ALARM: Washington Nationals Avoid Major DEALS—Payroll Questions Continue To Come Up

Ryan Clary takes aim at the team’s reluctance to make significant signings, noting every MLB team has handed out a $20 million contract  since Washington’s last big spend. He questions whether ownership is playing it smart or risking a “Pirates 2.0” scenario, as teams like the Marlins and Orioles outpace the Nats in free agency. Prospect excitement burns bright with Ryan Clary’s spotlight on Alex Clemmey, a power lefty with breakout potential for 2026. The discussion examines recent roster strategies, struggles with making trades—especially the uncertain status of MacKenzie Gore—and the impact of a new, analytics-focused regime in D.C. Can the Nationals capitalize on their young talent, or will continued caution hold them back? The future of Washington baseball hangs in the balance. 00:00 "Nationals' Spending Concerns Persist" 03:58 "Smart Team-Building vs. Mismanagement" 09:23 "Invest in Mid-Tier Players" 13:59 Nationals' Pitching and Prospect Development 16:37 Nationals' Development of Alex Clemmey 22:11 Trade Value Timing for Gore 23:51 Nationals' Future: 2025-2026 Outlook Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11 Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_NationalsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA. 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.