Washington Nationals fans, get ready for a new era as the team signals a longer rebuild than expected—are short-term pains setting up a future powerhouse? Ryan Clary breaks down why the Nationals' latest front office and coaching hires—including Paul Taboni and Blake Butera—point to a strategic shift focused on player development, patience, and a sustainable winning culture. Will the Nats’ faith in prospects like Elijah Green and Cristhian Vaquero pay off, or is a shake-up on the horizon? Key discussions include trade-or-develop scenarios for top talents such as Robert Hassell III, the evolving outfield picture with names like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and Jacob Young, and what the focus on biomechanics and analytics means for the team’s future. As the Nationals prioritize development over immediate wins, Clary examines potential roster moves and what fans can realistically expect heading into 2026 and beyond. Is a return to October glory closer than it seems? Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11 Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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) Episode Timestamps & Topics 0:00 – Nationals Rebuild Timeline Ryan Clary introduces the show and discusses why Nationals fans should anticipate a longer rebuild, outlining expectations for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. 11:27 – Trade or Develop: Prospect Analysis Ryan Clary breaks down a “trade or develop” game for top young Nationals players, sharing insights on which prospects should be kept or moved and why. 22:31 – Cristhian Vaquero & Upcoming Prospects Ryan Clary analyzes Cristhian Vaquero’s future and teases additional prospect evaluations for the next episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
