Washington Nationals’ young core shows promise despite modest expectations—could their offense become 2026’s biggest surprise? Ryan Clary explores why fans should be optimistic, spotlighting breakout potential from Brady House, James Wood, Dylan Crews, Harry Ford, and Daylen Lile. As spring training heats up, hot bats and rising prospects fuel hope for an unexpectedly explosive lineup, while pitching remains a looming question mark. Get the inside scoop on whose stock is up or down, from Riley Cornelio’s electric arm to Abi Ortiz’s slow start at first base. Plus, catch the latest on Nationals’ talent competing in the World Baseball Classic, including Harry Ford (Great Britain) and Matt Mervis (Israel).

0:00 "Nats Offense Could Be FUN!"

05:29 "Finding Hope in Bad Pitching"

08:42 Optimistic Take on Nats Offense

12:51 Riley Cornelio's Rising Stock

13:47 Nationals' Young Pitching Plans

16:55 "Ortiz Struggles, House Shines"

20:03 Griff McGarry's Bullpen Potential

24:03 Excited for Harry Ford Action

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

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

Everydayer Club Link: https://lockedonnationals.supercast.com/

PlayStation
This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

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.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

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.

CJ Abrams faces a make-or-break season that could shape the Washington Nationals’ rebuild—will his breakout finally secure his future in D.C., or prompt a blockbuster trade? Ryan Clary explores Abrams’ soaring potential, the front office’s extension dilemma, and whether young stars like Eli Willits and Seaver King are ready to step up if the Nationals shift direction at shortstop. Key discussions spotlight first base battles between Matt Mervis, Andrés Chaparro, and rising favorite Abi Ortiz, bringing added intrigue to Spring Training. Insights include Nationals’ prospect development, the impact of new player development hires, and tough questions about defensive consistency and lineup fit, especially surrounding Luis García Jr. and Nasim Nuñez. Can the Nationals assemble a sustainable contender, or will shifting roster chips define another transitional year at Nationals Park?

00:00 "CJ Abrams' Potential Breakout Year"

03:42 Nationals Future: Abrams Trade Debate

09:10 Nationals' Dilemma: Trade or Extend?

10:12 CJ's Future Hinges on Performance

15:13 Eli Willits: Future Clubhouse Leader?

18:00 Seaver King's Versatility & Potential

21:12 "Nunez's Value Over Garcia"

25:44 Nationals' First Base Battle Unfolds

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

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

Everydayer Club Link: https://lockedonnationals.supercast.com/

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.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.
Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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 face early adversity as spring training exposes growing pains for guys like Dylan Crews and a revamped squad. Can Washington’s new regime find the winning formula amid defensive miscues and individual struggles? Ryan Clary weighs the challenges, optimism, and the pressure mounting on top prospects ahead of Opening Day. With James Wood, Brady House, and CJ Abrams offering flashes of potential, the Nationals’ youth movement is front-and-center. Expectation management is crucial—will the Nationals’ roster shake-ups and fresh managerial strategies pay off, or is a step back inevitable before a return to contention?

00:00 Nationals Spring Training Update

04:16 Dylan Crews' Development Key

12:09 Nationals' Early Struggles Expected

13:50 Rebuilding Struggles Ahead

17:54 Nationals' Season of Change

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

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

Everydayer Club Link: https://lockedonnationals.supercast.com/

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.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.
Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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.