Washington Nationals’ quiet offseason sparks debate—are patient moves laying a foundation for 2026 success or signaling trouble ahead? Ryan Clary and Bobby Blanco break down the front office’s calculated approach, new leadership under Paul Toboni and the glaring need for bullpen and first-base upgrades. Will the Nationals finally splash on free agents, or are they content hunting for undervalued veteran relievers and trade chips as spring training looms? The spotlight turns to MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams—should Washington trade away its young core or double down on their development? Hear why Gore’s value may peak by the deadline and why Abrams’ blend of speed and power should make him a franchise cornerstone.

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

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

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

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)

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

Washington Nationals weigh a blockbuster decision as MacKenzie Gore remains on the roster amid swirling trade rumors. Could their ace anchor the rotation or headline a franchise-altering deal this offseason? Ryan Clary explores the value disparity between the Nationals’ internal assessment and league-wide interest, revealing which teams—the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants—have the prospect capital to tempt a trade. Joey Wiemer joins the Nationals, sparking questions about potential moves involving outfielder Jacob Young.

00:00 Nationals Likely Keeping MacKenzie Gore?

03:42 MacKenzie Gore's Value Debate

13:10 Mets In The Mix For Gore?

16:53 Yankees' Prospects: Schlitler & Lombard

17:49 "Nationals and Prospect Trade Debate"

21:57 Nationals' Aggressive Moves Analyzed

26:00 Nationals' Outfield Speculation Brief

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

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

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

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)

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

Washington Nationals’ franchise direction hangs in the balance—was trading superstar Juan Soto the move that saved the team’s future? Ryan Clary spotlights how the Soto deal brought in key talents MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams, James Wood, and top prospect Jarlin Susana, transforming what could have been a roster crisis into a promising rebuild. Would Washington even crack 60 wins in a season? Amid swirling MacKenzie Gore trade rumors, Ryan Clary tackles the awkward reality of shopping the staff ace while balancing clubhouse chemistry. Hear critical insight on the Nationals' rebuild timeline, future management shake ups, and the looming uncertainty over their TV broadcast home as MASN’s deal expires.

00:00 "Juan Soto Trade Impact"

05:29 Nationals' Revival from Soto Trade

06:34 Nationals' GM Decisions and Future

15:29 MacKenzie Gore: A Trade Likelihood

17:12 Trade Uncertainty's Impact on Players

25:15 Nationals' Future Plans Uncertain

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

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

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

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), 1-888-789-77

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