Locked On Nationals - Daily Podcast On The Washington Nationals

Ryan Clary prepares Nationals fans for the inevitable Mackenzie Gore trade while tempering expectations on the return package. He argues this won't be a franchise-altering deal like the Juan Soto blockbuster, citing Gore's remaining contract years, inconsistency issues, and potential market complications from a Tarik Skubal trade. Clary breaks down realistic trade scenarios with the Mariners (Harry Ford and Cade Anderson), Cubs (Moises Ballesteros and Jaxson Wiggins), Astros (Brice Matthews package), and humorously, the Padres (Ethan Salas headlining). He emphasizes that while Gore is an All-Star caliber pitcher, his value doesn't match the generational haul Washington received for Soto...

Ryan Clary and Bobby Blanco break down the Washington Nationals' surprising hire of 33-year-old Blake Butera as manager, examining why the team chose a low-A manager with player development expertise over a veteran skipper. They explore what this signals about the franchise's timeline and Paul Toboni's long-term vision. The conversation shifts to potential blockbuster trades, particularly MacKenzie Gore's market value and whether he can command a Garrett Crochet-level return despite inconsistency concerns. They debate C.J. Abrams' future, discussing his defensive limitations and offensive potential while questioning if now is the right time to move him. The duo also...

The Washington Nationals officially name Blake Butera as their new manager in what many would say it's an outside the box hire.  This episode breaks down what Nationals fans should expect from Butera's player development-focused approach and how it signals a major culture shift for the organization. We explore the new front office structure, including Mike DeBartolo's role as Senior VP (not GM), and why the Nationals won't be hiring a traditional general manager anytime soon. Plus, meet the key additions: Devin Pearson overseeing player development and Justin Horowitz handling amateur scouting and trades—both bringing proven track records fro...

Ryan Clary breaks down the Washington Nationals' heating trade market as teams inquire about All-Stars MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams. He argues the Nationals should only trade one—likely Gore—while extending Abrams at second base. Clary explains why Gore's Scott Boras representation makes an extension unlikely, while Abrams' potential and ROC Nation representation offer better retention odds. He explores the value dynamics of trading now versus the deadline, emphasizing the need to retain young talent after years of rebuilding. Beyond the headliners, Clary predicts savvy moves involving the team's logjammed outfield prospects—Robert Hassell III, Christian Franklin, and Andrew...

The Washington Nationals officially hired Blake Butera as their new manager, marking a bold departure from traditional baseball hiring. At 33, Butera becomes the youngest MLB manager in 50 years, jumping from Low-A ball with a unique background in player development from the Tampa Bay Rays organization. This unconventional hire signals a complete organizational shift under new President Paul Toboni, emphasizing analytics, player development, and outside-the-box thinking. While expectations should remain measured given Butera's inexperience at the major league level, his coaching pedigree and development expertise could revolutionize how rebuilding teams approach the managerial position. The episode explores why this hire...

*EPISODE RECORDED BEFORE HIRING BLAKE BUTERA.... CURRENTLY AT THE DENTIST* 

Ryan Clary examines whether new GM Paul Toboni would have selected Eli Willits first overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. He breaks down Willits' defensive prowess, switch-hitting ability, and development potential, arguing the pick aligns with Toboni's scouting philosophy favoring high-ceiling high school shortstops. The episode explores critical Rule 5 Draft decisions facing the Nationals, particularly protecting left-handed pitcher Jake Bennett, who's dominating the Arizona Fall League after Tommy John recovery. Clary also discusses outfield prospect Christian Franklin's uncertain roster status and the surprising managerial interview with Portland Sea D...

The Washington Nationals make a bold, unconventional move by hiring 33-year-old Blake Butera as their next manager—the youngest MLB skipper in over 50 years. Butera comes from Tampa Bay's player development system, where he compiled a 258-144 record as a Double-A manager while serving as senior director of minor league player development. Host Ryan Clary breaks down why this stunning hire makes perfect sense for a rebuilding franchise prioritizing analytics, coaching, and cultural transformation. The move signals ownership's commitment to modernizing the organization, pairing Butera with President Paul Toboni to create alignment between front office and dugout. Clary explores th...

