as Susana stays healthy and is anywhere near the strike zone, he will be an impactful pitcher, either as a starter or a high leverage relief arm. Hopefully we can see him on the mound early in the 2026 season. His stuff is just so ridiculous.

It is nice to see Pipeline being higher on some of the Nats prospects. Having four guys in the top 80 is a good sign. There are also other players that could rise on to the list with good seasons. Paul Toboni traded for intriguing prospects like Gavin Fien, Luis Perales and Devin Fitz-Gerald this offseason. I see all of them as having top 100 upside.

This will be something to monitor as we head into the season. Right now the Nats have four top 100 guys. While Ford should graduate, there should be plenty of other Nats prospects waiting in the wings to take his spot on the top 100 list. MLB Pipeline is a great resource for fans, and I really appreciate their lists, especially when the Nats are well represented.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/was...ionals-feature-mlb-pipelines-top-100-rankings

 

[Washington Nationals]

The Washington Nationals Need To Pounce On A Free Agent Starting Pitcher

Even before trading MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in exchange for 5 prospects, the Nationals’ rotation was looking very subpar entering 2026. Following Gore’s departure, the unit now projects to be 29th in fWAR this season, according to Fangraphs, finishing ahead of only the Colorado Rockies, not great company when talking about pitching. Foster Griffin and Cade Cavalli project to lead the rotation, with fWARs just under 2 and ERAs just above 4, but outside of those two, the rotation isn’t looking pretty, with Brad Lord projected around a 4.50 ERA, and Jake Irvin and Josiah Gray with projected ERAs near 5.

The Nats have been mentioned in the starting pitching market a few times, but never tied to any names. It is expected that they won’t want to drop a large sum of money on a pitcher, ruling out top remaining arms such as Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen, but that they would bring in a name notable enough to lock into a rotation spot over one of Jake Irvin, Josiah Gray, or Brad Lord. Let’s take a look at a few of the remaining starting pitchers on the free agent market and find one or two who would best fit in the Nats rotation in 2026.

RHP Lucas Giolito

The best available free-agent starting pitcher in the Nationals’ price range is likely Lucas Giolito, the former Nats top prospect who was shipped to the White Sox for Adam Eaton before the 2017 season. After stops with 4 other clubs, including 3 teams in 2023, Giolito now hits the open market, following a 2025 campaign where he posted a 3.41 ERA and 2 fWAR in 145 innings pitched.

While Giolito was the most productive of any free agent arm in the Nats’ price range, there is a few reasons I would be hesitant to pay him. For starters, while the surface-level numbers looked strong for Giolito, a peek under the hood suggests regression coming for him in 2026. His FIP was 4.17, a respectable number, but far off from his 3.41 ERA, and his expected ERA was even worse, sitting at 5.06, in the 12th percentile among all starting pitchers in 2025.

Giolito’s peripherals also don’t suggest his 2025 success will translate so easily to 2026. With his 22nd percentile average exit velocity, 28th percentile strikeout rate, and 30th percentile walk rate, it’s hard to imagine a world where Giolito can be worth whatever the Nats would pay him this winter. Still, perhaps Toboni believes some change Giolito made during his time in Boston can translate long-term, and their connection from that time can get a deal done.

RHP Justin Verlander

After a shaky first half to Verlander’s age-42 season in which he posted a 4.70 ERA and 4.22 FIP in 76 2/3 innings pitched, it looked like the future Hall of Famer’s career may have been coming to a close. Then suddenly, in the second half, Verlander flipped a switch, posting a 2.99 ERA and 3.47 FIP in 75 1/3 innings pitched, showing he still has what it takes to pitch in the big leagues for at least one more year.

Verlander likely hopes to pitch for a contender in 2026, but if no contender is willing to take a chance on him at the moment, perhaps starting the year with the Nationals and being traded to one at the deadline could be what he’s looking for.

