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The Washington Nationals’ 2026 season is over, and the biggest story is that the question has changed. After finishing 77-85 and improving by 11 wins, the Nationals no longer look like a team simply waiting for its rebuild to end. Now the focus is on how they turn that progress into sustained success. Dan Holmi breaks down the Nationals’ 2026 season, including CJ Abrams’ historic 33-home-run, 106-RBI campaign, his 30-home-run/30-stolen-base season, James Wood reaching 30 home runs, and Cade Cavalli emerging as a rotation cornerstone before signing a four-year extension through 2030 with a 2031 club option. But major questions remain heading into the 2027 offseason. The Nationals blew an MLB-record 42 saves, Jake Irvin finished with a 5.48 ERA, and the rotation still needs more certainty. The potential December MLB lockout could also change the timing of free agency and trades. Dan also looks at the CJ Abrams shortstop-versus-second-base decision, Nasim Nuñez, the Nationals’ young pitching, and what Paul Toboni and Blake Butera need to do next. 2026 showed the Nationals can make progress. The 2027 offseason will show whether they can build on it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jarlin Susana is back, and the Nationals have a major decision ahead. The 22-year-old pitching prospect is once again touching 103 mph, but after a UCL sprain, lat surgery and just 14 innings in 2026, questions about his long-term role are getting louder. In this Nats MinuteCast, Dan Holmi breaks down Susana's electric fastball and slider, his 408 strikeouts in 282 minor-league innings, the command and third-pitch concerns raised by Keith Law, and why a move to the bullpen could eventually make sense. But is Washington anywhere close to making that decision? The argument here is simple: don't rush it. The Nationals need to find out how good Susana can be as a starter before deciding that his future belongs in relief. His 2026 return has provided flashes of dominant stuff, but the workload is still being rebuilt. Jarlin Susana. 103 mph. The stuff is back. Now the Nationals have to figure out what comes next. #Nats #Nationals #Natitude #MLB #JarlinSusana #WashingtonNationals #NatsProspects #Baseball Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals have blown 35 saves in 2026, putting them just two away from the MLB record. After another disastrous ninth inning against the Miami Marlins, it’s time for the Nationals to stop hoping their bullpen problems will fix themselves. In this episode of Nats MinuteCast, we break down why Washington needs to make an experienced back-end reliever a major priority this offseason. The Nationals had a 2-0 lead heading into the ninth before the Marlins scored six runs to turn a potential fourth straight win into another painful loss. It was the latest example of a bullpen that has repeatedly cost Washington games this season. But this isn't about blaming one pitcher or one bad inning. It's about recognizing that the Nationals are reaching a different stage of their rebuild. Washington's young offense is becoming a legitimate foundation. The farm system is improving. The roster is more talented than its record suggests. And that means the Nationals can't afford to keep wasting opportunities because they don't have someone they trust to get the final three outs. We discuss Blake Butera's call for a pitcher who wants the ball in the ninth, the bullpen arms already developing inside the organization, the potential free-agent market, and why spending money on an experienced closer or high-leverage reliever could be one of the smartest moves Washington makes this winter. The rebuild is changing. Now the Nationals need to act like it. In This Episode: The Nationals' 35 blown saves The disastrous ninth inning against Miami Why Washington needs experienced bullpen help Clayton Beeter, Orlando Ribalta and the developing relief corps Why prospects alone can't be the 2027 bullpen plan The case for spending this offseason How the Nationals can protect their improving young offense Why the ninth inning could define Washington's next step Nats MinuteCast covers the Washington Nationals, Nationals Park, MLB news, roster moves, prospects, trades, free agency and the future of the Nats. #Nationals #Nats #Natitude #MLB #WashingtonNationals #NationalsBaseball #NatsNews #MLBNews #NatsMinuteCast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cade Cavalli is becoming the pitcher the Washington Nationals hoped he could be. Cavalli dominated the Texas Rangers in a 6-0 Nationals victory, striking out 11 batters over six scoreless innings and reaching double-digit strikeouts before the fourth inning was over. After his brilliant no-hit bid against the Cubs, Cavalli followed it up with another statement performance and extended his streak to eight consecutive quality starts. In this episode of the Nats MinuteCast, Dan Holmi breaks down why Cavalli's emergence could change the Nationals' timeline, why Washington made the controversial decision to move CJ Abrams from shortstop to second base, and what this all means for the next version of the Nationals. The Nationals finally snapped a four-game losing streak, Andrés Chaparro delivered a huge three-run homer, and the bullpen actually finished the game without the usual drama. But the biggest story is Cade Cavalli. The Nationals may finally have their ace. Now they have to build around him. Topics Covered Cade Cavalli • Washington Nationals • Nationals vs Rangers • 11 strikeouts • CJ Abrams • Nasim Nuñez • Andrés Chaparro • Nationals pitching • Nationals rebuild • Nationals playoff race • Nats news • MLB #Nats #Nationals #Natitude #MLB #CadeCavalli #WashingtonNationals 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 just delivered one of their most complete wins of the season, shutting out the Chicago