Rock Bottom: Why The Washington Nationals Will Be BETTER In 2026
Ryan Clary investigates the highs and lows of Nationals baseball, including MacKenzie Gore’s opening day dominance and an 11-game losing skid that led to the firing of longtime manager Davey Martinez and president Mike Rizzo. Key topics cover player development struggles, bullpen woes, and the arrival of Blake Butera and Paul Toboni. Plus: reflections on Anthony Rendon’s legacy in D.C. and bold predictions for 2026. Will Washington Nationals fans finally see the light at the end of the tunnel?
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00:00 “2025: Nationals’ Biggest Disappointment”
05:53 Nationals’ Future: Changes Ahead
07:44 “Team Rebuild and Leadership Shift”
14:57 Nationals’ Struggles and Coaching Changes
18:09 “Nationals’ Highs and Lows”
20:36 End of Nationals’ Dominance
23:18 “Anthony Rendon’s Nationals Legacy”
27:24 “Anthony Rendon Farewell Reflections”
5 comments
Giants fan here. Wood, Crews, and Lile will all be 2026 All-Stars. Brady House, Harry Ford, CJ, Hassel #3 are also on this team. Things are gonna be just fine for the Nats.
2022 was the worst, if the trade of Juan Soto and the players received, Nats would not have won 40 games.
Early 2025 was bad, as you correctly note, because of the bullpen. Over the winter of 24-25, the Nats signed some free agent relievers who blew a lead each and every time they entered a game. Sims was one. I’ve forgotten the lefthander who was Sims-equivalent. Ferrer was also so awful that his ERA never recovered despite his improvement over the last half of the season and his progression to staff closer. Of course this stretch of awful bullpen performance led to a demoralization of the starting staff as lead after lead was lost. That was also so hard to watch that fans also lost interest.
Management has been saying the team can only get better year after year. So far it hasn't happened. With the loss of their closer and first baseman, with the fact that the team is unwilling or unable to spend in free agency, and the complete uncertainty with the pitching, both starting and relief, I'll believe it when I see it. The burden of proof is on the team.
Nats better in 26, I hope so but I doubt it. Let's take 4 key players: Crews so far a bust with a .211 avg over 2 years. CJ Abrams average bat hit .217 after the AS break. Makes some great plays but easy errors. James Wood .278 pre AS .223 post AS and stuck out nearly once for every 2 at bats, walks also a lot less. Gore, yes a phenomenal start but rough finish with 6.75 era post AS. Can the new regime bring out the best in these guys, time will tell.