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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 4m

CJ Abrams is one of 10 finalists for the Hank Aaron Award, given to the best offensive player in each league.

Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 3h

Kicking off our player review series with James Wood, who performed at an elite level this season but also acknowledged “there’s a whole lot of meat left on the bone.” natsjournal.com/p/is-wood-re...

natsjournal.com

Is Wood ready to make final leap from star to superstar?

James Wood took his already-elite game to new heights this season. The only thing left to do: Set an example of consistent excellence for his teammates.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

MLB announces catcher Francisco Rivero, currently on the roster of the rookie-level Florida Complex League Nationals, has received a 56-game suspension after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance. First Nats player suspended in a long time.

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Nats Chat Podcast @natschatpodcast.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

We will see you tomorrow night from 7-9pm at our annual Podcast Party!

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

“Erick Fedde closing out a playoff series for the Chicago White Sox in 2026” was not on my bingo card.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

On the state of the Nationals’ farm system, which has seen its overall stock rise after a year of both individual and team success. natsjournal.com/p/revamped-f...

natsjournal.com

Revamped farm system made major strides

With a number of breakout individual performances and across-the-board team success, the Nationals saw significant progress in the minors

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

1. Excellent start to this postseason 2. The Phillies are such a roller coaster of emotions

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We covered a lot of ground in our Game 162 episode of @natschatpodcast.bsky.social , including (yes) ownership’s task this winter in helping get this team over the hump in 2027. Listen here: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...

natschatpodcast.com

Chaparro Homers Twice in Final Win — Nats Chat Podcast

Neat Beat the Mets in Game #162

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

This was unquestionably a successful season for the Nationals, who went from 66 wins and a -212 run differential to 77 wins and a +6 run differential. But it also could’ve been more, and they know it, which now fuels them heading into 2027. natsjournal.com/p/a-successf...

natsjournal.com

A successful year that still could’ve been more

The Nationals made some major strides this season. They’re now determined to take it to the next level in 2027.

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Nats Chat Podcast @natschatpodcast.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Plenty to check out in our final 2026 regular season episode following a #Nats 6-4 win over the #Mets w/ @MarkZuckerman & @AlGaldi: open.spotify.com/episode/22Tl...

open.spotify.com

Chaparro Homers Twice in Final Win

Nats Chat · Episode

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

That’s a wrap on season 22 covering the Nationals, a season that was thoroughly enjoyable for me on a personal level. Thank you to everyone who helped make that possible, and keep subscribing to natsjournal.com for full coverage throughout the offseason and lockout!

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Final: Nats 6, Mets 4. Andres Chaparro homered twice. And four relievers from the bullpen that set MLB's all-time blown saves record combined for six scoreless innings to give the Nationals a 77-win season (up from 66 last year).

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Nats' total attendance: 1,839,116, a slight decrease from 1,916,768 last year. They've drawn between 1.83-1.97 million each of last 4 years, but this year’s total officially is their lowest since 2010, when they drew 1,828,066. (Excluding the COVID-restricted 2020-21 seasons.)

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

2:05 p.m. first pitch, say the Nationals.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

The start of Game 162 will be delayed by rain.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Nats LHP Herz vs Mets LHP Manaea (1:05/Nationals TV/106.7 FM)

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Nats Chat Podcast @natschatpodcast.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Connelly Early tossed 3 scoreless innings on Saturday afternoon in his #Nats debut. Hear our recap of the 7-1 loss to the visiting #Mets: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...

podcasts.apple.com

Smooth Outing for Early in Saturday Defeat

Podcast Episode · Nats Chat · September 27 · 34m

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Connelly Early finally made his Nationals debut Saturday and cruised through 3 scoreless innings, a nice opening act for what’s to come in 2027 and beyond. “He’s going to be a huge, huge part of this.” natsjournal.com/p/better-ear...

natsjournal.com

Better Early than never

Connelly Early’s debut may have come several months later than hoped, but the lefty still showed why the Nationals traded for him him in the first place

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The Nationals have moved up the start time of Sunday's season finale from 3:05 p.m. to 1:05 p.m., again trying to avoid the worst of the rain (which they did pull off today!).

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Final: Mets 7, Nats 1. Connelly Early was sharp in his 3-inning team debut. Jake Irvin and Richard Lovelady combined to give up 7 runs from the 7th-9th innings. One more to go Sunday at 3:05 p.m. (weather permitting).

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

From 2005-20, the Nationals had only 1 pitcher with 100 IP and an ERA over 5.50 (Ramon Ortiz in 2006). Since 2021, they've had 9: Patrick Corbin (2021-22, 2024) Erick Fedde (2022) Trevor Williams (2023) Mitchell Parker (2025) Miles Mikolas (2026) Jake Irvin (2025-26)

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Three scoreless for Connelly Early on a mere 34 pitches (21 strikes). Fastball was 93-94 mph, right in line with his average pre-injury. Breaking balls were sharp. All in all, that worked out as well as everyone could've hoped.

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Keegan Matheson @keeganmatheson.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Max Scherzer just met with media here in Toronto. He’s going to make a decision on his future in the offseason, but wanted to pitch with his kids in attendance at Rogers Centre one more time Sunday, just in case. #BlueJays

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Nats LHP Early vs Mets RHP Tong (12:35/Nationals TV/106.7 FM)

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

2026 Nationals Award Winners (as voted by media): Player of the Year: James Wood Pitcher of the Year: Cade Cavalli Good Guy(s) Award: Nasim Nuñez and Jacob Young

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Connelly Early is officially activated off the 60-day IL, with Luis Perales optioned to AAA and Chase Hampton DFA'd to clear roster space for him.

