in this episode, host Dan Holmi dives into the growing conversation around the Washington Nationals’ payroll strategy. After years of cautious spending, the Nats face a pivotal moment as young stars like CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore emerge as franchise cornerstones. Dan breaks down why new leadership under Paul Toboni insists it’s about process over money — but also why a lack of investment could stall progress in a competitive NL East.

Then, we react to Jim Bowden’s harsh ranking of the Nationals among MLB’s non-playoff teams. Are the Nats really that far away from contending, or is national perception lagging behind the rebuild’s reality? We unpack the state of the farm system, the timeline to contention, and how outside voices could be underestimating Washington’s long-term plan.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals wrap up their 2025 season today with Game 162 against the Chicago White Sox at 2:05 pm, closing the book on a year filled with ups and downs. While the final record won’t change with one more game, all eyes are on Miguel Cairo, who may be managing his last contest in D.C. The pitching struggles defined much of the Nationals’ season, but bright spots emerged in the form of CJ Abrams, James Wood, and MacKenzie Gore, giving fans a glimpse of what could be the foundation of the next competitive roster. With new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni set to take over this offseason, today’s game feels less like a finish line and more like the beginning of a new chapter for the Washington Nationals.

The focus isn’t just on the field today but also on the future. Daylen Lile’s breakout September has the Nationals fanbase buzzing, showing signs that he could join Wood and Abrams as key offensive building blocks. James Wood was named Player of the Year for the club, while left-handed pitching prospect Alex Clemmey earned Minor League Player of the Year honors, highlighting the progress in Washington’s farm system. As the Nationals head into an offseason of big decisions, their young talent is beginning to shift the narrative from a struggling ballclub to one on the rise. This episode of the Talk Nats Podcast dives into the final game, the breakout performances, and what’s next for the Washington Nationals.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Nationals have finalized a major front office move, hiring Paul Toboni as their new head of baseball operations. Toboni, who previously served as a senior executive in the Boston Red Sox front office, brings a strong background in drafting and player development. For the Washington Nationals, this represents a turning point after years of missed draft picks, a shallow farm system, and constant turnover in leadership. His experience building up Boston’s farm system signals a new emphasis on development and scouting in Washington.

The hire comes at a critical time for the Nationals, who have endured six straight losing seasons and are looking to rebuild their organization from the ground up. With no GM currently in place, a vacant scouting director role, and questions about the roster’s future, Toboni will be tasked with reshaping the Nationals both on the field and behind the scenes. From the 2026 draft to future trades and manager hires, this is a reset moment for the Washington Nationals — and the start of the Toboni era.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.