Nats Minutecast with Dan Holmi

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly targeting Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore after losing Tanner Houck to injury, with Gore seen as a “perfect match” due to his age, team control, and strong 2025 performance. Boston, still in playoff contention, could part with top prospects to bolster their rotation, though it would take a massive offer to pry Gore from Washington. For the Nationals, moving Gore would signal a full reboot as the franchise pivots under new leadership following a rough season and front-office turnover.

Meanwhile, Josh Bell has emerged as an unlikely bright spot in a disappointing Nationals lineup. After struggling early, he’s been one of Washington’s best hitters since May, thanks to a return to his natural, all-fields approach. Bell’s resurgence could make him a valuable trade chip or a key veteran presence if retained. His turnaround also underscores the Nationals’ broader development problem: tailoring approaches to individual strengths rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all philosophy.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals were rocked early in Sunday’s loss to the Padres, with MacKenzie Gore surrendering eight runs in just 2.1 innings, including a grand slam to Xander Bogaerts. It was Gore’s worst outing of the year, and a sharp contrast to his All-Star form, with his ERA ballooning from 3.02 to 3.59. While Nick Pivetta dominated the Nats again, the lone offensive bright spot came from Riley Adams’ solo homer and James Wood snapping an 0-for-20 slump. On the bright side, Rutledge, Lara, and Henry covered nearly seven innings in relief without allowing a run.

Off the field, the Nationals signed No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits for $8.2M and plan to fast-track his development. Cade Cavalli is also nearing a return to the majors as he builds consistency post–Tommy John surgery. With the trade deadline looming, interim GM Mike DeBartolo hinted at dealing veterans like Soroka and Finnegan while protecting core pieces like Gore, Abrams, Wood, and Crews. The Nationals may be struggling now, but their youth movement is gaining real momentum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals are at a major crossroads after firing longtime president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo. With the team sitting 20 games below .500 and both the GM and manager positions filled on an interim basis, the Lerners must now make the franchise’s most important leadership hire in over a decade. The front-runner internally is Mike DeBartolo, a lifelong Nat who has climbed the ranks from intern to interim GM. His passion for the franchise and call for “real change” has made him a serious contender, with some insiders vouching for his sharp mind and genuine leadership style.

Externally, experienced names like Josh Byrnes (Dodgers) and Jed Hoyer (Cubs) top the list, bringing proven track records and championship pedigrees. Jeff Greenberg (Tigers), Gavin Dickey (Astros), and Carter Hawkins (Cubs) also offer intriguing blends of analytics, scouting, and player development. Whether the Lerners stay internal with DeBartolo or swing big for an outsider, this decision will shape the direction of Team Nationals for years to come.

TWITTER: @dancaps218

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals stunned the baseball world by selecting 17-year-old Oklahoma shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. While the outside consensus favored prospects like Ethan Holliday or Kade Anderson, Nationals brass described the decision as "unanimous," citing Willits’ elite contact ability, speed, defensive tools, and makeup. His lack of Scott Boras representation likely contributed to the team’s ability to sign him under-slot and redirect bonus pool money toward other high-upside picks like flamethrower Landon Harmon.

This draft marked a strategic departure from the Mike Rizzo era. Under interim GM Mike DeBartolo and scouting head Danny Haas, Washington focused on ceiling and character, drafting 11 hitters and 9 pitchers—many from college but also high-risk, high-reward high schoolers. With Willits compared to Ken Griffey Jr. in youth, the Nationals have placed a major bet on projection and long-term development, one that could define the franchise's rebuild for years to come.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nationals shocked the draft world by selecting 17-year-old Oklahoma high school shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick — bypassing consensus favorites like LSU ace Kade Anderson and top-ranked prep infielder Ethan Holliday. In a chaotic week that saw GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez fired, interim GM Mike DeBartolo claimed the pick was backed by both scouting and analytics. Still, the timing and strategy raise eyebrows.

Willits, the youngest No. 1 overall pick in MLB history, has plus speed and glove but limited power projection, making him a high-risk bet in a system desperate for proven offensive upside. The Nationals may save money on his underslot deal, but passing on more polished talent at the top for bonus pool maneuvering feels like a gamble from a franchise in transition — one that could define the next decade, for better or worse.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals are facing a pivotal moment in their rebuild following the firings of GM Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez. Interim GM Mike DeBartolo now has to guide the franchise through a crucial 2025 MLB Draft, trade deadline decisions, and potentially a massive trade involving ace MacKenzie Gore. With Gore’s value peaking and his free agency looming in 2027, the Nationals must decide whether to keep building around him or flip him for a haul of top prospects.