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Reposted by Mark Zuckerman

Nats Chat Podcast @natschatpodcast.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The Nats' Friday night 7-6 victory over the #Mets guaranteed that New York will finish in last place in the NL East: Hear our episode after a very busy day at #Nationals Park: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/g...

podcasts.apple.com

Gray's Save Cements the Mets in Last Place

Podcast Episode · Nats Chat · September 26 · 42m

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The bullpen door swung open, Josiah Gray emerged and a crowd of 28,639 roared as he notched his first career save in his first home game in nearly 3 seasons. "I can't thank the fans enough, because I really think that kept me going out there." natsjournal.com/p/not-quite-...

natsjournal.com

(Not Quite) Instant Analysis: Nats 7, Mets 6

Josiah Gray was the surprise closer and celebrated his first career save as the Nationals clinched fourth place in the NL East with win No. 76

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Final: Nats 7, Mets 6. Josiah Gray becomes the 16th different member of the bullpen to record a save this season (the first of his career). And the Nationals have clinched 4th place in the NL East, with the Mets clinching last place.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Pitchers in Nationals history with 100 IP, an ERA under 3.50 and at least 1 strikeout per inning: Max Scherzer: 2015-19, 21 Stephen Strasburg: 2012-15, 17, 19 Gio Gonzalez: 2012 Patrick Corbin: 2019 Cade Cavalli: 2026 Andrew Alvarez: 2026

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The Nationals just announced tomorrow's 4:05 p.m. game has been moved up to 12:35 p.m. due to the forecast of rain later in the day.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Nats LHP Alvarez vs Mets LHP Yan (bullpen game), 6:45/Nationals TV/106.7 FM

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Connelly Early will start tomorrow, with Jake Irvin pitching behind him.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The Rochester Red Wings just won the International League Championship Series for the first time since 1997, with Eddy Yean closing out a 3-2 victory in Memphis. They'll now face either Oklahoma City or Las Vegas on Saturday night for the Triple-A Championship.

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Nats Chat Podcast @natschatpodcast.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Nasim Nuñez set the #Nats record w/ his 48th stolen base of the season and then moments later swiped #49. Hear our discussion on Nuñez after the 4-2 win in Detroit on Wednesday afternoon: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...

podcasts.apple.com

Nuñez Steals the Record in Afternoon Victory

Podcast Episode · Nats Chat · September 24 · 38m

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Nasim Nuñez broke the Nationals' single-season stolen base record today, and he did so despite owning the lowest slugging percentage by an MLB player with 475 plate appearances since 1973. The speedy infielder knows he's going to have to hit more in 2027. natsjournal.com/p/can-nunez-...

natsjournal.com

Can Nuñez be more than Nats’ king of steals?

Nasim Nuñez swiped his 48th and 49th bases during Wednesday’s win to break CJ Abrams’ record, but he knows he still has much to prove

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Final: Nats 4, Tigers 2. Yohandy Morales hit a 422-foot, opposite-field homer. Nasim Nuñez stole his 48th and 49th bases. Six relievers combined to hold Detroit to 1 run, with Yovanny Cruz closing it out. Nationals head home for the final weekend with 75 wins.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Nasim Nuñez has added to his Nationals' single-season record with his 49th stolen base.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Nasim Nuñez has set the Natioanls' single-season record with his 48th stolen base.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Nationals are listing Alvarez, Irvin and Herz add their starters for this weekend’s final series. As we’ve seen all year, that could be subject to changes. And that doesn’t preclude Early from pitching an inning or two of relief if they believe he’s ready for it.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Nats LHP Lovelady at Tigers LHP Valdez (1:10/Nationals TV/106.7 FM)

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Gus Varland had been recalled from Rochester, taking Jackson Kent’s roster spot.

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Nats Chat Podcast @natschatpodcast.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

CJ Abrams hit his 32nd & 33rd homer of the year in Tuesday night's 3-1 #Nats win over the #Tigers: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...

natschatpodcast.com

Abrams Goes Deep Twice in Detroit Win — Nats Chat Podcast

Abrams Goes Deep Twice in Detroit Win

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Yes, he’s got his flaws. But CJ Abrams also has proven himself to be one of the best offensive players in baseball, not to mention the Nationals’ most clutch hitter. The kind of player the Nats should want back in 2027. natsjournal.com/p/abrams-ste...

natsjournal.com

Abrams’ stellar season should be celebrated

Despite notable bumps in the second half, CJ Abrams has still put together one of the best offensive seasons in baseball and proven his worth to the Nationals

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Nationals optioned Jackson Kent to Rochester after tonight's game. He wouldn't have pitched again before season's end, and they need to open a spot for Connelly Early to come off the IL. (Though they could still bring up another reliever for a few days in between.)

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Richard Lovelady will start a bullpen game for the Nationals tomorrow afternoon.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Final: Nats 3, Tigers 1. CJ Abrams homered twice. And the rookie pitching quartet of Riley Cornelio, Jackson Kent, Jack Sinclair and Erik Tolman (despite zero 1-2-3 innings) combined to give the Nationals their first win when scoring 3 or fewer runs since May 24.

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Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

With that home run, CJ Abrams joins Pete Crow-Armstrong as the only players in baseball this season with 30 doubles, 30 homers, 30 stolen bases and 100 RBI.

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