Spencer Nusbaum
@spencernusbaum.bsky.social
Covering the Nationals ✍️ @washingtonpost.com
📧: [email protected]
📧: [email protected]
The Nationals will look to add starting pitching this winter, and will be open to what comes their way at 1B and C.
This, and more from the GM meetings, in here:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
This, and more from the GM meetings, in here:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
How will Paul Toboni reshape the Nats? Three areas of interest are clear.
“We’ll be open-minded and try and be creative through it all,” Washington’s new president of baseball operations said.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:04 PM
The Nationals will look to add starting pitching this winter, and will be open to what comes their way at 1B and C.
This, and more from the GM meetings, in here:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
This, and more from the GM meetings, in here:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
There was a time when Paul DePodesta had the reputation as the kind of front office wunderkind who might, say, figure out how to win at Coors Field someday. But that was many jobs and an NFL jaunt ago. Can he really pull this off? www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
A ‘Moneyball’ architect is back in MLB to turn around another franchise
After a decade away from baseball, Paul DePodesta takes over the Colorado Rockies. Can he save a struggling team in a dramatically changed sport?
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:05 PM
There was a time when Paul DePodesta had the reputation as the kind of front office wunderkind who might, say, figure out how to win at Coors Field someday. But that was many jobs and an NFL jaunt ago. Can he really pull this off? www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Nationals are planning to introduce their new manager Blake Butera on Monday at 1:30.
November 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The Nationals are planning to introduce their new manager Blake Butera on Monday at 1:30.
From Vegas: What we know (and what Nationals POBO Paul Toboni said) about MacKenzie Gore, the pace of the offseason, payroll and extension conversations:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Paul Toboni makes one thing clear: The Nats are open for business
The Nationals’ new baseball chief, at his first GM meetings sitting in the big chair, says the team would be “dumb” not to listen to offers on Gore and others,
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:04 AM
From Vegas: What we know (and what Nationals POBO Paul Toboni said) about MacKenzie Gore, the pace of the offseason, payroll and extension conversations:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
From @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me:
Pitching coach Simon Mathews, 30, joins a young Nationals staff headed by Blake Butera, who, at 33, is the youngest manager in the majors in more than 50 years
Nationals name Simon Mathews, 30, pitching coach
The team’s ongoing rebuild will be in the hands of a young coaching staff, headed by a 33-year-old manager and now a 30-year-old pitching coach.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:14 AM
From @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me:
Bobby Wilson will be the Nationals big-league catching coordinator, sources tell @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me.
The 42-year-old comes over from the Texas Rangers. Had a big role in Texas.
The 42-year-old comes over from the Texas Rangers. Had a big role in Texas.
November 12, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Bobby Wilson will be the Nationals big-league catching coordinator, sources tell @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me.
The 42-year-old comes over from the Texas Rangers. Had a big role in Texas.
The 42-year-old comes over from the Texas Rangers. Had a big role in Texas.
Source confirms the Nationals are hiring Simon Mathews as their next pitching coach. Comes from the Cincinnati Reds, where he was their assistant pitching coach.
@Russ_Dorsey1 and @Jake_Mintz on it first.
@Russ_Dorsey1 and @Jake_Mintz on it first.
November 11, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Source confirms the Nationals are hiring Simon Mathews as their next pitching coach. Comes from the Cincinnati Reds, where he was their assistant pitching coach.
@Russ_Dorsey1 and @Jake_Mintz on it first.
@Russ_Dorsey1 and @Jake_Mintz on it first.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Can confirm @ken-rosenthal.bsky.social’s report that Michael Johns will be the Nationals’ new bench coach.
He was the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons. He was also TB’s minor league field coordinator during Blake Butera’s 4 years as an A-ball manager.
He was the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons. He was also TB’s minor league field coordinator during Blake Butera’s 4 years as an A-ball manager.
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Can confirm @ken-rosenthal.bsky.social’s report that Michael Johns will be the Nationals’ new bench coach.
He was the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons. He was also TB’s minor league field coordinator during Blake Butera’s 4 years as an A-ball manager.
He was the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons. He was also TB’s minor league field coordinator during Blake Butera’s 4 years as an A-ball manager.
1. Per @baseballamerica.com, the Nats had the most minor leaguers elect free agency (34) of any org, so additions should be otw
3. A few pitchers surprised me. Most notable departure, tho: OF Nick Schnell. Good find, dev. May have better chance as an OF elsewhere. Could sign him back
3. A few pitchers surprised me. Most notable departure, tho: OF Nick Schnell. Good find, dev. May have better chance as an OF elsewhere. Could sign him back
Rochester Red Wings who elected free agency: Joan Adon, Juan Yepez, Nick Schnell, Francisco Mejía, Erick Mejia, Garrett Davila, Jackson Cluff, Daison Acosta, Parker Dunshee, Adrian Sampson, Bryce Conley, Michael Cuevas, Carlos De La Cruz, Chase Solesky, C.J. Stubbs & J.T. Arruda.