Proof that an old dog still can learn tricks is Verlander adding a sweeper to his arsenal in 2025. He used the pitch primarily against right-handed hitters, throwing it to them 13% of the time, and it was a huge success, with a .135 opponents’ batting average. If Verlander is a National in 2026, as the Nats coaching staff, I’d be looking to increase his usage of that pitch even more against righties, making it one of his more used pitches.

RHP Aaron Civale

Like Verlander, Civale got roughed up in the first half of 2025, but found another gear in the second half, posting a 3.58 FIP in 49 1/3 innings pitched. The difference between Verlander and Civale, other than Civale being 12 years younger, is that Civale finished the season as a relief pitcher, making it risky for the Nats to try him out again as a starter.

Civale did a strong job of limiting hard contact in 2025, posting a 69th percentile average exit velocity. He also does a solid job of limiting free passes, with a 59th percentile walk rate in 2025. Civale doesn’t get a lot of swing and miss, so he’s at his best when he keeps the ball out of the air and on the ground, and that was exactly the case in 2025, as when he cut his fly ball rate by 10% and raised his groundball rate by 8% in the second half of 2025 versus the first, his performance greatly improved.

While the 3 pitchers here would be my preference for rotation upgrades in 2026, I am open to whatever moves Paul Toboni and his staff believe they need to make. The new coaching staff specializes in unlocking players’ hidden potentials, and perhaps they see something in a pitcher none of us are thinking about that they can unlock.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/gen...ls-need-pounce-on-free-agent-starting-pitcher

 

[Washington Nationals]

Paul Toboni and the Washington Nationals are embarking on Project 2028

The MacKenzie Gore trade made it abundantly clear that Paul Toboni is thinking about the long game. It is not just that Toboni traded Gore that has me thinking this. The prospect package he chose is full of high upside players that are multiple years from the MLB. Four of the five pieces in the deal have no chance of making the big leagues in 2026.

This does not bother Toboni because he is thinking more about building the 2028 Nationals than the 2026 Nats. All of Toboni’s actions suggest he does not believe this team has a prayer in 2026. It may be a harsh reality to accept, but he is correct. Even with heavier spending, this team would not be able to pass the Phillies, Mets or Braves in 2026.

Instead, Toboni is trying to build a team that can compete in the NL East at the end of this decade and entering the 2030’s. There are plenty of reasons to do this. With a lockout looming, the 2027 season is in a state of limbo. The Phillies, who have won the division the last two years are an aging team with only a couple years left in their competitive window.

When 2028 hits, the Nats should be ready to strike. Young big league pieces like James Wood, Daylen Lile and Dylan Crews would be truly entering their prime at that time. The Nats would also have a ton of reinforcements making it to the MLB at that point, especially on the infield. This organization has an embarrassment of riches on the infield in A ball. You would have to imagine that some of these players will really break out.

The Nationals have a ridiculous amount of talent in the lower levels on the minor leagues, especially on the infield. Willits, Fien, Fitz-Gerald, Coy James, Marconi German, Luke Dickerson, Angel Feliz and Ronny Cruz are all infielders who are 20 or younger

— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) January 23, 2026

There is no guarantee that CJ Abrams will be on the 2028 Nats, but Eli Willits should be on his way to take the shortstop job at that point. Gavin Fien, Devin Fitz-Gerald, Marconi German and others will also be charging towards their big league debuts. This has the chance to be reminiscent of those Orioles teams that seemed to have a new top 100 prospect debuting every week.

All of this sounds great on paper, but it is really frustrating for Nationals fans. We have been rebuilding for a long time now and this new guy is coming in asking for even more patience. It is tough for Nats fans and Toboni knows it. After the trade, Toboni talked about how tough it was to root for struggling Giants teams growing up and empathized with the fans. However, he made it clear that he thought these long term focused moves were what was best for the franchise.

