Washington Nationals set their sights on a player development revolution as a new era begins. Can a revamped focus on analytics and culture under manager Blake Butera finally unlock the potential of top prospects like CJ Abrams, Brady House, and James Wood? Ryan Clary dissects why player development—not win-loss records—will define a successful 2026 season, spotlighting past struggles with Victor Robles and the need for consistency at both the major and minor league levels. Roster shake-ups make headlines as the Nationals DFA former top pitching prospect Andry Lara and claimed versatile utility player Mickey Gaspar. Ryan Clary explores how these moves reflect the franchise’s shift toward a data-driven front office, and what establishing a winning culture will mean for young stars and the team’s future in the NL East.

00:00 "Nationals' Success In 2026"

06:08 Nationals' Need for Breakout Stars

09:36 "Nationals' Success & Blake Butera"

15:31 "Building Culture Through Hard Work"

18:31 "Patience, Analytics, and Consistency"

20:14 Nationals DFA Lara, Claim Gasper

23:27 "Mickey Gasper Joins Nationals"

Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Washington Nationals still have yet to address the 1B position in a meaningful way... Ryan Clary tells you why Paul Goldschmidt could be the best short term answer for 1B. Veteran leadership and big-game experience meet a young core as Ryan Clary weighs Goldschmidt’s value against alternatives like Rhys Hoskins, Carlos Santana, and Luis Arraez.

00:00 Nationals' First Base Dilemma

03:56 Nationals Eyeing Paul Goldschmidt Option?

08:51 "Paul Goldschmidt to Nationals?"

12:40 "Nationals Considering Rhys Hoskins?"

15:27 Goldschmidt's Leadership vs. Hoskins

18:07 Luis Arraez: Nationals Fit Uncertain

22:38 "Nats Simulcast Idea: Zimcast"

23:39 Nationals' Broadcast and YouTube TV Plans

Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11

Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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LA Dodgers shake up MLB’s balance with record deals—can teams like the Washington Nationals ever catch up? Ryan Clary spotlights the Dodgers’ $240M signing of Kyle Tucker and explores the impact of massive TV revenues on free agency, competitive parity, and salary cap debates. The episode contrasts big market powerhouses with mid-market clubs, bringing the Nationals’ end of the long-standing MASN TV dilemma into focus and asking if fair revenue sharing could level the playing field. James Wood rockets to the 53rd spot on MLB Network’s Top 100, but is that enough recognition for his flair? Ryan Clary weighs Wood’s prodigious power against talents like Elly De La Cruz and breaks down the Nationals’ fresh broadcast era, highlighting new faces and changes in coverage.

00:00 "Baseball's Parity Issue"

06:30 Nationals’ TV Rights Struggles

09:49 "MLB Salary Cap and TV Future"

13:35 "Locked On Nationals Updates"

15:22 James Wood’s Power Dominance

17:33 James Wood vs. De La Cruz

22:58 Nationals Play-By-Play Uncertainty

Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11

Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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