Ryan Clary breaks down the Washington Nationals' managerial search as Miguel Cairo exits the running and the coaching staff faces a complete overhaul. With hitting coach Darnell Coles and pitching coach Jim Hickey likely departing, the organization signals a fresh start under Paul Taboni's leadership. The episode explores two intriguing candidates: Rocco Baldelli, the former Twins manager who won 101 games in his debut season, and Danny Lehmann, the Dodgers' bench coach fresh off a World Series run. Clary offers a nuanced defense of Brandon Hyde, still in contention despite fan skepticism, arguing his experience navigating Baltimore's rebuild mirrors Washington's...

Ryan Clary tackles the Washington Nationals' biggest offseason dilemma: what to do with underperforming catcher Keibert Ruiz. Despite being under contract through 2030, Ruiz's defensive struggles and offensive regression make him a liability worth cutting loose. Clary argues the $40 million remaining shouldn't hold the team back from upgrading. He also makes a compelling case for Nasim Nunez as Paul Toboni's biggest beneficiary—a defensively elite shortstop with 30-steal potential who could be the Nationals' hidden gem. The episode wraps with a spirited takedown of Bryce Harper's recent comments about trade speculation during his Nationals tenure, with Clary calling out the in...

The Athletic tied the Washington Nationals as one of the teams that could BEST FIT defensive stud Ha-Seong Kim. Ryan discusses why this could be the difference making move the Nats NEED to make as he solves multiple issues with this team. This move could also lead to a major shakeup in the infield, and the player in question would be Luis Garcia Jr. Could the Nats seek a trade, or even possibly something else with the inconsistent 2B? Stephen Strasburg has come back into the spotlight and has taken a coaching role in baseball... Not with the Washington Na...

Ryan Clary, host of Locked On Nationals, dives into the team's managerial search, focusing on former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde as a top candidate as he was just interviewed for the job. Clary analyzes Hyde's track record in rebuilding the Orioles and his player-friendly approach. The podcast explores the Nationals' apparent preference for analytically-minded managers, as evidenced by their interest in Craig Albernaz. Clary also discusses the team's recent front office moves, including hiring Justin Horowitz as assistant GM from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He highlights Horowitz's success in amateur scouting and draft picks, viewing it as a positive step...

World Series Showdown: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays - Who Will Reign Supreme?

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in an unexpected World Series matchup. Can the Blue Jays' complete team challenge the Dodgers' powerhouse lineup? Key discussions include team strengths, payroll disparities, and the impact of high-spending franchises on MLB. The hosts analyze starting pitching, bullpen strategies, and offer bold predictions for the series outcome. Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. take center stage as potential game-changers.

Tune in for expert insights on this thrilling Wo...

Ryan Clary hosts the Locked on Nationals podcast, discussing the Washington Nationals' off-season priorities. He emphasizes the importance of player development over free agency spending, citing the team's history and current needs. Clary analyzes James Wood's Silver Slugger finalist status, praising his performance as a 22-year-old and predicting future success. He also debates a potential position change for Wood, advocating for him to remain in left field. The episode concludes with a discussion of Max Scherzer's opportunity to make World Series history with the Toronto Blue Jays, potentially appearing for his fourth different team in the Fall Classic.
 

Ryan Clary, host of Locked On Nationals, discusses the potential trade of Washington Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore. He argues that trading Gore, despite his All-Star status, is the right move for the rebuilding team. Clary analyzes potential trade partners, including the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Boston Red Sox, outlining possible prospect packages in return. He addresses fan concerns about trading away star players, emphasizing that this move could accelerate the Nationals' return to contention. Clary also touches on the influence of agent Scott Boras and the team's need to focus on long-term success rather than short-term gains. The...