Paul Toboni's message to Nats fans who have expressed frustration after another star-caliber player – and one of the main pieces from the Juan Soto trade – has been dealt away: pic.twitter.com/GfqNhNvTG0

— Bobby Blanco (@Bobby_Blanco) January 22, 2026

Back when Mike Rizzo was running the show, the Nats always felt like they were building towards 2026. Now, we are back to square one. That is not Paul Toboni’s fault though. It is not his responsibility to fix Mike Rizzo’s broken rebuild. His job is to build the team in his own image, something Barry Svrluga noted on the radio.

Is the Nats' rebuild more pain now for a sweeter moment later? That's Paul Toboni's idea, as Barry Svrluga elaborates. pic.twitter.com/sLjFb6ekmM

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) January 23, 2026

After losing 96 games last year, it was impossible to deny the rebuild was not trending in the right direction. Toboni has pointed that out on a number of occasions. He said that while it is not impossible to turn things around in one year, it is tough and that last season was a reality check.

With that in mind, Toboni does not feel like it is in the team’s best interest to build for 2026. Based on his actions, Toboni wants to use this year to evaluate what he has on the roster and go from there. There are a ton of unproven players with upside on this roster and Toboni wants to see who emerges from the pack.

This approach is probably going to lead to a lot of losses, but it is shrewd. If you want to see winning baseball in the Nats organization next year, the MLB team is not going to be the place to look. I think the minor league teams will take a major jump next year. That is where you will see what Toboni is building towards.

He is not going to neglect the MLB team entirely though. However, the goal of 2026 is more about individual progress than competing for a playoff spot. If James Wood, Daylen Lile, Dylan Crews, Cade Cavalli and Brady House make progress in their development, but the team wins 70 games, that is a successful season, at least in my books. I have a feeling Toboni would agree with me as well.

The wins will be taking place on the development side. Toboni’s Project 2028 will be a slower burn, but one that I believe will have steady progress. It is tough to talk about the 2027 season because of all the uncertainty. Right now, we are not even sure if there will be a season at all. The CBA expires and all the signs point to an all out war in the next negotiations.

I really hope the whole season is not wiped out because that would push back some of the Nats plans. The development of the Nats minor leaguers could be harmed by this strike. Minor Leaguers not on the 40-man roster would be able to play, but I imagine things would not be normal.

With all the young talent entering the Nats organization, I really do believe that this team will be good again. If the Lerner’s open up their checkbook eventually, this team could be great.

This version of the rebuild feels different to me. The people running the show have a much better understanding of the modern game. Mike Rizzo is a Nationals legend, but it did really seem like the game passed him by at the end. Meanwhile, Toboni is a young up and comer who is on the cutting edge.

It's early, but if I'm a Nationals fan, I'm excited about the tangible shift in the org led by Paul Toboni. The amount of upside acquired in these deals is eye-popping, even with creative smaller moves to complement and a total overhaul in scouting, PD and general approach.

— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) January 22, 2026

Nats fans, this year is going to suck at the MLB level, let’s not sugarcoat it. While the lineup has the potential to be solid, this pitching staff is a barren wasteland. A few of these players could surprise us, but on paper this pitching staff is really bad.

With Luis Perales, Jarlin Susana, Travis Sykora and others in the pipeline, there will be reinforcements. However, those reinforcements are probably not coming in 2026. When this team becomes competitive again, I have a feeling they will need to make an aggressive move for pitching in the free agent market. I do not have much faith that ownership will pull the trigger, but we can cross that bridge when we get there.

For now, Nats fans will have to take victories when they get them. In this new regime, I do think we will see more prospects break out and excite us. This should be a year of progress, even if it does not come in the standings.

