ACE: Cade Cavalli Is The Washington Nationals Opening Day Starter & He DESERVES It!

Washington Nationals name Cade Cavalli the Opening Day starter—does this signal a breakout 2026 for the young ace? Ryan Clary spotlights Cavalli’s electric spring, new pitch arsenal, and why he’s poised to become the staff’s All-Star-caliber leader. With fresh analytics, a youthful coaching approach led by Blake Butera, and improved health, could Cavalli anchor one of MLB’s most progressive pitching rotations? Attention shifts to the hotly contested first base battle, as Luis Garcia Jr., Andrés Chaparro, and Abi Ortiz vie for the starting job with spring training winding down. Ryan Clary also explores the intriguing path for defensive standout Nasim Nunez to crack the everyday lineup, the impact of small ball, and key questions about CJ Abrams’ and Garcia’s potential defensive shifts. Nationals fans—will these roster moves unlock a new era of competitiveness in D.C.?

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nationals/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11
Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals
Everydayer Club Link: https://lockedonnationals.supercast.com/
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
PlayStation
This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today’s episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

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)
#Nationals #WashingtonNationals #MLB
00:00 Cavalli Is Your Opening Day Starter!

05:03 Cade Cavalli’s Promising Breakout

06:55 Nationals’ Pitching Transformation Analysis

10:51 Cavalli Earns Opening Day Start

11:30- Nasim Nunez”s 2026 Outlook

19:33 Defensive Stars, Offensive Struggles

20:27 Nationals’ Infield Decisions Loom

23:57 Nationals’ First Base Uncertainty

3 comments

  1. Ive been banging the drum to start Nasim Nunez. If he can keep a OBP of .320 then he is capable of batting 9th in the lineup.

    I still think it should be Nunez at SS, Abrams at 2B, and Garcia platooning at 1B/DH.

Leave a Reply