As the Nationals prepare to make the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, the choice between prep slugger Ethan Holliday and college lefty Kade Anderson could shape their long-term identity. Meanwhile, trade chips like closer Kyle Finnegan and veteran Michael Soroka may be on the move as contenders circle. The Nationals stand at a crossroads: double down on their core or hit the reset button once again.

DAN ON TWITTER/X

https://x.com/dancaps218

PODCAST

https://x.com/TalkNatsPodcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his first public remarks as the Nationals’ interim head of baseball operations, Mike DeBartolo signaled a significant shift in organizational philosophy. While expressing gratitude to former GM Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez, DeBartolo emphasized the need for real change — including integrating more data, technology, and innovation across scouting, player development, and medical evaluations. Though he's held key roles in the front office since 2012, DeBartolo framed himself as a reformer ready to modernize how the Nats operate at every level.

Despite the “interim” tag, DeBartolo will lead two major milestones this month: the MLB Draft, where the Nationals hold the first overall pick, and the trade deadline, which may involve tough calls on players like MacKenzie Gore. His bold tone contrasted with new interim manager Miguel Cairo, who paid tribute to Martinez and pledged continuity. Now, DeBartolo's performance in the coming weeks will serve as his live audition to turn a struggling franchise into a consistent contender — if ownership backs his vision with real investment.

https://x.com/dancaps218

https://x.com/TalkNatsPodcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the wake of the shocking double firing of manager Davey Martinez and longtime GM Mike Rizzo, the Washington Nationals have named bench coach Miguel Cairo as interim manager. Cairo, a former big league infielder with 17 seasons of MLB experience and a quiet, respected presence in the dugout, will begin his 72-game audition Tuesday in St. Louis. He inherits a coaching staff entirely handpicked by Martinez, keeping continuity in a clubhouse still reeling from instability. Cairo previously served as interim manager for the White Sox in 2022 and earned praise for his leadership during that stretch.

Meanwhile, new interim GM Mike DeBartolo steps into a massive month for the franchise. The Nationals hold the No. 1 overall pick in this Sunday’s MLB Draft — their first since selecting Harper and Strasburg — and the trade deadline looms on July 31. DeBartolo’s immediate challenge is steering a sinking team (currently 37-53) toward relevance, while evaluating whether Cairo could be a long-term fit. With tension building and big decisions ahead, this new-look Nationals leadership group has a chance to reshape the team’s direction — or risk falling even further behind in their rebuild.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a stunning but perhaps overdue move, the Washington Nationals fired both manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo on Sunday night, bringing an end to one of MLB’s longest-running partnerships. Their shared tenure included the franchise’s first and only World Series title in 2019, but the years since have been plagued by losing records, failed free agent signings, and stalled development. With the Nats falling to 37–53 and sitting last in the NL East, ownership declared it was time for “a fresh approach and new energy” to lead the team into a new chapter. Mike DeBartolo, Rizzo’s longtime assistant, takes over as interim GM, with an interim manager to be named Monday.

The timing raised eyebrows, coming just hours after James Wood and MacKenzie Gore were named All-Stars — a rare bright spot in a bleak season. Martinez, who recently clashed with media and players over accountability, finishes with a 500–622 record as the longest-tenured manager in club history. Rizzo, the architect of the 2019 title and several rebuilds, now exits amid criticism over recent failures in scouting, development, and player acquisitions. With the No. 1 overall pick looming and the trade deadline ahead, the Nationals face one of the most pivotal stretches in franchise history — and this house-cleaning signals they plan to face it with new leadership, new voices, and a reset from top to bottom.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MacKenzie Gore pitched like an ace once again, allowing just one run over seven innings with an ERA drop to 3.09, but the Nationals' offense offered no support in a 1-0 loss to the Padres. Despite Gore's 18 whiffs and dominant command, the Nats couldn't get a runner into scoring position and dropped their seventh straight series. Now at 33-48, Washington’s playoff hopes are dimming fast, and they sit 5-18 in June — a brutal fall after showing signs of life in May.

But there’s still hope on the horizon: top pitching prospect Travis Sykora has been promoted to Double-A after torching High-A hitters with a 1.21 ERA and electric stuff. Meanwhile, catcher Keibert Ruiz lands on the IL after a freak injury, opening the door for Drew Millas to join the big league club. With young talent like James Wood, CJ Abrams, and Gore continuing to shine, the Nationals still have pieces to build around heading into the second half.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.