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Blue Wire

Mark Zuckerman & Al Galdi

A Washington Nationals podcast offering recap and analysis after every game, plus all the breaking news throughout the year. Hosted by Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com & Al Galdi, host of "The Al Galdi Podcast". For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Shovers at natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

Nats Chat

The MLB Winter Meetings just wrapped up in Texas and the Nationals have not yet made an offseason splash. Mark & Al begin with the pleasant surprise that Washington won the lottery and will have the top pick in next summer's Draft.

(05:30) Mike Rizzo said on TV that it is time "hit the gas" despite the team not signing anyone thus far. Is it too early to panic and think it will be another quiet winter?

(09:00) Juan Soto signed a massive contract with the Mets, but it seems like the Nationals were nowhere in the hunt. The Winter Meetings began on Sunday night with the shock that Soto and the Mets reportedly agreed to a 15 year/ $765 Million contract.

(26:10) Given how Soto's value ballooned on the Free Agent market, should the Nats consider signing James Wood to a long term extension now?

(31:45) Max Fried and the Yankees agreed to an 8 year deal this week and other pitcher's deals have exceeded initial expectations of what the market was expected to be. How does this affect Rizzo's approach?

(37:20) Kyle Finnegan will not return to the team in 2025 and it was a very curious move. Why did they not tender Finnegan considering they didn't trade him before the summer's deadline?

(44:00) Washington acquired Evan Reifert in the Rule 5 Draft. Reifert is a RHP that comes from the Tampa Bay organization and now will likely be on the team's Opening Day roster.

 

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Nats Win the #1 Overall Pick During A Quiet Winter

Al & Mark convene during the early January snow storm to discuss the roster moves that were made in late December. The Nationals recently acquired 1B Nathaniel Lowe from Texas in exchange for Robert Garcia and also signed Josh Bell. Will there be more moves to address offense for the 2025 season? Bell was previously with Washington and was part of the Juan Soto trade to San Diego in 2022.

(14:50) The Nats inked a pair of pitchers in Trevor Williams & Mike Soroka. Williams returns for his 3rd season with the team and Soroka is a veteran who has battled many injuries over his career. What does it mean for DJ Herz's spot in the starting rotation?

(22:00) Where does Cade Cavalli fit into this season's plans?

(23:30) An update on the bullpen as there are still roster spots to be filled.

(31:00) Corbin Burnes recently signed a $210M six-year deal with Arizona and many expected the total to be higher. Burnes pitched last season in Baltimore and was considered the top available free agent starting pitcher. What does it say about the starting pitching market compared to previous years?

 

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Josh Bell's Return Among the Recent Moves

The Nationals opened up camp this week in Florida as Davey Martinez begins his 8th season at the helm. Mark (Live from West Palm) & Al open with how 2025 might have elevated pressure for Martinez compared to recent seasons.

(05:40) CJ Abrams reported early to camp after his 2024 ended on a very sour note. Abrams was demoted to AAA the final week of the season after being out late at a Chicago casino just a few hours before an afternoon game. Abrams made the All-Star Game last summer and led the team in WAR (3.4).

(13:15) Travis Sykora is out until May due to recent hip surgery. He is the organization's top ranked pitcher and last season pitched in Low-A Fredericksburg.

(16:00) An update on Cade Cavalli who only made three minor league appearances last season as he aims to return from "Tommy John" surgery. Cavalli last pitched in Washington in August 2022.

(18:30) GM Mike Rizzo spoke with reporters and addressed the limited spending this past off-season. We run through all the transactions made the past few months and what they will mean for this season. Will the team add a bullpen arm or two this Spring Training?

(34:40) More than five guys have been slated as "Starters" and the hosts sort through the current hierarchy within the rotation.

 

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Pitchers, Catchers, and CJ Abrams Report to Camp

Grapefruit League play has yet to start, but the Nats have been down in West Palm Beach for over a week. Mark (Live from Florida) & Al begin with the recent signing of veteran infielder Paul DeJong, who might end up being the team's Opening Day 3B. DeJong hit 24 homers last season while playing for both the White Sox & Royals.

(14:00) Washington added right-handed relief pitcher Lucas Sims, who is coming off a down season. Sims did however have a solid 2023 season for the Reds that saw his ERA finish at 3.10. Will he part of the "A Bullpen"?

(19:40) Kyle Finnegan surprisingly remains a Free Agent after being non-tended from the Nationals at the end of last season. If he stays unsigned this Spring, might he return to old his team?

****(23:20) Reaction to Mark Lerner's comments to the Washington Post, that includes explanation on the team's recent spending approach and the family's long-term plans with the franchise.

(42:00) Speculating on who might be the Opening Day Starting Pitcher. MacKenzie Gore or Jake Irvin?

 

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Veteran 3B Option Added + Talking $$$

(23:45) Robert Hassell III homered this week and has stood out so far in Grapefruit League play. Hassell was one of the highly touted prospects that was part of the Juan Soto trade, but has dealt with injuries and has yet to make it the Majors. Where does he fit into the crowded outfield?

(33:30) Mark's shares his observations from the team first four Spring Training games that included Jake Irvin tossing a scoreless inning in his first outing of 2025. This also includes a handicap of who will earn the 5th Starter's role for the beginning of the season.

(40:00) The Nats & Orioles announced they will conclude Spring Training against each other at Nationals Park on Monday March 24th at 1PM. This seems like a sign we are headed to an "Era of Good Feelings" between the two teams.

