The Talk Nats Podcast W/Dan Holmi podcast

14:40

Today the pod focuses on pitcher MacKenzie Gore, highlighting his impressive performance, perfectionist mindset, and the fastest pitch for a qualified starting pitcher in Nationals history. Despite facing challenges, he remains calm and reflective, praised for his skills by teammates and influenced by mentors and family. As the 2025 season approaches, expectations for his success are high. Later Dan discusses the Washington Nationals' upcoming 2025 season under manager Davey Martinez. The team aims for at least 82 wins following a productive spring training, with a focus on improving from past struggles. Veteran additions and young talent are crucial for growth, as the Nationals seek a competitive turnaround.…

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The outlook for Hassell and House | Will the Nats flip Bell? | Shuman 26:55

8 days ago26:55

26:55

As the Washington Nationals prepare for the season, two young prospects, Robert Hassell III and Brady House, have been left off the Opening Day roster. While both players show promise—Hassell with a strong .370 batting average this spring and House improving his performance to .333—they still need more experience in the minors to fully develop. Manager Davey Martinez believes they could debut in 2025, but until then, they are expected to continue honing their skills at Triple-A, especially since established players like Jacob Young and Paul DeJong are currently securing key positions. In addition to roster updates, there are ongoing discussions about first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell, who is expected to be a significant trade candidate this season as the Nationals continue to rebuild. Given his one-year contract and the team's challenges, Bell could attract interest from contending teams if he performs well. Meanwhile, young talents in the minors, including Hassell, could eventually step into vital roles like the DH position. The team is watching closely as the trade deadline approaches, keeping an eye on potential destinations for Bell and the development of their young prospects. Ready to snack smarter? Use the promo code MINUTECAST to get 15% off your Righteous Felon order! Visit https://www.righteousfelon.com/?ref=MINUTECAST today and grab your new favorite snack! Get $20 off your first ticket purchase at http://seatgeek.com with promo code MINUTECAST!…

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MacKenzie Gore Named Opening Day Starter as Nationals Gear Up for 2025 Season 13:46

10 days ago13:46

13:46

In latest episode of the Nationals Pothedcast, exciting news from Nats camp was shared as Manager Dave Martinez announced that MacKenzie Gore will be the Opening Day starter against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 27, 2025. Gore, who appreciated the straightforward announcement from Martinez, expressed his excitement for the opportunity, focusing on being the best version of himself rather than seeking personal accolades. At just 26 years old, this marks a significant milestone for Gore, who had a solid performance in the 2024 season with a 3.90 ERA across 32 starts. The Nationals are putting their faith in him as he continues to develop following his acquisition in a trade involving Juan Soto in 2022. As spring training progresses, the competition within the Nationals' roster is heating up, particularly for the fifth starter spot and the bench and bullpen positions. Gore's recent performance has been promising, showcasing his pitching command despite a loss against the St. Louis Cardinals in his latest start. Additionally, the Nationals made several roster moves, including reassigning players to minor league camp and optioning Darren Baker to Class AAA Rochester. With final roster decisions looming, fans are eager to see how the team will shape up for the upcoming season, especially considering the conservative offseason approach and the return of last year's closer, Kyle Finnegan, at a more favorable rate.…

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Brady House: The Next Hope for the Nationals' Third Base 14:35

11 days ago14:35

14:35

Brady House, the Nationals' promising 21-year-old prospect, is generating excitement as he prepares for a potential major league debut this season. After experiencing some struggles last year with a career-low .699 OPS due to plate discipline issues, House took a step back during the offseason to refine his skills. Training with seven-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt helped him develop a better understanding of hitting, especially in managing full-count situations and recognizing pitches. House has changed his mindset to focus on making strong swings rather than simply surviving the count, which has shown improvements in his spring performance, boasting a .333 batting average and an .821 OPS. As the Nationals seek a long-term solution at third base following Anthony Rendon's departure, House's defensive skills and offensive potential have drawn comparisons to a young Ryan Zimmerman. Despite a rough season in 2024 that saw him fall off many top prospect lists, the team's decision to sign Paul DeJong on a one-year deal suggests they still harbor confidence in House's abilities. With 19 home runs last season and a focus on improving his plate discipline, fans are eager to see how he develops and contributes to the team's future.…

