Andrew Alvarez made his case for the Nats' 2027 rotation: 3.43 ERA over 17 starts, a 2.97 second-half ERA, and a 56 2/3-inning homer-free streak. Paul Toboni expects "high-quality innings" next year. Strike-throwing remains the homework. 📝
Former Nationals GM Mike Rizzo is reportedly interviewing today for the Astros' open GM job, per Bob Nightengale and Brian McTaggart. Fired by Washington in July 2025, he'd be back at the shared West Palm Beach spring site, facing the club he beat in 2019. ⚾
The Nationals are expected to hire David Besky, most recently the Red Sox's director of baseball sciences, as pitching strategist, per the Baltimore Banner. He'd handle pitch calling and arsenal analysis, and reunite with Paul Toboni. A new data arm for the staff. 📊
A writer floats David Peterson, Kris Bubic and Kyle Hart as under-the-radar free-agent arms the Nationals could target. Peterson might cost around 3 years/$33M, Bubic likely needs a one-year deal given his injuries, and Hart is a cheap lefty bullpen option if the Padres decline his option. 🎯
Nationals righty Jarlin Susana, the AFL's only Top 100 pitcher (No. 66), owns the league's fastest pitch at 103.8 mph and the 34 hardest heaters, averaging 100.6 mph. Jorgelys Mota's 114.2 mph homer ranks fourth in exit velo. 🔥
A free-agent pitch: Adrian Morejon, the lefty reliever (2.83 ERA, 99.4 mph fastball), could fix a 2026 Nationals bullpen that bordered on unwatchable. Spotrac projects about 3 years, $35M, and he could be sold on a closer role. 🔒
Nearly 7 years after the 2019 World Series title, none of the Game 7 starters remain Nationals players. Most are retired or coaching, and only Turner, Soto and Robles played in 2026. Zimmerman still has a hand in the organization. 🏆
Nationals catchers jumped from last in fWAR in 2025 to 17th in 2026 under the new coaching staff. Keibert Ruiz led the rebound, hitting .280/.316/.443 with a 105 wRC+ and 1.9 fWAR. Playing time for 2027 is the question. 🎯
Offseason calendar is set: free agency opens the day after the World Series ends (Oct. 28–Nov. 1), with a 5-day exclusive window for current teams. Nationals fans should also watch trade deadlines and a looming lockout. ⏳
Nats want Yohandy Morales getting reps at third in 2027. After a September debut at first/DH, he hit .255 with four homers and 10 RBIs in 47 PAs. Blake Butera says a move to third gets his bat in the lineup more. 🔥
Nats' record-blown-save bullpen needs help, but internal arms could break out in 2027: Riley Cornelio (25% K rate, 18.1% walks), Yovanny Cruz (~100 mph heat) and Luis Perales (11.45 ERA, elite splitter). Stuff isn't the issue; command is. 🔥
Miguel Sime Jr. outpaced expectations in his first year in the Nats' system. A new slider paired with a triple-digit fastball fueled a 41.3% strikeout rate, even at High-A. Control remains the rough edge. 🔥
Travis Sykora, arguably the Nats' top pitching prospect, is expected back from Tommy John surgery in 2027. He posted a 2.14 minor league ERA with 208 K in 130.1 IP, but walked 6 in 4.2 Double-A innings. Big upside, big question mark. 🎲
Former National Corey Dickerson, now the Rays' first-base coach, has a shot at his first World Series ring. He played 50 games for Washington in 2023 (.637 OPS) and replaced Michael Johns, who followed Blake Butera to D.C. as bench coach.
With a lockout looming after the December 2 CBA deadline, the Nationals could make a big move before the freeze. Paul Toboni's aggressive start has fueled speculation, and CJ Abrams is listed by Robert Murray as a possible pre-lockout trade candidate. ⏳
Ex-Nationals catcher Riley Adams is reportedly set to join the Red Sox on a minor league deal. He hit .273/.389/.506 with 16 homers in Triple-A for Washington this year, then hit minor league free agency. Depth piece, with a power bat. 🔧
10/22/2019: Juan Soto showed off his power by reaching the train tracks at Minute Maid Park in Game 1 of the World Series for the Nationals.
The Nationals reportedly plan to bring back Blake Butera's entire coaching staff for 2027 after a 77-win season, their best since 2019. The training staff is where the changes land: five members weren't re-signed, and biomechanics resources are reportedly coming. 🔧
Blake Butera is reportedly bringing back all 12 coaches from his 2026 staff, though five training and strength coaches weren't renewed. The offense earned its continuity; the pitching staff (4.67 ERA, 5th worst) has a "prove it" year ahead. 🔧
Nats catcher Kevin Bazzell has a front-row seat to Jarlin Susana in the Arizona Fall League and calls him "the best pitcher in the Minors." Susana touched 102.4 mph Wednesday, striking out six over three innings for Salt River. 🔥
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