Kyle Finnegan Back + Robert Hassell III Discussion

The Nats and Orioles stunned the Baseball world on Monday morning by suddenly announcing that the never ending argument over MASN argument has been figured out. The Nationals now finally have autonomy over their broadcast rights and come 2026 they are a free agent on the airwaves. Al & Tim dive into what this means for the future of the franchise, the ownership situation, and what their next options might look like.

EMERGENCY POD: MASN Dispute Suddenly Resolved

March has arrived and Opening Day is just a few weeks away. Mark & Al focus on key parts of the roster in the lead to March 27th vs. the Phillies. Jacob Young is an odd spot in 2025 as even though he came within an eyelash of winning the Gold Glove last season, the crowded outfield depth is making it so that he has to prove himself again that he is worthy of being an everyday CFer. 

(10:00) Mike Rizzo said this week that this is the deepest pitching staff in organization history and even doubled down on the claim.

(16:10) Jarlin Susana, the 20 year-old pitching prospect that was acquired in the Juan Soto trade, was sent to minor league camp despite registering 100+ MPH on the radar. 

(18:45) Caleb Lomavita, the catching prospect drafted at 39th overall last summer, in his first Spring Training. How much pressure will he put on Keibert Ruiz?

(28:00) The hosts look at the potential top of the lineup for the Nationals. Will James Wood definitely hit 3rd or could he start the season in the cleanup spot? 

(31:30) Could Ahmed Rosario start over Luis Garcia Jr. when a lefty is on the mound?

(34:05) Stone Garrett cleared outright waivers and has been to AAA-Richmond. Garrett was DFA'd in order to make room for Kyle Finnegan last week.

Early Look At the Top of the Lineup

Spring Training is currently in its "Dog Days" phase as Opening Day in Navy Yard is two weeks away. Al & Mark open with a quick update on CJ Abrams, who exited Wednesday's game early due to cramping in both quads, but is expected in Thursday's lineup.

(05:00) All signs pointing towards MacKenzie Gore to start on Opening Day vs. the Phillies.

(12:30) DJ Herz, Mitchell Parker, & Shinnosuke Ogasawara vying for the 5th spot in the starting rotation.

(21:15) Update on bullpen depth.

(23:30) Roster battles for final utility player.

(29:15) Josh Bell's potential job security at DH.

(34:05) Jackson Rutledge to the bullpen.

5th Starter Still Undecided

The Nationals season begins on Thursday March 27th at 4:05PM vs. the visiting Phillies. Mark & Al get you set for the 21st season of Washington Nationals baseball.

(00:00) Nats moved to town 20 years ago

(10:00) Minor league prospects to monitor: Robert Hassell III & Brady House

(14:10) Brad Lord surprisingly contending for a bullpen spot

(17:45) Nationals return their Rule 5 Pick Evan Reifert back to Tampa Bay

(21:30) How to measure success in 2025

(30:10) More homers this season as a team?

(35:45) Evaluating the base running and stolen base threats

(38:15) A look at the pitching staff

(43:00) Season predictions

(52:45) Expectations for attendance

2025 Season Preview

The Nats bullpen let them down on their way to a season opening 7-3 loss in extra innings vs. the visiting Phillies. Mark & Al start with a major positive for Washington as MacKenzie Gore set a franchise Opening Day record with 13 strikeouts. Gore was fantastic as he did not issue any walks and only gave up one hit.

(10:30) Keibert Ruiz homered off of Zack Wheeler and threw out a runner trying to steal 2nd base. Davey Martinez mentioned pregame that Ruiz lost weight in the offseason and he was pleased with his Spring.

(17:00) Jacob Young was caught stealing despite James Wood at the plate with a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 6th inning.

(21:15) Opening Day was not a good one for the Nationals bullpen as five relievers combined to allow seven runs in just four innings of work. Colin Poche really struggled in his first outing with the Nats as he gave up four Philadelphia runs in the top of the 10th to put the game out of reach.

(27:45) Derek Law will begin the season the 15-Day IL due to right forearm inflammation. Mark explains what led to him not being ready to pitch for Washington on Opening Day.

(32:00) The Nationals were dealt bad news this week as DJ Herz was added to the 60-Day IL and is getting a 2nd opinion on his sprained elbow ligament that could lead to Tommy John surgery. Al notes that this continues a troubling pattern of a pitcher getting a significant injury at some point in Spring Training.

Gore Strikes Out 13 but Bullpen Falters on Opening Day

The Nats bullpen imploded again in Chicago, this time they allowed 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th to lose 8-3. Mark (Live from Wrigley Field) & Al discuss the continued sorry state of affairs for the 'pen and on Wednesday Mason Thompson was part of the problem. During the final 2 games of the series, the relief pitching gave up 20 runs in less than 6 frames.

(13:30) Trevor Williams had a so-so outing as he allowed 7 hits in his usual 5 IP. What are the chances that a contender would seek Williams at the Deadline to fill out their rotation?

(22:00) Jeimer Candelario slugged his 15th HR of the season in the 8th inning just before Washington briefly tied the Cubs. What kind of return might the Nationals get for Candelario in a few weeks?

(28:15) While Candelario is almost a given to be dealt, it is not as clear for Lane Thomas. Hear Mark explain what Mike Rizzo is weighing while potentially shopping Thomas.

 

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Game 96: More Bullpen Woes

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