Are the Washington Nationals preparing for a major roster shakeup? On this episode of Bleav in Nationals, we break down why MacKenzie Gore trade rumors involving the New York Yankees are more than just offseason noise — and how the Nationals are using Gore’s value as leverage with two years of team control remaining.

We dive deep into Cade Cavalli’s unconventional arbitration deal and why it positions him as the most important arm in the Nationals’ 2026 rotation. What does the $4 million club option really say about the front office’s expectations, and how does Cavalli’s health and performance impact the future of Gore?

Plus, Nationals interim leadership Paul Toboni says the team isn’t done making moves. We examine realistic targets like Rhys Hoskins for first base, bullpen options that could become deadline trade chips, and whether Washington should cash in on Gore now or bet on a breakout first half.

If you’re tracking the Nationals rebuild, pitching strategy, trade market, and what’s next before spring training, this episode connects all the dots.

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The Washington Nationals avoided arbitration with most of their young core, but the details behind those decisions reveal far more than clean contract negotiations. CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Luis García Jr., and Jake Irvin all reached agreements, signaling stability — yet Cade Cavalli standing alone as the lone arbitration case raises questions about how the Nationals truly value their rotation and long-term assets.

This episode breaks down what the Nationals’ arbitration outcomes say about the new front office under Paul Toboni, how a $97 million payroll (with $35 million tied to Stephen Strasburg) shapes the rebuild, and why trade speculation around Abrams and Gore isn’t going away. From salary restraint to roster uncertainty at first base and on the pitching staff, this is a clear-eyed look at where the Washington Nationals really stand entering the 2026 season.

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The Washington Nationals are finally free from MASN — but the fallout may be just as damaging as the marriage itself. In this episode, we break down what the end of the MASN deal really means, why the lack of clarity around Nationals TV rights is alarming, and how looming options like a short-term MASN reunion, MLB-controlled streaming, or a Monumental Sports Network deal all expose the same core issue: ownership uncertainty. With RSNs collapsing, MLB eyeing centralized control by 2029, and Ted Leonsis quietly circling the franchise, this isn’t just a media story — it’s a franchise-defining moment that directly impacts fan access, visibility, and the future of Nationals baseball.

We also dive deep into CJ Abrams, the centerpiece of the Juan Soto trade, and why 2026 is the fork-in-the-road season for both him and the organization. From his All-Star-caliber first halves to his recurring second-half collapses, defensive struggles, and looming arbitration years, Abrams represents both massive upside and growing risk. We analyze whether he’s still the Nationals’ long-term shortstop, how Brady House and Eli Willits fit into the infield puzzle, and why this rebuild will ultimately succeed or fail based on timing, patience, and decision-making. This episode connects the dots between media rights chaos, player development, and the uncomfortable reality that the Nationals’ next big move may define the next decade.

TWITTER: @dancaps218 @bleavinnats

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