Pitchers and catchers report for spring training tomorrow. And so do I. Welcome to Nats Journal. Hope you'll join me on this new endeavor, and hope you'll help spread the word! natsjournal.com/p/welcome-to…

Two innings in and we’ve already had a sac bunt, a steal of third base, a triple and a No. 3 hitter with zero career homers. In the year 2026. Love it!

The Nationals have more viable rotation options than they’ve had in a long time, but few sure things. Here’s a look at some of their back-end candidates heading into 2027. natsjournal.com/p/nats-back-…

Confirming several news items: * The Nats' full coaching staff will return next year, but most of the training staff will not. (First reported by @spencernusbaum_) * Riley Adams has signed a minor-league deal with Boston (first reported by @AriA1exander) natsjournal.com/p/coaching-s…

Game times for 2027 home games are now listed on the Nationals' website. One slight change from recent seasons: Friday night games in June/July/August will start at 7:05. All other night games remain at 6:45. mlb.com/nationals/schedule/2…

From AAA to a bulk relief role to eventually the rotation, Andrew Alvarez wound up delivering the kind of season only a handful of Nationals pitchers have achieved in the year two decades, putting the lefty in a strong position entering 2027. natsjournal.com/p/how-alvare…

After another season with an ERA over 5.00, Jake Irvin is at a crossroads with a Nationals organization he knows will be demanding more. natsjournal.com/p/irvin-at-a…

I don’t care about the ratings, I’m excited for Brewers-Rays. Best team in each league all season. Each seeking the franchise’s first World Series title. Sign me up!

Nobody knows local college basketball like Patrick, and nobody’s better at predicting the bracket. If you’re a fan/alum of any D1 program in the DMV, check out his new venture!

After delivering the best season by a Nationals pitcher since 2019 and becoming their first pitcher to sign an extension since Stephen Strasburg, the expectations for Cade Cavalli will be sky high next year. natsjournal.com/p/expectatio…

Foster Griffin so far this postseason: 3.48 ERA, 15 K, 0 BB

The Brewers are the 19th MLB franchise to reach the World Series in the last 15 years. (Teams to reach the finals in other leagues: NHL-18, NBA-14, NFL-13) Whoever wins now will be the 11th different champion in 15 years. (Other leagues: NBA-12, NHL-10, NFL-9)

A 2-hour, 28-minute postseason game that’s over by 3:40 p.m.???

Ryan Zimmerman (2009) and Adam LaRoche (2012) are the only Gold Glove winners in club history.

Daylen Lile, who showed massive defensive improvement this season, is a Gold Glove Award finalist in left field with Jackson Chourio and Ian Happ. Jacob Young (center field) and Nasim Nuñez (second base) were not finalists at their respective positions.

Nasim Nuñez played elite defense, set a club record for stolen bases … and had MLB’s lowest OPS by a hitter with 450 PAs since Alfredo Griffin in 1990. Does that work for the Nationals, or do they need more? natsjournal.com/p/has-nunez-…

This is the best breakdown of Sunday’s breakdown I’ve read so far. And I’ve read a bunch of them!

Is CJ Abrams an MVP-candidate shortstop or second baseman on a winning Nationals team in 2027? Or is he destined to be wearing a different uniform next March (or next August)? Any one of those scenarios feels wholly plausible at this point. natsjournal.com/p/whats-the-…

If you’re surprised by the Brewers, you haven’t been paying attention.