November 7, 2025 at 11:49 PM
1. Per @baseballamerica.com, the Nats had the most minor leaguers elect free agency (34) of any org, so additions should be otw
3. A few pitchers surprised me. Most notable departure, tho: OF Nick Schnell. Good find, dev. May have better chance as an OF elsewhere. Could sign him back
3. A few pitchers surprised me. Most notable departure, tho: OF Nick Schnell. Good find, dev. May have better chance as an OF elsewhere. Could sign him back
Rochester Red Wings who elected free agency: Joan Adon, Juan Yepez, Nick Schnell, Francisco Mejía, Erick Mejia, Garrett Davila, Jackson Cluff, Daison Acosta, Parker Dunshee, Adrian Sampson, Bryce Conley, Michael Cuevas, Carlos De La Cruz, Chase Solesky, C.J. Stubbs & J.T. Arruda.
November 7, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Rochester Red Wings who elected free agency: Joan Adon, Juan Yepez, Nick Schnell, Francisco Mejía, Erick Mejia, Garrett Davila, Jackson Cluff, Daison Acosta, Parker Dunshee, Adrian Sampson, Bryce Conley, Michael Cuevas, Carlos De La Cruz, Chase Solesky, C.J. Stubbs & J.T. Arruda.
The Nationals’ new manager is an outside-the-box hire. Here’s what set him apart — and what we know about what comes next:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The Nats’ new manager is an outside-the-box hire. Here’s what set him apart.
President of baseball operations Paul Toboni described Blake Butera as passionate, authentic, even-keeled and open-minded.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:21 PM
The Nationals’ new manager is an outside-the-box hire. Here’s what set him apart — and what we know about what comes next:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
New Nats roles from Paul Toboni:
Devin Pearson (AGM) will oversee the Nationals' player development operation.
Justin Horowitz (AGM) will oversee acquisitions (amateur scouting, trades, international scouting).
Mike DeBartolo (SVP and AGM) will help oversee baseball ops.
Devin Pearson (AGM) will oversee the Nationals' player development operation.
Justin Horowitz (AGM) will oversee acquisitions (amateur scouting, trades, international scouting).
Mike DeBartolo (SVP and AGM) will help oversee baseball ops.
November 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
New Nats roles from Paul Toboni:
Devin Pearson (AGM) will oversee the Nationals' player development operation.
Justin Horowitz (AGM) will oversee acquisitions (amateur scouting, trades, international scouting).
Mike DeBartolo (SVP and AGM) will help oversee baseball ops.
Devin Pearson (AGM) will oversee the Nationals' player development operation.
Justin Horowitz (AGM) will oversee acquisitions (amateur scouting, trades, international scouting).
Mike DeBartolo (SVP and AGM) will help oversee baseball ops.
Even more unbelievable than becoming an MLB manager at 33 years old: Blake Butera became a father yesterday, too.
He and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their first child, Blair Margaux Butera, on Thursday.
He and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their first child, Blair Margaux Butera, on Thursday.
October 31, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Even more unbelievable than becoming an MLB manager at 33 years old: Blake Butera became a father yesterday, too.
He and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their first child, Blair Margaux Butera, on Thursday.
He and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their first child, Blair Margaux Butera, on Thursday.
Blake Butera in 2014, h/t to Nationals Reddit:
October 30, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Blake Butera in 2014, h/t to Nationals Reddit:
Curious what we’re hearing about the Nationals new managerial hire?
Read @andrewcgolden and my story on the Post, or here on Reddit. What we’ve heard about a) his appetite for analytics b) his ability to teach fundamentals and c) his age and experience.
www.reddit.com/r/Nationals/...
Read @andrewcgolden and my story on the Post, or here on Reddit. What we’ve heard about a) his appetite for analytics b) his ability to teach fundamentals and c) his age and experience.
www.reddit.com/r/Nationals/...
From the Nationals community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the Nationals community
www.reddit.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Curious what we’re hearing about the Nationals new managerial hire?
Read @andrewcgolden and my story on the Post, or here on Reddit. What we’ve heard about a) his appetite for analytics b) his ability to teach fundamentals and c) his age and experience.
www.reddit.com/r/Nationals/...
Read @andrewcgolden and my story on the Post, or here on Reddit. What we’ve heard about a) his appetite for analytics b) his ability to teach fundamentals and c) his age and experience.
www.reddit.com/r/Nationals/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera — a 33-year-old who worked as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays — as their next manager, tasking him with guiding a young roster.
Nationals expected to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager
The skipper, chosen by new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, has much to address as his tenure with Washington begins.
wapo.st
October 30, 2025 at 3:49 PM
The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera — a 33-year-old who worked as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays — as their next manager, tasking him with guiding a young roster.
From a former colleague of new Nationals manager Blake Butera:
“He developed in Tampa, they are progressive and inclusive. He has experience translating metrics and data to players from different backgrounds and ages. Perfect for this diverse roster.”
“He developed in Tampa, they are progressive and inclusive. He has experience translating metrics and data to players from different backgrounds and ages. Perfect for this diverse roster.”
October 30, 2025 at 4:05 PM
From a former colleague of new Nationals manager Blake Butera:
“He developed in Tampa, they are progressive and inclusive. He has experience translating metrics and data to players from different backgrounds and ages. Perfect for this diverse roster.”
