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 MacKenzie Gore's market value and whether he can command a Garrett Crochet-level return despite inconsistency concerns. They debate C.J. Abrams' future, discussing his defensive limitations and offensive potential while questioning if now is the right time to move him. The duo also tackles how the looming 2027 lockout could reshape extension negotiations and free agency decisions across baseball. 0:00 Intro 0:35 Blake Butera hired as Nationals manager 2:28 Bobby's reaction to the Butera hire 5:47 Why this hire is low risk 8:33 Viewing the team as long-term project 13:37 Mackenzie Gore trade rumors and value 16:41 Comparing Gore to Garrett Crochet trade 21:36 Gore's affordability increases his trade value 23:43 CJ Abrams trade rumors discussion 26:46 Why not to trade Abrams yet 29:44 Abrams' inconsistency affects his trade value 32:12 Impact of looming 2027 lockout 36:35 Upcoming content and spring training schedule 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! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