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Optimism in 2025: Nationals' Strategic Moves with Rutledge and Henry's Transition to Bullpen 14:32

15 days ago14:32

14:32

As the spring training progresses for the Washington Nationals, there's a sense of optimism .The front office is managing a healthy payroll without burdensome contracts, allowing for some financial flexibility as several veterans, including Patrick Corbin and Joey Gallo, hit free agency. The team's offseason strategy has been cautious, with Trevor Williams re-signing for two years and international pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara signing on for two years as well. The other signings, including Josh Bell and Michael Soroka on one-year contracts, have drawn mixed reactions from fans, especially as Jim Bowden from The Athletic assigned a "C+" grade to the Nationals’ offseason, noting insufficient investment to make significant improvements. In the Talk Nats Podcast, the focus shifts to pitcher Jackson Rutledge, who is transitioning from a starter role in the minors to a full-time reliever. Despite a challenging season in Triple-A Rochester, where he allowed more hits than innings pitched, Rutledge showed promise during his brief stint in the majors, demonstrating improved command. Meanwhile, fellow prospect Cole Henry is also moving to the bullpen as he continues his development in Triple-A. This strategic shift could position both players for more impactful roles in the upcoming season, as the organization seeks to leverage their potential in a competitive division.…

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Soaring Expectations for James Wood: Washington Nationals’ Future Stars and the Impact of the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery 14:34

18 days ago14:34

14:34

The Talk Nats podcast recently highlighted the soaring expectations surrounding young prospect James Wood as the Washington Nationals gear up for the upcoming season. Acquired in the trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres, Wood has quickly become a focal point for fans, especially after impressive performances in spring training. Despite facing challenges like quad tendinitis, he recently showcased his potential with a two-run home run, demonstrating growth in his hitting approach. His exceptional stats, including a 52% hard-hit rate and an average exit velocity of 92.8 mph, position him among elite talents in the league, making him a player to watch as the Nationals aim for improvement by 2025. Additionally, the podcast discussed exciting developments from the recent Winter Meetings, where the Nationals emerged as key winners by securing the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery. Among the top candidates for this pick are Ethan Holliday, a power-hitting prep shortstop, Jace LaViolette, a college outfielder noted for his impressive home run count, and Jamie Arnold, a dominant left-handed pitcher with outstanding strikeout numbers. As the franchise looks to the future, these prospects could greatly influence the team's success moving forward.…

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Washington Nationals: A New Era with Local TV Rights, Stadium Naming Deals, and CJ Abrams' Crucial Season 14:53

25 days ago14:53

14:53

The Washington Nationals are entering an exciting new chapter as Major League Baseball announces that they can explore new local television rights starting in 2026, marking the end of a 20-year relationship with MASN. With past media rights disputes resolved, potential new broadcasting partners like Monumental Sports Network are on the horizon, promising enhanced coverage for fans. Additionally, the Nationals have secured a new stadium naming rights deal and jersey sleeve sponsorships that could significantly boost their revenue, allowing for investment in marquee players and a brighter future for the team. In parallel, the upcoming season is pivotal for CJ Abrams, whose performance will be critical as the Nationals aim to move beyond a rebuilding phase. After facing challenges, including a stint in the minors, Abrams is expected to solidify his role as the starting shortstop. Teammates express confidence in his talent and potential, while general manager Mike Rizzo remains optimistic about his development. With the pressure on Abrams to rise to the occasion, his success could be integral in shaping the team's future and improving fan engagement.…

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Kyle Finnegan Returns as Closer for the Nationals in 2025: A Look at His Success and Travis Sykora's Road to Recovery 15:00

