The Washington Nationals have blown 35 saves in 2026, putting them just two away from the MLB record. After another disastrous ninth inning against the Miami Marlins, it’s time for the Nationals to stop hoping their bullpen problems will fix themselves.

Cade Cavalli is becoming the pitcher the Washington Nationals hoped he could be. Cavalli dominated the Texas Rangers in a 6-0 Nationals victory, striking out 11 batters over six scoreless innings and reaching double-digit strikeouts before the fourth inning was over. After his brilliant no-hit bid against the Cubs, Cavalli followed it up with another statement performance and extended his streak to eight consecutive quality starts.

The Washington Nationals just delivered one of their most complete wins of the season, shutting out the Chicago Cubs 7-0 behind a dominant performance from Cade Cavalli and another explosive game from Abimelec Ortiz. Cavalli was spectacular, throwing 8 innings of one-hit, shutout baseball with 10 strikeouts and 2 walks, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning. After weeks of rotation uncertainty and the trade of Foster Griffin, could Cavalli finally be emerging as the frontline starter Washington desperately needs? Then there's Ortiz. The rookie went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs and another home run, pushing his early MLB totals to 4 homers, a .345 average and a 1.160 OPS through 11 games. The sample size is tiny, but the Nationals now have no choice but to find out exactly what they have. We'll break down why this 7-0 win matters beyond the standings, what Cavalli's performance means for the Nationals' pitching future, why Ortiz is becoming impossible to ignore, and whether Washington can carry this momentum into a nine-game road trip through New York, Texas and Miami. The Nationals aren't fixed. But suddenly, there are reasons to believe the future might be arriving sooner than expected. #Nationals #Nats #MLB #Natitude #CadeCavalli #AbimelecOrtiz Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

The Washington Nationals are facing their biggest test of the 2026 season after trading Foster Griffin, Luis García Jr., and Curtis Mead before the MLB trade deadline. Dan Holmi breaks down the emotional fallout, the bullpen collapse against the Philadelphia Phillies, Blake Butera’s first career ejection, and whether Paul Toboni’s long-term vision can turn the Nationals into a true contender. The Nationals still have CJ Abrams, James Wood, Dylan Crews, and a promising young core, but fans are asking one question: Is this another rebuild, or is this finally the foundation of the next great Washington Nationals team? #Natitude #Nats #MLB Podcast Chapters 00:00 Cold Open: The Nationals Changed Everything 01:30 Episode Roadmap 03:00 Segment 1: The Deadline Damage 16:00 Segment 2: The Bullpen Breaks 29:00 Segment 3: The Future Bet 39:00 Final Thoughts: When Does Tomorrow Become Today?

The Washington Nationals are no longer just a rebuilding team. They are a contender fighting for a playoff spot, and after proving they could thrive without Curtis Mead, the conversation around this franchise has completely changed. On this episode of the Nats Minutecast, we break down why the Nationals have developed the “it” factor, how a 10-run offensive explosion showed this lineup has depth, and why Paul Toboni’s trade deadline decisions could shape the next five years of Nationals baseball. We discuss: Why the Nationals proved they are bigger than one player after trading Curtis Mead How CJ Abrams has transformed into a franchise cornerstone and why trading him should be off the table Why James Wood, CJ Abrams, and this young lineup are forcing the front office to think differently The pressure on Paul Toboni to improve the roster while protecting the clubhouse chemistry Whether Foster Griffin should be moved or become part of a surprise playoff push The Nationals are one game away from the postseason picture, and the biggest question is no longer whether they are rebuilding. The question is simple: Are the Nationals ready to go for it? Subscribe to the Nats Minutecast for daily Washington Nationals news, analysis, trade deadline coverage, and everything surrounding the future of the franchise. #Natitude #Nats #MLB

The Washington Nationals are making major moves as the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, and the future of the franchise is coming into focus. On this episode of Nats Minutecast, Dan Holmi breaks down the Nationals' blockbuster trade of Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early, why President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni believes the deal helps Washington both now and in the future, and what it means for the team's surprising playoff push. Plus, new reports reveal Foster Griffin extension talks have reportedly stalled, raising questions about whether the All-Star left-hander could be the next major Nationals trade chip before the deadline. The Nationals also responded on the field, crushing the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-7 behind huge performances from CJ Abrams and James Wood, who combined for four home runs. With Washington now just one game out of the National League Wild Card race, the deadline decisions have never mattered more.

The Washington Nationals have made their first major trade deadline move, sending breakout third baseman Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for 24-year-old left-handed pitcher Connelly Early. Is this a win-now move, a rebuilding move, or both? Dan Holmi breaks down why Paul Toboni's first deadline trade could define the Nationals' future, what it means for Brady House, and why this may only be the beginning of a busy week in Washington. #Natitude #Nats #MLB #WashingtonNationals #TradeDeadline Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the Washington Nationals buy or sell at the MLB trade deadline? What if the answer is both? In today's episode of the Nats MinuteCast, we break down why the next 10 games could completely reshape the Nationals' season and determine Paul Toboni's approach before the August 3 MLB Trade Deadline. We discuss whether the Nationals should add bullpen help while remaining committed to their long-term rebuild, plus the difficult decisions surrounding Foster Griffin, Luis García Jr., and CJ Abrams. We also explain why these upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies could determine whether Washington becomes a playoff buyer or a deadline seller. If you're looking for the latest Washington Nationals news, trade rumors, MLB trade deadline analysis, playoff race updates, and expert Nationals discussion, this episode has you covered. In this episode: Why the next 10 games could define the Nationals' season Should Paul Toboni buy, sell, or do both? Foster Griffin's trade value and extension possibilities Is Luis García Jr. a realistic trade candidate? Why CJ Abrams should command a massive return The bullpen additions that could push Washington into the playoffs Latest NL Wild Card race outlook Subscribe to Nats MinuteCast for daily Washington Nationals news, analysis, trade deadline coverage, prospect updates, and game recaps. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The second half of the Washington Nationals season is officially here, and everything is changing.