The Washington Nationals officially hired Blake Butera as their new manager, marking a bold departure from traditional baseball hiring. At 33, Butera becomes the youngest MLB manager in 50 years, jumping from Low-A ball with a unique background in player development from the Tampa Bay Rays organization. This unconventional hire signals a complete organizational shift under new President Paul Toboni, emphasizing analytics, player development, and outside-the-box thinking. While expectations should remain measured given Butera's inexperience at the major league level, his coaching pedigree and development expertise could revolutionize how rebuilding teams approach the managerial position. The episode explores why this hire feels ahead of its time, the critical need for experienced coaches on Butera's staff, and how communication with veteran players will prove essential to success in this new era of Nationals baseball.

0:00 Intro

0:30 Blake Butera officially hired as manager

2:02 Expectations for a totally new operation

4:36 Player development background makes this unique

7:09 Timeline may be longer than expected

10:14 Outside the box thinking ahead

13:22 This hire could change baseball forever

16:56 The importance of people and character

23:32 Communication will be key to success

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*EPISODE RECORDED BEFORE HIRING BLAKE BUTERA.... CURRENTLY AT THE DENTIST*

Ryan Clary examines whether new GM Paul Toboni would have selected Eli Willits first overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. He breaks down Willits' defensive prowess, switch-hitting ability, and development potential, arguing the pick aligns with Toboni's scouting philosophy favoring high-ceiling high school shortstops. The episode explores critical Rule 5 Draft decisions facing the Nationals, particularly protecting left-handed pitcher Jake Bennett, who's dominating the Arizona Fall League after Tommy John recovery. Clary also discusses outfield prospect Christian Franklin's uncertain roster status and the surprising managerial interview with Portland Sea Dogs' Chad Epperson, suggesting it reflects Toboni's character-driven approach to building the organization.

1:40 Why Eli Willits was the right pick

4:12 Paul Toboni's drafting philosophy and player types

7:15 Eli Willits' power potential and development upside

10:21 How Toboni will handle Willits' development path

12:54 Jake Bennett must be protected from Rule 5

16:29 Bennett's dominance in Arizona Fall League

19:01 Christian Franklin's Rule 5 eligibility dilemma

23:07 Nationals interview Double A manager Chad Epperson

25:39 Outside the box approach to managerial search

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The Washington Nationals make a bold, unconventional move by hiring 33-year-old Blake Butera as their next manager—the youngest MLB skipper in over 50 years. Butera comes from Tampa Bay's player development system, where he compiled a 258-144 record as a Double-A manager while serving as senior director of minor league player development. Host Ryan Clary breaks down why this stunning hire makes perfect sense for a rebuilding franchise prioritizing analytics, coaching, and cultural transformation. The move signals ownership's commitment to modernizing the organization, pairing Butera with President Paul Toboni to create alignment between front office and dugout. Clary explores the risks and rewards of skipping traditional steps, emphasizing Butera's fluency in advanced metrics and proven ability to develop young talent—exactly what Washington's emerging core needs as they build toward contention.

0:00 Intro

0:30 Nationals hire 33-year-old Blake Butera as manager

2:02 Why this surprising hire wasn't on anyone's radar

4:04 Youngest MLB manager in over 50 years

6:39 Butera's player development background with Tampa Bay

9:12 Why this hire works for the Nationals' rebuild

12:16 Butera's impressive minor league managerial record

15:20 Taboni and Butera share similar analytical backgrounds

18:24 Addressing coaching mistakes from the Martinez era

21:27 Nationals need experienced bench coach to support Butera

24:31 Brandon Hyde as potential bench coach candidate

26:02 Skipping steps to get future star manager now

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

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

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Gametime
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FanDuel
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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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