Ryan Clary, host of Locked On Nationals, discusses the legacies of former Nationals executive Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez. He argues that while their departures were necessary, fans should remember their contributions to the team's success, including the 2019 World Series win. Clary analyzes Rizzo's player development struggles but highlights his shrewd trades, particularly the Juan Soto deal. He defends Martinez's managerial skills when given talented rosters and explains the circumstances leading to recent poor performances. Clary emphasizes the need for patience as the Nationals enter a new era under Paul Toboni, cautioning against unrealistic expectations for immediate success. 

In this episode of Locked on Nationals, Ryan Clary explores the potential impact of the new regime under Paul Toboni on key players. James Wood, C.J. Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of the data-driven approach. The discussion delves into how analytics could help these players reach their full potential, addressing specific areas for improvement. Ryan also explains what data and analytics mean for the Nationals, covering concepts like pitch design, hitting adjustments, and player development strategies. The episode emphasizes the importance of analytics in maximizing player performance and how it could shape the team's...

Ryan Clary hosts "Locked on Nationals," diving into Dylan Crews' challenging 2025 season and potential improvements for 2026. He analyzes Crews' struggles with breaking pitches and compares him to Ryan Zimmerman, highlighting unexpected defensive skills. Clary then shifts focus to the Nationals' managerial search, emphasizing the need for a young, energetic leader to establish a new team culture. He suggests Mark DeRosa as his top choice but introduces Rickie Weeks Jr. as a realistic candidate. Weeks' experience as Milwaukee Brewers' bench coach and ability to blend analytics with player experience make him an intriguing option. The episode offers insights into the...

Brady House had a relatively disappointing season at the plate in 2025, but that won't be the story going into 2026. Ryan discusses where he needs to see House improve heading into next year, and discusses his plate discipline at a very detailed rate. We also get into the biggest head scratching decisions from 2025 with their top prospects, and try to make sense with what they did. Did we just see Nats legend Max Scherzer make his final start of his career? 
 

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Washington Nationals' future takes shape as prospects shine in Arizona Fall League. Is Seaver King the next big thing for the Nats?

Ryan Clary breaks down King's impressive AFL performance, highlighting his potential as a five-tool player under the new player development regime. The discussion covers Jake Bennett's case for a 40-man roster spot, Jacob Young's Gold Glove candidacy, and how these young talents could reshape the Nationals' roster. Key topics include Bennett's post-Tommy John surgery progress, Young's spectacular defensive plays, and the long-term implications for Washington's pitching staff.

Tune in for insider analysis on...

Washington Nationals shake up front office with key hires. Is a return to glory on the horizon?

Ryan Clary breaks down the Nationals' recent front office overhaul, highlighting Paul Toboni's appointment as president of baseball operations and Devin Pearson's role as assistant GM. The discussion covers their backgrounds with the Boston Red Sox, potential impacts on player development, and the crucial factors for rebuilding success. Key topics include the importance of ownership buy-in, patience in the rebuilding process, and the need to prioritize analytics and technology infrastructure.

Will Toboni and Pearson lead the Nationals back...

Washington Nationals' future hangs in the balance as Ryan predicts CJ Abrams trade rumors could happen. Is a major roster shakeup on the horizon for the struggling franchise?

Ryan Clary breaks down Abrams' potential move to second base and its impact on the team's defensive strategy. The discussion covers top prospect Eli Willits' development timeline, new head of baseball operations Paul Tabone's balanced approach to analytics and scouting, and the risks of overlooking raw talent in player evaluation. Clary also pays tribute to the late Craig Heist, remembering the radio analyst's unparalleled work ethic and encyclopedic sports...

Washington Nationals' pitching woes take center stage. Can the team turn things around in 2026?

Ryan Clary breaks down the Nationals' dismal pitching performance, highlighting their 5.35 team ERA and the urgent need for improvement. The discussion covers potential offseason strategies, including free agency, trades, and the draft. Clary spotlights three pitchers poised for growth: DJ Herz with his devastating changeup, Jose Ferrer's All-Star potential, and Clayton Beteer's bullpen promise. The episode also features championship series predictions, with Clary backing the Blue Jays and expressing awe at the Dodgers' dominance.