Paul Toboni is not too worried about the MLB standings this year. To be frank, his goal is not to win the World Series in 2026, or even make the playoffs. His goal is to create Project 2028. If his plan works out, the Nationals should be ready to make a splash by 2028. As we enter the 2030’s, the Nationals should be a young and hungry team competing for championships. We are a long way away, but for the first time in a while, I truly trust the process.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/gen...i-washington-nationals-embarking-project-2028

 

[Washington Nationals]

Dan Kolko replaces Bob Carpenter as the Washington Nationals play-by-play voice

While the Washington Nationals are leaving MASN, the broadcast will be a familiar one. After Bob Carpenter’s retirement, the Nats had to find a new play-by-play voice. They decided to go with an internal option. Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reported that Dan Kolko will be taking over play-by-play duties in 2026.

News: Dan Kolko will succeed Bob Carpenter doing play-by-play on Nationals broadcasts this year, according to multiple people familiar with the decision. Kolko filled in regularly for Carpenter last year and has been a part of Nats coverage in various roles since 2012.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) January 27, 2026

Kolko is a very familiar face to Nationals fans. He has been working at MASN since 2012, and has been a staple of Nats coverage for many years. Kolko gained popularity as a young sideline reporter when the Nats were rolling in the 2010’s. He got along well with the players on those teams, who often treated him like a little brother.

Dan Kolko was the butt of many jokes for those teams, getting teased in good fun by the likes of Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth. Over the years, Kolko’s role has expanded. Over the past couple years, it has felt like he was being groomed for this role. As Bob Carpenter took more time off, Kolko got plenty of reps as a play-by-play guy.

THE BIGGEST CONGRATULATIONS TO DAN KOLKO!!!!!

From on field reporter (who looked like he was going home to do his biology homework) to the greatest interview in Nats history to becoming the new Play by Play announcer.

We're so proud & so happy for you @DanKolko_ !!!!!! pic.twitter.com/bH3OoleVWN

— Ladies Who Like Baseball (@LONTDC1) January 27, 2026

In my opinion, the role did not come as naturally to him as sideline reporting. However, I do think he has improved over the last couple years. A lot of Nats fans wanted to get an outside voice to replace Bob Carpenter, but Kolko deserves a chance to grow into the role.

Replacing a figure like Bob Carpenter is not an easy task. We did a profile on Bob at the end of last season, and it is clear that he is a special figure in the Nats community. Those are big shoes to fill, but Kolko is well aware of that.

One plus of keeping Kolko on board is that he knows the team very well. In this new era of Nats baseball, that knowledge is important. Kolko knows what a good Nationals team looks like as well. The online reaction to this news has been a bit lukewarm, but I think Nats fans should give him a chance.

It does sound like Kevin Frandsen will be back as the color commentator. His passion for the team and his work is clear on the broadcasts, though he can go over the top at times. Part of me hoped for a new booth as we enter a new era, but we should give this tandem a chance.

Like the team on the field, this is a year of transition in the booth as well. There could be some growing pains, but hopefully they can show progress. I am curious to see what this MLB TV broadcast looks like and how Dan Kolko grows into his new role.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/lat...enter-washington-nationals-play-by-play-voice

 

[Washington Nationals]

New Washington Nationals prospect Yeremy Cabrera is more than a throw in

In the MacKenzie Gore trade, the Washington Nationals got five pieces in return. They received Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Devin Fitz-Gerald, Abimelec Ortiz and Yeremy Cabrera. We have talked about the first four prospects, but I thought Yeremy Cabrera was worth discussing too. He may be the 5th piece in the deal, but he is more than a throw in.

On prospect rankings, Cabrera actually ranks ahead of Abimelec Ortiz, but is not as close to the big leagues. Pipeline ranks him as the Nats 17th best prospect, while Baseball America has him at 22nd. The 20 year old outfielder has an intriguing blend of speed, defense and flashes of hitting ability.

Cabrera’s best trait is his defense in center field. Baseball America considers him a 60 grade defender, while Pipeline has him at a 55. BA says he is a plus defender due to his elite combination of speed and instincts. He was actually named the Rangers Minor League defender of the year last season.

