Bleav in Nationals – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

NATS MINUTECAST https://bleav.com/shows/nats-minutecast-with-dan-holmi/

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 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

Heading to a Commanders game this season?
Or maybe the Nationals, Capitals, Wizards — heck, even a concert in DC?

Make your life easier with SeatGeek — the only ticket app that rates every deal so you know you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

And right now, SeatGeek is giving MinuteCast listeners $20 off your first ticket purchase over $50.

Just download the SeatGeek app or visit the link in the show notes — and use promo code: MINUTECAST.

That’s MINUTECAST — for 20 bucks off.
Your seat starts here. http://seatgeek.com

Hey, podcast fans! If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, high-protein snack, look no further than Righteous Felon! This family-owned brand is all about premium, pasture-raised Black Angus beef — hormone- and antibiotic-free. With mouth-watering flavors like O.G. Hickory and 10 grams of protein per serving, you’ll get the boost you need for all your podcast adventures.

Plus, they’ve got keto-friendly and gluten-free options, and they support sustainability through the Conservation Alliance. Ready to snack smarter?

Use promo code MINUTECAST for 15% off your order!
Head over to https://www.righteousfelon.com/?ref=MINUTECAST and grab your new favorite snack today

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 snapped their daytime woes with a 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants, fueled by James Wood’s leadoff homer, back-to-back blasts from Paul DeJong and Josh Bell, and six solid innings from rookie Brad Lord. Despite going just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position, the Nats held on as new closer José A. Ferrer earned his first save since September.

In other news, Dylan Crews is nearing his MLB return after a strong Triple-A rehab stint, and Cade Cavalli impressed in his first big-league start since 2022, striking out six in 4.1 scoreless innings. The Nationals hope these young players can anchor a brighter future as the season progresses.

Nats fans — or Caps, Wizards, Commanders fans...
Looking to catch a game or live event in the DC area?

Check out SeatGeek — the best ticket app that lets you shop smart, rate every deal, and sit where it matters.

And here’s the kicker — SeatGeek is giving Talk Nats listeners $20 off your first purchase over $50.

Just use the code: MINUTECAST at checkout.

Again, that’s MINUTECAST — for 20 dollars off.
Score the seats. Skip the hassle.

https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeek

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

Dylan Crews gets his opportunity with the Fred Nationals. Davey Martinez offer clarification on the Luis García demotion and when we can see him again. Dan later talks about the Nationals cutting ties with Corey Dickerson, who has never lived up to potential.

*Use code [TALKNATS] $20 off your first SeatGeek order: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeek ]

Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code MINUTECAST at http://manscaped.com

http://bleav.com

http://talknats.com

Talk Nats on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpHbkvuIzlTka3FmI5YDPZg

@dancaps218

@talknats

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

• In this edition of Bleav in Nationals/Talk Nats podcast Dan talks about the moves the Nationals made on the trade deadline and what that means for the Nats the rest of the season. The Nationals traded Jeimer Candelario to the Cubs for two prospects. Did the Nats maximize their  return and is there a possibility Jeimer could return next season? Later Dan talks about Jake Alu will most likely be the regular third baseman for the Nats the rest of the season. To close out the show Dan talks about Max Scherzer and how he found out that the Mets are headed for a rebuild and is why he approved the move to the Rangers
• *Use code [TALKNATS] $20 off your first SeatGeek order: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeek ]

Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code MINUTECAST at MANSCAPED.com

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

Episode 5 of the Bleav in Nationals podcast

After a week off, host Blake Finney is back to wrap up the last two weeks of Nationals baseball before being joined by Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post to break down the team's fortunes on and off the field in recent weeks, with rookie performances and player development under the micropscope.

• 0:45 - Quick recap of the last two weeks
• 1:55 - Jesse Dougherty joins the podcast
• 6:15 - Reviewing Cade Cavalli's debut
• 9:50 - Should we be worried about the struggles of CJ Abrams?
• 14:02 - The Nationals' activity on the waiver wire
• 20:12 - The ghost of Austin Voth haunting the Nats

• Why the Nationals’ Austin Voth experiment lasted as long as it did (The Washington Post)
• How the Orioles -- yes, the Baltimore Orioles -- became the hottest team in MLB (ESPN)

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

Episode 4 of the Bleav in Nationals podcast

Another solo podcast for host Blake Finney this week, but there's plenty to talk about though as we recap the big storylines from the past week of Nationals baseball, and look ahead to the first piece of the Juan Soto trade making his team debut.

• 0:56 Juan Soto's return to D.C.
• 2:47 Don't forget about Josh Bell
• 3:33 Joey 'The Menace' Meneses
• 6:50 C.J. Abrams call-up coming
• 11:22 Last chance saloon for Patrick Corbin

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

Episode 3 of the Bleav in Nationals podcast

A solo episode this time with host Blake Finney recapping the Nationals' four-game sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies, and some of the major storylines moving forward for the team.

• 0:27 - Series recap
• 2:27 - Patrick Corbin to the bullpen?
• 6:16 - Luis García's days at SS are numbered

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

Episode 2 of the Bleav in Nationals podcast

It's only our second episode, but it's a pretty big one as we react to the Nationals trading Juan Soto and Josh Bell to the San Diego Padres before the MLB Trade Deadline. Joining the podcast to react to the deal is Patrick Reddington of Federal Baseball.

• 0:15 - Introduction
• 2:04 - Patrick Reddington joins the podcast
• 2:20 - Juan Soto trade reaction
• 9:22 - A look at each of the players coming to Washington
• 20:02 - Why didn't the Nats do anything else!?
• 24:50 - The Nats beat the Mets, for some reason

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