29 days ago15:00

15:00

The Talk Nats Podcast recently announced the return of Kyle Finnegan as the closer for the Washington Nationals in 2025 after he signed a one-year, $6 million contract. This decision comes after a surprising non-tender earlier in the offseason, highlighting the Nationals’ need for a proven closer. Finnegan’s performance last season showcased his capability, as he recorded a 1.98 ERA with 23 saves in the first half, ultimately finishing with a 3.68 ERA and 38 saves in 43 opportunities. His durability and consistency have made him a vital asset to the bullpen, which should now benefit from his leadership as the longest-tenured player on the roster. Additionally, the podcast shifted focus to 20-year-old pitching prospect Travis Sykora, who faced challenges due to hip issues but showed resilience throughout the past season. Following successful hip surgery, Sykora is on track for a return to minor league games by mid-May, showcasing impressive stats with a 2.33 ERA and an average of 13.7 strikeouts per nine innings. He remains optimistic about regaining his fastball velocity, potentially reaching speeds of 100 mph again. Sykora's journey reflects his determination to overcome obstacles while adapting his pitching mechanics for sustained success.…

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Embracing the ABS Challenge System and Spotlighting Futures of Dylan Crews and Nathaniel Lowe 26:21

4 weeks ago26:21

26:21

The Talk Nats Podcast recently discussed the introduction of the Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) challenge system as the Nationals prepare for their third Grapefruit League game. This innovative "robot ump" system enhances pitch call accuracy using camera angles and measurements specific to each batter, allowing players to challenge calls by simply tapping their heads. Each team has two incorrect challenges per game, making strategic use of these challenges essential. Catchers like Drew Millas have a higher success rate in challenging calls, reinforcing the importance of their role in the game. The data collected during spring training will be crucial in evaluating the system's potential implementation in regular MLB games as soon as 2026. The podcast also highlighted the impressive development of Dylan Crews, who is establishing himself as a major league player. His performance in spring training, including a key RBI single in the exhibition opener against the Astros, showcases his growth and situational awareness. Manager Davey Martinez praised Crews for his composure at the plate, emphasizing the importance of situational hitting. Additionally, Nathaniel Lowe’s acquisition is viewed as a pivotal move for the Nationals, providing much-needed leadership and performance at first base as the team rebuilds. Lowe's offensive stats indicate he could significantly elevate the team's competitiveness, making him a player to watch this season.…

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Robert Hassell III Shines in Spring Training, CJ Abrams Takes Leadoff Role: Excitement Builds for the Nationals' Roster 14:44

5 weeks ago14:44

14:44

In the latest episode of the Talk Nats Podcast, the spotlight is on promising performances from the Nationals' spring training. Robert Hassell III shone with a crucial three-run double that helped secure a 6-3 victory over the Astros. After struggling with injuries last season, he’s looking to stay healthy and strengthen his performance in the minors as competition heats up with other top prospects like James Wood and Dylan Crews. Manager Davey Martinez recognized Hassell’s potential impact on the team's success moving forward. Additionally, pitcher Jake Irvin impressed with a quick inning, while Jarlin Susana showcased his striking speed despite a challenging outing. The podcast also highlighted CJ Abrams' new role as the leadoff hitter for the upcoming season, which aims to solidify the batting order. Abrams has demonstrated consistent performance over the past year, though he faced a slump that briefly reset his position. Dylan Crews, another top prospect, is also a competitive factor for the lineup, but Martinez expressed confidence in Abrams leading off. As the spring season approaches, there's noticeable excitement around Abrams’ revamped conditioning and the overall potential of the Nationals' roster.…

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Evaluating the 2025 Nationals Starting Rotation: MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Michael Soroka, DJ Herz, Trevor Williams, and Prospects Mitchell Parker and Cade Cavalli; Plus New Bullpen Addition Lucas… 25:29