Along with the defense, Cabrera is also one of the fastest runners in the system now. He stole 43 bases in the minors last year. Cabrera was actually one of just six teenagers to post a wRC+ above 115, steal at least 25 bases and hit at least 7 homers last year. Most of these players are top 100 prospects.

Want to push some Angel Cepeda love! Some excellent company in this filtered search.

Low-A or higher, 19 or younger, wRC+ 115 or greater, 25 or more SB, 7 or more HRs in 2025:

Konnor Griffin
Edward Florentino
Eduardo Quintero
Caleb Bonemer
Yeremy Cabrera
Angel Cepeda#Cubs pic.twitter.com/tXiur1CXV3

— Northside Soundtrack (@CHC_DataDrive) January 20, 2026

While Cabrera is a legitimate prospect now, it was not always this way. He signed for just $10,000 in 2022. His minor league production and his inclusion in a major trade made this more than a worthwhile investment for the Rangers. He is a player with helium attached to his name.

While speed and defense are Cabrera’s calling card, he also shows promise at the plate. In a pitcher friendly environment, Cabrera hit .256 with a .730 OPS in A ball last year. While those numbers don’t seem like anything crazy, it was good for a 120 wRC+.

Cabrera has surprising raw power for a smaller guy, hitting max exit velocities of 110 MPH. He kept the ball off of the ground nicely as well. However, that raw power has not fully shown up in games yet. Cabrera hit just 8 homers and 12 doubles in 102 games, with a .366 slugging percentage. At just 20, there could be more in the tank though.

Getting on base is one thing that Cabrera excels at in the low minors. He posted a .364 OBP with an 11.5% walk rate last season. Those are solid numbers for a young defense first outfielder. He also has decent contact skills, with a strikeout rate below 20%.

Haven’t seen any mention of the 5th piece in the deal, OF Yeremy Cabrera, but he’s got very good numbers as well
In 102 games at Low A as a 19 yo in 2025
-120 wRC+
-.364 OBP
-8 HRs
-43 SBs!
16th ranked prospect in TEX farm, don’t sleep on himpic.twitter.com/C0vlF368ak

— Paul Cubbage (@PaulCubbage23) January 23, 2026

Cabrera is never going to be a special hitter, but he should be able to hit enough to get to the MLB. His speed and defense provide a strong floor as a fourth outfielder. If the power comes around, he could be a strong side platoon guy. Left handed pitching seems to give him a lot of trouble, hitting below .200 against southpaws last year.

For a 5th piece in a trade, this is a really nice get. Yeremy Cabrera is young, athletic and has plenty of paths to becoming a big leaguer. You don’t see that much from a guy who is considered the “throw in” of a trade.

Next season will be a test for Cabrera. He should start next season at High-A Wilmington. The Nats High-A affiliate is infamous for being pitcher friendly. However, Cabrera is used to that, with the Rangers Low-A affiliate also being tough for hitters.

The Nationals have a lot of infielders in the lower minors, but not as many strong outfield prospects. Obviously, the Nats have plenty of young outfield talent in the MLB and even AAA, but as you get down to A ball, you don’t see as much talent. This means Cabrera should be able to get a lot of looks in center field.

Having watched Jacob Young for the last couple of years, Nats fans know how valuable center field defense can be. Cabrera may not be that level of defender, but he is not far off. He also provides much more offensive upside than Young. It will take him a couple years to get to the MLB, but do not be surprised if Yeremy Cabrera is a solid contributor one day.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/was...ls-prospect-yeremy-cabrera-more-than-throw-in

 

[JJ]

Man, the Nats are really going all in on the youth movement here. Gotta respect Toboni for having the stones to commit to a full rebuild instead of this half-assed "competitive rebuild" nonsense Rizzo was trying to pull.

That prospect haul from the Gore trade is LOADED with upside. Four guys in the top 80 on Pipeline plus all these new pieces? That's how you build a contender. Look at what the Orioles did - they sucked for years, stacked prospects, and now they're rolling. Same blueprint here.