Tune in for expert analysis on how...

Could the NL East be crumbling? Washington Nationals' outfield depth sparks trade rumors as division rivals face uncertain futures.

Ryan Clary analyzes potential Nationals trades, focusing on outfielders like Robert Hassell III, Jacob Young, and others. He examines the state of the NL East, discussing the Phillies' playoff exit, Mets' struggles, and Braves' concerns. Ryan previews Game 5 between the Tigers and Mariners, highlighting former Nationals Kyle Finnegan and Victor Robles. Clary explores how these developments could reshape the division's competitive landscape.

Tune in for insider insights on the Nationals' trade strategy and a comprehensive breakdown...

The Toboni era begins with a front office shake-up for the Washington Nationals. Will these bold moves reshape the team's future? Paul Toboni, the new president of baseball operations, has initiated significant changes, including the departure of key figures of the Nats 2019 World Series team. Ryan Clary analyzes the potential impact of these decisions on the Nationals' player development strategy and future direction. The episode also explores Mike DeBartolo's uncertain role within the organization and provides insights into the ongoing Phillies-Dodgers playoff series. Tune in for an in-depth look at the Nationals' organizational overhaul and its implications for the...

New President of baseball ops Paul Toboni has some important decisions to make, and Ryan thinks that he should kick the tires on Mark DeRosa as the next Nats skipper. Ryan explains why he feels the former National would best fit this ball club's needs, and would be willing to take that gamble on someone with no managerial experience. We then get into some other names that have been around the game, and one key guy who has won 4 World Series trophies over his career. 

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MLB Trade Rumors has released its projected arbitration numbers for the Nats, and Ryan thinks the Nats have a HUGE decision to make with Luis Garcia Jr. Ryan makes his case for the Nats moving off of the 2B, and also makes a case as to why they should keep him. But, ultimately he makes his pick as to what they should do. We then discuss Jake Irvin's future tight he club as his projected arbitration number is pretty high... Time to move off of him? 

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We start our series of player breakdowns as we look at James Wood's stellar first full season with the Nats as he turned heads on a national scale. Ryan discusses what stood out from Wood's rookie season, and what made him special. We then look at where he can improve for the 2026 season and believe it or not, there's plenty of room for improvement. Paul Toboni was ALMOST named the GM in another major market, and we discuss that story here. 

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The Locked on MLB Squad dissects the thrilling Wild Card round, spotlighting Cam Schlittler's dominant performance and the New York Yankees' unexpected success. They analyze crucial pitching decisions, debating the merits of modern bullpen management versus traditional strategies. They offer predictions for the Divisional Series, focusing on the Philadelphia Phillies-Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankees-Toronto Blue Jays matchups.

The hosts also challenge the "championship or bust" mentality, exploring the value of the entire MLB season beyond October glory. Tune in for expert insights on how analytics and gut instincts shape postseason baseball strategy.

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Ryan still believes that even under new leadership with Paul Toboni, he thinks the Nats could and SHOULD trade MacKenzie Gore. Ryan lays out the groundwork as to why he would trade the All-Star LHP, and explains why it would be beneficial for this rebuild. We also get into some offseason predictions as change is expected over at Nats Park, and it could start with Luis Garcia Jr & CJ Abrams. 

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On day 1 as President of the Nats, Ryan wants to see Paul Toboni put all of his energy into hiring the next GM of the Nats. Ryan explains why that's most important for him, even over the managerial position. We then get into some comments from Toboni as Ryan dissects his comment regarding the Nats having some untapped potential within their core. Who could that be?

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Paul Toboni was introduced to the Nationals media and their fans today as the President of baseball ops, and it feels like the Nats have a new identity. Ryan discusses why he leaves Toboni's intro presser taking in a breath of fresh air as this team has much needed new leadership. We also get into why we are confident in this new leadership, and the importance of balancing both date, and scouting. 