5 weeks ago25:29

25:29

The Talk Nats Podcast discussed the potential starting rotation for the Washington Nationals in 2025, highlighting several key pitchers. MacKenzie Gore is positioned as the ace, showcasing impressive strikeout numbers and promising talent at just 25 years old. Jake Irvin, slated as the number two starter, demonstrated a solid 4.41 ERA last season with a ground ball-inducing sinker. Michael Soroka brings veteran experience, while DJ Herz is rising with a strong debut season. Trevor Williams is in contention for the fifth spot, along with promising arms like Mitchell Parker and Cade Cavalli, both of whom have intriguing potential despite past injuries. In related news, Lucas Sims has joined the bullpen on a one-year contract, providing the team with a veteran presence as they aim to improve. The Nationals have been proactive in managing their roster, placing Mason Thompson on the injured list to make room for Sims. Meanwhile, owner Mark Lerner reaffirmed the family's commitment to the team, emphasizing a focus on stability and competitive prospects after overcoming past challenges. With the 20th anniversary of MLB in D.C. approaching, Lerner expressed optimism for the team's direction moving forward. On YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@TheTalkNatsPodcast…

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Nationals Sign Paul DeJong to Boost Power-Hitting at Third Base: Optimism Surrounds C.J. Abrams, Manager Davey Martinez, and GM Mike Rizzo as Spring Training Approaches 24:46

6 weeks ago24:46

24:46

The Washington Nationals have made a significant roster addition by signing former All-Star shortstop Paul DeJong to a one-year, $1 million contract. DeJong, known for his power-hitting abilities, will transition to third base, a position that has faced consistency challenges since Anthony Rendon's departure. At 31, DeJong's extensive experience is expected to bolster the Nationals' power-hitting capabilities after they finished last in the National League with only 135 home runs last season. To accommodate DeJong on the 40-man roster, the team placed right-hander Josiah Gray on the 60-day injured list due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery. With DeJong joining the team, fans are optimistic about the upcoming season, especially with his right-handed bat providing valuable options against left-handed pitchers. Manager Davey Martinez and General Manager Mike Rizzo are focused on building a balanced roster while nurturing promising prospects. DeJong's prior experience at third base and the addition of veterans like Amed Rosario, alongside young players such as José Tena and Trey Lipscomb, will create a competitive environment as the team prepares for spring training and a potential turnaround season.…

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Breaking Barriers: The Nationals' Historic Signing of Shinnosuke Ogasawara and Josh Bell's Return to Washington 14:28

9 weeks ago14:28

14:28

The Nationals have made a historic move by signing Japanese left-hander Shinnosuke Ogasawara to a two-year contract worth $3.5 million, marking the first time the team has signed a player directly from Asia. Ogasawara, a former All-Star with a 3.12 ERA in 2023, is expected to join the rotation, though some scouts suggest he may be more effective as a reliever. In addition, the team has re-signed Josh Bell to a one-year deal for $6 million, with plans for him to serve primarily as a designated hitter after his previous successful stints in Washington. This shift in signing strategy reflects general manager Mike Rizzo's evolving approach, moving beyond a past focus on Latin American talent.…

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Nats Trade for Nathaniel Lowe & Sign Soroka: Assessing Offseason Moves and Pitching Prospects 14:48

14 weeks ago14:48

14:48

The Washington Nationals have made notable offseason moves, most recently trading for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers, while sending left-handed reliever Robert Garcia to Texas. This trade addresses the Nationals' need for a reliable first baseman, as Lowe boasts impressive stats, including a .272 batting average and a stellar performance that earned him a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove in recent years. Additionally, the team signed pitcher Michael Soroka to a one-year, $9 million deal, hoping he can regain his rookie form despite not being the sought-after hitter or closer they need. Looking ahead to the season, Manager Davey Martinez is shaping a pitching rotation that includes Soroka, MacKenzie Gore, and Jake Irvin, while also considering the potential addition of another veteran starter.…

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Rising Stars: Mitchell Parker & DJ Herz - The Future of the Nationals Rotation 12:26

15 weeks ago12:26