Cubs 7-0 behind a dominant performance from Cade Cavalli and another explosive game from Abimelec Ortiz. Cavalli was spectacular, throwing 8 innings of one-hit, shutout baseball with 10 strikeouts and 2 walks, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning. After weeks of rotation uncertainty and the trade of Foster Griffin, could Cavalli finally be emerging as the frontline starter Washington desperately needs? Then there's Ortiz. The rookie went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs and another home run, pushing his early MLB totals to 4 homers, a .345 average and a 1.160 OPS through 11 games. The sample size is tiny, but the Nationals now have no choice but to find out exactly what they have. We'll break down why this 7-0 win matters beyond the standings, what Cavalli's performance means for the Nationals' pitching future, why Ortiz is becoming impossible to ignore, and whether Washington can carry this momentum into a nine-game road trip through New York, Texas and Miami. The Nationals aren't fixed. But suddenly, there are reasons to believe the future might be arriving sooner than expected. #Nationals #Nats #MLB #Natitude #CadeCavalli #AbimelecOrtiz Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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The Washington Nationals are facing their biggest test of the 2026 season after trading Foster Griffin, Luis García Jr., and Curtis Mead before the MLB trade deadline. Dan Holmi breaks down the emotional fallout, the bullpen collapse against the Philadelphia Phillies, Blake Butera’s first career ejection, and whether Paul Toboni’s long-term vision can turn the Nationals into a true contender. The Nationals still have CJ Abrams, James Wood, Dylan Crews, and a promising young core, but fans are asking one question: Is this another rebuild, or is this finally the foundation of the next great Washington Nationals team? #Natitude #Nats #MLB Podcast Chapters 00:00 Cold Open: The Nationals Changed Everything 01:30 Episode Roadmap 03:00 Segment 1: The Deadline Damage 16:00 Segment 2: The Bullpen Breaks 29:00 Segment 3: The Future Bet 39:00 Final Thoughts: When Does Tomorrow Become Today? 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 no longer just a rebuilding team. They are a contender fighting for a playoff spot, and after proving they could thrive without Curtis Mead, the conversation around this franchise has completely changed. On this episode of the Nats Minutecast, we break down why the Nationals have developed the “it” factor, how a 10-run offensive explosion showed this lineup has depth, and why Paul Toboni’s trade deadline decisions could shape the next five years of Nationals baseball. We discuss: Why the Nationals proved they are bigger than one player after trading Curtis Mead How CJ Abrams has transformed into a franchise cornerstone and why trading him should be off the table Why James Wood, CJ Abrams, and this young lineup are forcing the front office to think differently The pressure on Paul Toboni to improve the roster while protecting the clubhouse chemistry Whether Foster Griffin should be moved or become part of a surprise playoff push The Nationals are one game away from the postseason picture, and the biggest question is no longer whether they are rebuilding. The question is simple: Are the Nationals ready to go for it? Subscribe to the Nats Minutecast for daily Washington Nationals news, analysis, trade deadline coverage, and everything surrounding the future of the franchise. #Natitude #Nats #MLB 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 making major moves as the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, and the future of the franchise is coming into focus. On this episode of Nats Minutecast, Dan Holmi breaks down the Nationals' blockbuster trade of Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early, why President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni believes the deal helps Washington both now and in the future, and what it means for the team's surprising playoff push. Plus, new reports reveal Foster Griffin extension talks have reportedly stalled, raising questions about whether the All-Star left-hander could be the next major Nationals trade chip before the deadline. The Nationals also responded on the field, crushing the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-7 behind huge performances from CJ Abrams and James Wood, who combined for four home runs. With Washington now just one game out of the National League Wild Card race, the deadline decisions have never mattered more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals have made their first major trade deadline move, sending breakout third baseman Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for 24-year-old left-handed pitcher Connelly Early. Is this a win-now move, a rebuilding move, or both? Dan Holmi breaks down why Paul Toboni's first deadline trade could define the Nationals' future, what it means for Brady House, and why this may only be the beginning of a busy week in Washington. #Natitude #Nats #MLB #WashingtonNationals #TradeDeadline Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the Washington Nationals buy or sell at the MLB trade deadline? What if the answer is both? In today's episode of the Nats MinuteCast, we break down why the next 10 games could completely reshape the Nationals' season and determine Paul Toboni's approach before the August 3 MLB Trade Deadline. We discuss whether the Nationals should add bullpen help while remaining committed to their long-term rebuild, plus the difficult decisions surrounding Foster Griffin, Luis García Jr., and CJ Abrams. We also explain why these upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies could determine whether Washington becomes a playoff buyer or a deadline seller. If you're looking for the latest Washington Nationals news, trade rumors, MLB trade deadline analysis, playoff race updates, and expert Nationals discussion, this episode has you covered. In this episode: Why the next 10 games could define the Nationals' season Should Paul Toboni buy, sell, or do both? Foster Griffin's trade value and extension possibilities Is Luis García Jr. a realistic trade candidate? Why CJ Abrams should command a massive return The bullpen additions that could push Washington into the playoffs Latest NL Wild Card race outlook Subscribe to Nats MinuteCast for daily Washington Nationals news, analysis, trade deadline coverage, prospect updates, and game recaps. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The second half of the Washington Nationals season is officially here, and everything is changing. On this episode of the Nats Minutecast, Dan Holmi breaks down the biggest Nationals news before the playoff push begins. The future has arrived as Harry Ford makes his MLB debut after the Nationals call up their top catching prospect. What does Ford's arrival mean for Keibert Ruiz, and how will Blake Butera manage two talented catchers moving forward? Plus, the Nationals officially move on from Robert Hassell III, trading the former top prospect from the Juan Soto blockbuster deal. What went wrong, and what does the move say about Washington's evolving roster? Then we look ahead to the second half rotation, including Cade Cavalli, Zack Littell and Foster Griffin taking the mound as the Nationals begin the next chapter of their surprising 2026 season. The rebuild is over. The expectations have changed. The Nationals are playing meaningful baseball, and the second half starts now. Topics Covered: Harry Ford called up to the Nationals Keibert Ruiz vs. Harry Ford catching future Robert Hassell III traded to Pittsburgh Nationals second half rotation preview Cade Cavalli's workload and importance Foster Griffin's All-Star season Washington's playoff push begins Subscribe to Nats Minutecast for daily Washington Nationals news, analysis, reactions, and opinions. #Natitude #Nats #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals have one of the most explosive offenses in baseball, yet they're heading into the All-Star break below .500. How is that even possible? In today's episode of the Nats Minutecast, Dan Holmi breaks down the historic bullpen collapse threatening to derail the Nationals' postseason hopes, why James Wood has emerged as a legitimate National League MVP candidate, and the massive trade deadline decisions facing the front office. Can Washington save its season before the MLB Trade Deadline? Or is another opportunity slipping away? In This Episode: Why the Nationals bullpen is making history—for all the wrong reasons James Wood's incredible MVP-caliber season CJ Abrams and the young core leading the offense Foster Griffin's remarkable All-Star journey Should the Nationals buy, sell, or extend Griffin? The front office's biggest decision of the season If you love daily Washington Nationals coverage, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the Nats Minutecast. #WashingtonNationals #NATS #JamesWood #MLB #MLBTradeDeadline #CJAbrams #Baseball #NatsMinutecast #DanHolmi #NationalsPodcast 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 red hot! The Nats defeated the Houston Astros 8-2 to win another series, and once again the story was the combination of elite offense and dominant starting pitching. Foster Griffin was sensational: 7 IP 1 ER 9 K 0 BB 2.77 ERA on the season At this point, Foster Griffin isn't just pitching like an All-Star… he's pitching like an ACE. Meanwhile, the Nationals offense continues to make history. Luis García Jr. hit his 20th home run of the season. CJ Abrams also reached the 20-homer mark. James Wood continued his incredible stretch by drawing three more walks. The Nationals now have THREE players with at least 20 home runs and 60 RBIs before the All-Star break, something almost nobody predicted entering 2026. In this episode of the Nats Minutecast: Foster Griffin's dominant outing Why the Nationals offense is one of baseball's best CJ Abrams and Luis García Jr. making history Why the trade deadline is becoming complicated Should Washington BUY instead of SELL? Could Foster Griffin or Keibert Ruiz actually be traded? The Nationals are firmly in the playoff race and the front office has some massive decisions to make over the next few weeks. Are the Nats contenders? Let me know in the comments! #Nationals #Nats #Natitude #WashingtonNationals #MLB #FosterGriffin #CJAbrams #LuisGarciaJr #JamesWood #MLBHighlights #TradeDeadline #Baseball #HoustonAstros #NatsMinutecast 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 let a winnable game slip away in a 6-3 loss to the Houston Astros, and manager Blake Butera didn't hold back afterward. In this episode of the Nats Minutecast, we break down Butera's pointed comments about Andrew Alvarez "pitching scared" after issuing five walks and a hit batter, why Riley Cornelio's high-leverage performance may have been a turning point for the young reliever, and how Dylan Crews came within one swing of becoming the hero against Josh Hader. Plus: • James Wood keeps making history with another leadoff home run. • Why free passes continue to haunt the Nationals' young pitching staff. • The significance of Cornelio attacking the strike zone. • The learning moment for Dylan Crews in a bases-loaded showdown with one of baseball's best closers. • Why Wednesday's rubber game behind Foster Griffin suddenly feels much bigger. Can the Nationals bounce back and salvage the series, or is this another missed opportunity that will haunt them in the playoff race? #Natitude #Nats #WashingtonNationals #MLB #JamesWood #DylanCrews #AndrewAlvarez #BlakeButera #HoustonAstros #JoshHader #FosterGriffin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.