Locked On Nationals - Daily Podcast On The Washington Nationals

Ryan Clary prepares Nationals fans for the inevitable Mackenzie Gore trade while tempering expectations on the return package. He argues this won't be a franchise-altering deal like the Juan Soto blockbuster, citing Gore's remaining contract years, inconsistency issues, and potential market complications from a Tarik Skubal trade. Clary breaks down realistic trade scenarios with the Mariners (Harr...

Ryan Clary and Bobby Blanco break down the Washington Nationals' surprising hire of 33-year-old Blake Butera as manager, examining why the team chose a low-A manager with player development expertise over a veteran skipper. They explore what this signals about the franchise's timeline and Paul Toboni's long-term vision. The conversation shifts to potential blockbuster trades, particularly MacKenzi...

The Washington Nationals officially name Blake Butera as their new manager in what many would say it's an outside the box hire.  This episode breaks down what Nationals fans should expect from Butera's player development-focused approach and how it signals a major culture shift for the organization. We explore the new front office structure, including Mike DeBartolo's role as Senior VP (not GM), a...

Ryan Clary breaks down the Washington Nationals' heating trade market as teams inquire about All-Stars MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams. He argues the Nationals should only trade one—likely Gore—while extending Abrams at second base. Clary explains why Gore's Scott Boras representation makes an extension unlikely, while Abrams' potential and ROC Nation representation offer better retention odds. He ex...

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 Tobon...

*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 episod...

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 pe...

Ryan Clary breaks down the Washington Nationals' managerial search as Miguel Cairo exits the running and the coaching staff faces a complete overhaul. With hitting coach Darnell Coles and pitching coach Jim Hickey likely departing, the organization signals a fresh start under Paul Taboni's leadership. The episode explores two intriguing candidates: Rocco Baldelli, the former Twins manager who won...

Ryan Clary tackles the Washington Nationals' biggest offseason dilemma: what to do with underperforming catcher Keibert Ruiz. Despite being under contract through 2030, Ruiz's defensive struggles and offensive regression make him a liability worth cutting loose. Clary argues the $40 million remaining shouldn't hold the team back from upgrading. He also makes a compelling case for Nasim Nunez as Pa...

The Athletic tied the Washington Nationals as one of the teams that could BEST FIT defensive stud Ha-Seong Kim. Ryan discusses why this could be the difference making move the Nats NEED to make as he solves multiple issues with this team. This move could also lead to a major shakeup in the infield, and the player in question would be Luis Garcia Jr. Could the Nats seek a trade, or even possibly so...

Ryan Clary, host of Locked On Nationals, dives into the team's managerial search, focusing on former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde as a top candidate as he was just interviewed for the job. Clary analyzes Hyde's track record in rebuilding the Orioles and his player-friendly approach. The podcast explores the Nationals' apparent preference for analytically-minded managers, as evidenced by their inte...

World Series Showdown: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays - Who Will Reign Supreme?   The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in an unexpected World Series matchup. Can the Blue Jays' complete team challenge the Dodgers' powerhouse lineup? Key discussions include team strengths, payroll disparities, and the impact of high-spending franchises on MLB. The hosts analyze starting pitching, bullpen s...

Ryan Clary hosts the Locked on Nationals podcast, discussing the Washington Nationals' off-season priorities. He emphasizes the importance of player development over free agency spending, citing the team's history and current needs. Clary analyzes James Wood's Silver Slugger finalist status, praising his performance as a 22-year-old and predicting future success. He also debates a potential positi...

Ryan Clary, host of Locked On Nationals, discusses the potential trade of Washington Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore. He argues that trading Gore, despite his All-Star status, is the right move for the rebuilding team. Clary analyzes potential trade partners, including the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Boston Red Sox, outlining possible prospect packages in return. He addresses fan concerns a...

Ryan Clary, host of Locked On Nationals, discusses the legacies of former Nationals executive Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez. He argues that while their departures were necessary, fans should remember their contributions to the team's success, including the 2019 World Series win. Clary analyzes Rizzo's player development struggles but highlights his shrewd trades, particularly the Juan Soto...

In this episode of Locked on Nationals, Ryan Clary explores the potential impact of the new regime under Paul Toboni on key players. James Wood, C.J. Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of the data-driven approach. The discussion delves into how analytics could help these players reach their full potential, addressing specific areas for improvement. Ryan also expl...

Ryan Clary hosts "Locked on Nationals," diving into Dylan Crews' challenging 2025 season and potential improvements for 2026. He analyzes Crews' struggles with breaking pitches and compares him to Ryan Zimmerman, highlighting unexpected defensive skills. Clary then shifts focus to the Nationals' managerial search, emphasizing the need for a young, energetic leader to establish a new team culture....

Brady House had a relatively disappointing season at the plate in 2025, but that won't be the story going into 2026. Ryan discusses where he needs to see House improve heading into next year, and discusses his plate discipline at a very detailed rate. We also get into the biggest head scratching decisions from 2025 with their top prospects, and try to make sense with what they did. Did we just see...

Washington Nationals' future takes shape as prospects shine in Arizona Fall League. Is Seaver King the next big thing for the Nats? Ryan Clary breaks down King's impressive AFL performance, highlighting his potential as a five-tool player under the new player development regime. The discussion covers Jake Bennett's case for a 40-man roster spot, Jacob Young's Gold Glove candidacy, and how these yo...

Washington Nationals shake up front office with key hires. Is a return to glory on the horizon? Ryan Clary breaks down the Nationals' recent front office overhaul, highlighting Paul Toboni's appointment as president of baseball operations and Devin Pearson's role as assistant GM. The discussion covers their backgrounds with the Boston Red Sox, potential impacts on player development, and the cruci...

Washington Nationals' future hangs in the balance as Ryan predicts CJ Abrams trade rumors could happen. Is a major roster shakeup on the horizon for the struggling franchise? Ryan Clary breaks down Abrams' potential move to second base and its impact on the team's defensive strategy. The discussion covers top prospect Eli Willits' development timeline, new head of baseball operations Paul Tabone's...

Washington Nationals' pitching woes take center stage. Can the team turn things around in 2026? Ryan Clary breaks down the Nationals' dismal pitching performance, highlighting their 5.35 team ERA and the urgent need for improvement. The discussion covers potential offseason strategies, including free agency, trades, and the draft. Clary spotlights three pitchers poised for growth: DJ Herz with his...

Could the NL East be crumbling? Washington Nationals' outfield depth sparks trade rumors as division rivals face uncertain futures. Ryan Clary analyzes potential Nationals trades, focusing on outfielders like Robert Hassell III, Jacob Young, and others. He examines the state of the NL East, discussing the Phillies' playoff exit, Mets' struggles, and Braves' concerns. Ryan previews Game 5 between t...

The Toboni era begins with a front office shake-up for the Washington Nationals. Will these bold moves reshape the team's future? Paul Toboni, the new president of baseball operations, has initiated significant changes, including the departure of key figures of the Nats 2019 World Series team. Ryan Clary analyzes the potential impact of these decisions on the Nationals' player development strategy...

New President of baseball ops Paul Toboni has some important decisions to make, and Ryan thinks that he should kick the tires on Mark DeRosa as the next Nats skipper. Ryan explains why he feels the former National would best fit this ball club's needs, and would be willing to take that gamble on someone with no managerial experience. We then get into some other names that have been around the game...