“He developed in Tampa, they are progressive and inclusive. He has experience translating metrics and data to players from different backgrounds and ages. Perfect for this diverse roster.”
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager, tasking him with guiding their young roster at a critical moment for the franchise.
More here from @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me on the hire:
More here from @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me on the hire:
Nationals expected to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager
The skipper, chosen by new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, has much to address as his tenure with Washington begins.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager, tasking him with guiding their young roster at a critical moment for the franchise.
More here from @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me on the hire:
More here from @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me on the hire:
Adding another name into the mix: The Nationals also interviewed Red Sox Double-A manager Chad Epperson for their managerial opening, per multiple sources.
Epperson, 53, has managed Class AA Portland since 2022. Spent 2010-2021 as Boston’s MiLB catching coordinator.
Epperson, 53, has managed Class AA Portland since 2022. Spent 2010-2021 as Boston’s MiLB catching coordinator.
Miguel Cairo has been informed he won't be the Nats' next manager, per sources.
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Miguel Cairo is out of the running for Nats manager as search continues
Cairo served as interim manager after Dave Martinez was fired in July. He interviewed for the job but has been told he’s no longer under consideration.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Adding another name into the mix: The Nationals also interviewed Red Sox Double-A manager Chad Epperson for their managerial opening, per multiple sources.
Epperson, 53, has managed Class AA Portland since 2022. Spent 2010-2021 as Boston’s MiLB catching coordinator.
Epperson, 53, has managed Class AA Portland since 2022. Spent 2010-2021 as Boston’s MiLB catching coordinator.
Shinnosuke Ogasawara and C.J. Stubbs have cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Class AAA Rochester.
Eduardo Salazar and Mason Thompson also cleared outright waivers and were assigned to Rochester, but both declared free agency.
Eduardo Salazar and Mason Thompson also cleared outright waivers and were assigned to Rochester, but both declared free agency.
October 29, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Shinnosuke Ogasawara and C.J. Stubbs have cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Class AAA Rochester.
Eduardo Salazar and Mason Thompson also cleared outright waivers and were assigned to Rochester, but both declared free agency.
Eduardo Salazar and Mason Thompson also cleared outright waivers and were assigned to Rochester, but both declared free agency.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Miguel Cairo has been informed he won't be the Nats' next manager, per sources.
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Miguel Cairo is out of the running for Nats manager as search continues
Cairo served as interim manager after Dave Martinez was fired in July. He interviewed for the job but has been told he’s no longer under consideration.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Miguel Cairo has been informed he won't be the Nats' next manager, per sources.
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Some Nationals manager news: hearing Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz and interim manager Miguel Cairo interviewed for the job this week.
Not necessarily the full list, but the Nats are pushing forward with their manager search.
Not necessarily the full list, but the Nats are pushing forward with their manager search.
October 25, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Some Nationals manager news: hearing Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz and interim manager Miguel Cairo interviewed for the job this week.
Not necessarily the full list, but the Nats are pushing forward with their manager search.
Not necessarily the full list, but the Nats are pushing forward with their manager search.
Paul Toboni wants to build a scouting and development monster in Washington.
Justin Horowitz, coming over from the Pirates and set to become an AGM with the Nationals, is the latest exec who fits that mold (and has worked with Toboni before):
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Justin Horowitz, coming over from the Pirates and set to become an AGM with the Nationals, is the latest exec who fits that mold (and has worked with Toboni before):
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Nats hire another scouting mind with Boston ties as front office grows
Justin Horowitz, who is joining Washington as an assistant general manager, has previously worked for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Paul Toboni wants to build a scouting and development monster in Washington.
Justin Horowitz, coming over from the Pirates and set to become an AGM with the Nationals, is the latest exec who fits that mold (and has worked with Toboni before):
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Justin Horowitz, coming over from the Pirates and set to become an AGM with the Nationals, is the latest exec who fits that mold (and has worked with Toboni before):
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
A story 🧵
I profiled Ace Dybantsa.
Father of one of the best young basketball players in the world.
Man of many, many words (very few of which he'll spend on whether his involvement in his son's career is too much): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
I profiled Ace Dybantsa.
Father of one of the best young basketball players in the world.
Man of many, many words (very few of which he'll spend on whether his involvement in his son's career is too much): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
This basketball prospect is making millions – backed by a sports dad like no other
Want a piece of AJ Dybantsa, basketball’s next big thing? ‘You have to go through’ his dad.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 18, 2025 at 1:21 PM
A story 🧵
I profiled Ace Dybantsa.
Father of one of the best young basketball players in the world.
Man of many, many words (very few of which he'll spend on whether his involvement in his son's career is too much): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
I profiled Ace Dybantsa.
Father of one of the best young basketball players in the world.
Man of many, many words (very few of which he'll spend on whether his involvement in his son's career is too much): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Jacob Young will again be an NL CF Gold Glove finalist, this time alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong and Victor Scott II.
October 15, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Jacob Young will again be an NL CF Gold Glove finalist, this time alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong and Victor Scott II.