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We look at the positives today with the Nats in 2025 as James Wood put himself in position to be the face of the franchise for years to come. We also discuss the Nats breakout rookie Daylen Lile as he was the biggest story of the 2nd half for the Nats. The Nats pitching staff wasn't all too positive, but we found a lot of positives in Nats ace MacKenzie Gore as he made his first All-Star team down in Atlanta. Last but not least, the Nats breakout pitcher was Brad Lord and he had a stellar rookie season. 

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Disappointing is a light way to put how the 2025 Nats performed. Ryan gets into when he knew this team was in trouble, and what exactly went wrong with the Nats. As 2025 went on for the team, the team made a lot of changes that quite frankly needed to happen. Ryan discusses the changes with Davey Martinez & Mike Rizzo both being fired in July, and also gets into some more changes he wants to see... But I also have to see. This was the final weekend of Bob Carpenter on the call for the Washington Nationals, so Ryan pays his re...

GUARDIANS SURGE, TIGERS COLLAPSE: MLB PLAYOFF RACE HEATS UP

Cleveland Guardians stun Detroit Tigers with late-season comeback. Can they clinch a playoff spot in the final weekend? Jeff Carr and Justin Lada break down the Guardians' impressive turnaround, highlighting key players and strategic moves. The discussion covers the Tigers' epic collapse, vulnerable teams heading into October, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen concerns. Sully introduces his "Summer Score" metric, offering unique insights into team performance. Don't miss the heated debate on MLB's playoff format and its impact on fan engagement. Tune in for expert analysis on the...

The first order of business for Nats President of baseball ops Paul Toboni is to hire a GM, but also not just A GM, but the correct one. Ryan discusses two names here as Mike DeBartolo is certainly in the running to be the guy moving forward. We also get into what we are most excited about with Toboni. Ryan tells you exactly what, and also gets into some names the Nats could seek out with their manager hire. Last but not least, we honor the legendary voice of Nats baseball as Bob Carpenter calls his final series for t...

The Washington Nationals have named Red Sox assistant GM Paul Toboni their President of baseball ops, and it feels like this is the Nats version of Theo Epstein. Ryan discusses why he feels so good about this hire for the Nats. But also, there is some risk with this hire. Ryan tells you what MUST happen for this to work, and it starts with the Lerner family. The Nats are also looking to hire a GM under Toboni, and Mike DeBartolo could be at the top of that list.... Feel good about that?

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MASSIVE news with the Nats as they have hired Red Sox assistant GM Paul Toboni to be the next head of baseball ops here in DC. Ryan discusses why the 35-year old was the BEST guy for the job, and tells you about his background and what to expect with him. 

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The Washington Nationals finally tried something new in September with Luis Garcia Jr. over at 1B for the Nats... And Ryan isn't sold on it. He explains why, and tells you something that could likely happen this offseason with Garcia. We then get into the recent roster moves as MacKenzie Gore's season is done. We preview the final NL East tilt as Andrew Alvarez makes his final start of 2025, and looks to make a statement against our division rival. 

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The Nats have lost 2 key figures to their front office with Brad Ciolek going to the Tigers & Danny Haas going to the D-Backs, but don't be worried. Ryan explains why this is the expectation as the Nats close in on a NEW head of baseball operations. Jacob Young made ANOTHER web gem last night making it 3 web gems in the span of 30 hours and he is on FIRE! But, could the Nats use this momentum and.... trade him this offseason? Ryan tells you why that could be the play. Also, we are here to tell you that no one...

Mets fans.... How do you feel after Jacob Young & Daylen Lile single handedly cost you a MUCH NEEDED series win? Not great! Ryan discusses the stellar weekend by the outfield tandem, and how their play carried the Nats to a win. James Wood and CJ Abrams continue their 2nd half struggles, and Ryan is still not concerned with Wood. But, Abrams on the other hand... Ryan has a plan for him. We share that plan here and Nats fans will want to hear this one as we are games away from a long offseason. 

Fo...