Mark Zuckerman
@markzuckerman.bsky.social
I didn't invent Facebook, but I do cover the Washington Nationals for MASNsports.com and co-host the Nats Chat podcast: https://www.natschatpodcast.com/
Reposted by Mark Zuckerman
CJ Abrams and James Wood helping distribute turkeys for the Nats’ annual Turkeypalooza outside Nationals Park.
November 24, 2025 at 8:07 PM
CJ Abrams and James Wood helping distribute turkeys for the Nats’ annual Turkeypalooza outside Nationals Park.
Reposted by Mark Zuckerman
More on the different career paths taken by Simon Mathews and Sean Doolittle that led the two friends to reunite back in D.C.
"He's become a great pitching friend of mine in the industry." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/d...
"He's become a great pitching friend of mine in the industry." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/d...
Different career paths reunite Mathews and Doolittle in D.C.
Throughout this offseason’s hiring process, we’ve been able to connect some dots to people who we wouldn’t have otherwise believed to be connected.Despite operating in varying roles in the same divisi...
www.masnsports.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:37 PM
More on the different career paths taken by Simon Mathews and Sean Doolittle that led the two friends to reunite back in D.C.
"He's become a great pitching friend of mine in the industry." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/d...
"He's become a great pitching friend of mine in the industry." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/d...
On the state of the Nationals’ catching corps:
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/a...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/a...
Are the Nationals proceeding with their catching corps as-is?
The Nationals’ decision to tender contracts to all of their arbitration-eligible players Friday was something of a surprise. Given the new regime now running baseball operations, it stood to reason th...
www.masnsports.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:15 PM
On the state of the Nationals’ catching corps:
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/a...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/a...
More on today’s transactions. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Nats tender contracts to all eligible players, avoid arbitration with Adams
The first major decision made by Paul Toboni and his new Nationals front office: To retain all of the players currently under club control for now.The Nats tendered contracts to all of their unsigned ...
www.masnsports.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:58 PM
More on today’s transactions. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
What this means:
* Luis Garcia Jr., CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli were all tendered contracts. They can either agree to a salary or go to arbitration. (Doesn't prevent Nats from trading any of them)
* Riley Adams already agreed to his salary
* Luis Garcia Jr., CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli were all tendered contracts. They can either agree to a salary or go to arbitration. (Doesn't prevent Nats from trading any of them)
* Riley Adams already agreed to his salary
Nationals have tendered contracts to all 7 of their arbitration-eligible players, including agreeing to a 1-year contract with Riley Adams. So, no non-tenders by the new front office.
November 21, 2025 at 10:12 PM
What this means:
* Luis Garcia Jr., CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli were all tendered contracts. They can either agree to a salary or go to arbitration. (Doesn't prevent Nats from trading any of them)
* Riley Adams already agreed to his salary
* Luis Garcia Jr., CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli were all tendered contracts. They can either agree to a salary or go to arbitration. (Doesn't prevent Nats from trading any of them)
* Riley Adams already agreed to his salary
Nationals have tendered contracts to all 7 of their arbitration-eligible players, including agreeing to a 1-year contract with Riley Adams. So, no non-tenders by the new front office.
November 21, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Nationals have tendered contracts to all 7 of their arbitration-eligible players, including agreeing to a 1-year contract with Riley Adams. So, no non-tenders by the new front office.
It’s non-tender day, which could mean the first significant roster decisions of Paul Toboni’s front office. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
New front office faces several non-tender decisions
We’ve reached a potentially important day in the still-nascent stages of the Paul Toboni era of Nationals baseball. It’s non-tender day across the major leagues, which means the new president of baseb...
www.masnsports.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
It’s non-tender day, which could mean the first significant roster decisions of Paul Toboni’s front office. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Simon Mathews went from an out-of-work, Triple-A right-hander trying to make rent during the pandemic to Nationals pitching coach at age 30. Was this part of his grand plan? “No. That’s the short answer.” www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/m...