The Willits pick at 1.1 is gonna age really well I think. A 60 hit tool AND 60 defense at shortstop? That's rare as hell. The Perdomo comp is interesting but I think Willits has more offensive upside than that.

Sykora and Susana both coming back from surgery is concerning though. Pitching prospects are so damn volatile. Really hope they can stay healthy because that stuff is FILTHY when they're right.

And honestly? Kolko getting the play-by-play gig makes sense. Dude has been around the organization forever and knows these players. Give him a chance before everyone loses their minds about it.

2026 is gonna be ugly in the standings but who cares - watch the prospects develop, enjoy the minor league reports, and get hyped for 2028. Sometimes you gotta eat your vegetables before you get dessert.

 

[Washington Nationals]

Washington Nationals announce their Minor League coaching staffs

The Washington Nationals just released their 2026 Minor League coaching staff. With Paul Toboni taking the reins, there are naturally a lot of new faces. However, there are also some returning staff members. The staffs are also bigger than they have been in the past, which is an example of Toboni’s focus on player development.

Here’s the entire player development staff, including all levels of the minor and coordinators: pic.twitter.com/kMx2yDd8uz

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) January 29, 2026

Every minor league team is going to have more staff members than they did last year. To build a player development machine like Paul Toboni wants, you need plenty of cogs. That is what he is trying to build here.

There are going to be new staff positions this year. Last year, there was only one trainer and one conditioning coach at each level. This year there will be an assistant trainer and an assistant conditioning coach at each level. There will also be a defense coach at each level, something we did not have last year. Lastly, there are assistant hitting and pitching coaches at each level as well.

Few things that stand out about the Nats’ minor league dev. staff at first glance:

– An assistant/associate athletic trainer & strength and conditioning coach at each level (Only 1 trainer/S&D coach before)
– A defensive coach at each level
– Asst. pitching coaches at affiliates

— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) January 29, 2026

All of this is very exciting for an organization that will be built on player development. These new hires also show a real commitment to Paul Toboni’s vision. While they may not be spending in free agency, ownership is putting their money where their mouth is here.

Despite all the new faces, the Double-A and Triple-A managers will remain the same. Matt LeCroy has been a beloved minor league manager for a long time now. This will be his sixth season managing Triple-A Rochester and his 18th season in the Nationals organization. From all of the clips you see of him, LeCroy seems like a wonderful person. He was also in the mix to be the Nats interim manager last year.

Double-A manager Delino DeShields will also be back. This will be his fourth season managing the Harrisburg Senators. However, the Nats are bringing in new managers for both A ball clubs. Chris O’Neill will serve as the Fred Nats manager. He was previously the hitting coach at VCU. The High-A manager will be Ted Tom, who also served in the college ranks. He was most recently the hitting coach at UCF.

There are going to be so many new voices in the organization, which I love to see. These staffers have a mix of youth and experience, though the Low-A staff is very young. The pitching coach for the Fred Nats is only 27 and the assistant pitching coach is even younger at 24. Both have experience working in pitching labs, such as Driveline. The physical therapists name is also James Wood, which I found funny.

A few takeaways:
1. There are a lot more people on these staffs than what we are accustomed to, which I love
2. I looked at the press releases and the Fred Nats staff is crazy young lol. At least half of them are in their 20's.
3. WHO is the physical therapist haha https://t.co/msGdZhRHU3

— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) January 29, 2026

As you get into the upper minors, the coaches are usually older, which makes sense. Most of the Triple-A staff is in their 40’s or 50’s. Following the progress of the minor league teams should be very exciting this year.

The Nats have a deep pool of prospects after their offseason trades. The system is especially deep at the lower levels. With this revamped development team, we should see prospects have breakout years. I am excited to see who will be helped the most by these changes. This kind of stuff is why the Paul Toboni hire is so exciting.

Source: https://www.federalbaseball.com/was...tionals-announce-minor-league-coaching-staffs