The Washington Nationals were rocked early in Sunday’s loss to the Padres, with MacKenzie Gore surrendering eight runs in just 2.1 innings, including a grand slam to Xander Bogaerts. It was Gore’s worst outing of the year, and a sharp contrast to his All-Star form, with his ERA ballooning from 3.02 to 3.59. While Nick Pivetta dominated the Nats again, the lone offensive bright spot came from Riley Adams’ solo homer and James Wood snapping an 0-for-20 slump. On the bright side, Rutledge, Lara, and Henry covered nearly seven innings in relief without allowing a run.

Off the field, the Nationals signed No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits for $8.2M and plan to fast-track his development. Cade Cavalli is also nearing a return to the majors as he builds consistency post–Tommy John surgery. With the trade deadline looming, interim GM Mike DeBartolo hinted at dealing veterans like Soroka and Finnegan while protecting core pieces like Gore, Abrams, Wood, and Crews. The Nationals may be struggling now, but their youth movement is gaining real momentum.

The Washington Nationals are at a major crossroads after firing longtime president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo. With the team sitting 20 games below .500 and both the GM and manager positions filled on an interim basis, the Lerners must now make the franchise’s most important leadership hire in over a decade. The front-runner internally is Mike DeBartolo, a lifelong Nat who has climbed the ranks from intern to interim GM. His passion for the franchise and call for “real change” has made him a serious contender, with some insiders vouching for his sharp mind and genuine leadership style.

Externally, experienced names like Josh Byrnes (Dodgers) and Jed Hoyer (Cubs) top the list, bringing proven track records and championship pedigrees. Jeff Greenberg (Tigers), Gavin Dickey (Astros), and Carter Hawkins (Cubs) also offer intriguing blends of analytics, scouting, and player development. Whether the Lerners stay internal with DeBartolo or swing big for an outsider, this decision will shape the direction of Team Nationals for years to come.

The Washington Nationals stunned the baseball world by selecting 17-year-old Oklahoma shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. While the outside consensus favored prospects like Ethan Holliday or Kade Anderson, Nationals brass described the decision as "unanimous," citing Willits’ elite contact ability, speed, defensive tools, and makeup. His lack of Scott Boras representation likely contributed to the team’s ability to sign him under-slot and redirect bonus pool money toward other high-upside picks like flamethrower Landon Harmon.

This draft marked a strategic departure from the Mike Rizzo era. Under interim GM Mike DeBartolo and scouting head Danny Haas, Washington focused on ceiling and character, drafting 11 hitters and 9 pitchers—many from college but also high-risk, high-reward high schoolers. With Willits compared to Ken Griffey Jr. in youth, the Nationals have placed a major bet on projection and long-term development, one that could define the franchise's rebuild for years to come.