Mathews' unlikely path to Nats pitching coach at 30
Simon Mathews’ pitching career ended right as the entire world was shutting down in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The then-24-year-old right-hander with an 89-mph fastball had maxed out his...
www.masnsports.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Simon Mathews went from an out-of-work, Triple-A right-hander trying to make rent during the pandemic to Nationals pitching coach at age 30. Was this part of his grand plan? “No. That’s the short answer.” www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/m...
Blake Butera on his still-developing coaching staff: "Regardless of age, I think that was most important to me when we were building out a staff: To make sure there are people in here who are going to help our players reach their ultimate potential." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Butera's staff mixes experience, youth and varied baseball backgrounds
As significant as Blake Butera’s hiring was – and, let’s be clear, it’s incredibly significant – there has been just as much interest in learning who will fill out the new Nationals manager’s coaching...
www.masnsports.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Blake Butera on his still-developing coaching staff: "Regardless of age, I think that was most important to me when we were building out a staff: To make sure there are people in here who are going to help our players reach their ultimate potential." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
More on the three prospects the Nationals added to their 40-man roster today and a few they chose to leave unprotected from next month's Rule 5 Draft.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Nationals add Bennett, Franklin, Cornelio to 40-man roster
The Nationals added left-hander Jake Bennett, outfielder Christian Franklin and right-hander Riley Cornelio to their 40-man roster this afternoon, protecting all three prospects from being lost in nex...
www.masnsports.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:04 PM
More on the three prospects the Nationals added to their 40-man roster today and a few they chose to leave unprotected from next month's Rule 5 Draft.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Nationals have added LHP Jake Bennett, RHP Riley Cornelio and OF Christian Franklin to the 40-man roster, protecting them from being lost in the Rule 5 Draft.
Among those left unprotected: INF Cayden Wallace, RHP Tyler Stuart (rehabbing from TJ surgery), RHP Marquis Grissom Jr.
Among those left unprotected: INF Cayden Wallace, RHP Tyler Stuart (rehabbing from TJ surgery), RHP Marquis Grissom Jr.
November 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Nationals have added LHP Jake Bennett, RHP Riley Cornelio and OF Christian Franklin to the 40-man roster, protecting them from being lost in the Rule 5 Draft.
Among those left unprotected: INF Cayden Wallace, RHP Tyler Stuart (rehabbing from TJ surgery), RHP Marquis Grissom Jr.
Among those left unprotected: INF Cayden Wallace, RHP Tyler Stuart (rehabbing from TJ surgery), RHP Marquis Grissom Jr.
Reposted by Mark Zuckerman
Red Sox acquired infielder Tristan Gray from Tampa for Luis Guerrero. They also DFA'd Nathaniel Lowe to open a 40-man spot.
November 18, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Red Sox acquired infielder Tristan Gray from Tampa for Luis Guerrero. They also DFA'd Nathaniel Lowe to open a 40-man spot.
Reposted by Mark Zuckerman
Blake Butera spent the last 2 years as the head of the Rays' player development. He's excited to take that experience and bring it back to the dugout, where he returns to the manager's seat for the first time since 2022. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Butera excited to use player development experience with Nats' young talent
When Blake Butera steps into the visiting dugout at Wrigley Field for the Nationals’ Opening Day game against the Cubs on March 26, not only will it be the 33-year-old’s first time in a major league d...
www.masnsports.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Blake Butera spent the last 2 years as the head of the Rays' player development. He's excited to take that experience and bring it back to the dugout, where he returns to the manager's seat for the first time since 2022. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
New episode of @natschatpodcast.bsky.social
* Thoughts on Butera's press conference
* Reaction to the coaching staff so far (including Doolittle)
* Looking ahead to Friday's non-tender decisions
* @benraby31.bsky.social on "Who Killed the Montreal Expos" doc
www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
* Thoughts on Butera's press conference
* Reaction to the coaching staff so far (including Doolittle)
* Looking ahead to Friday's non-tender decisions
* @benraby31.bsky.social on "Who Killed the Montreal Expos" doc
www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
Blake Butera Introduced to D.C. — Nats Chat Podcast
Blake Butera Introduced to D.C.
www.natschatpodcast.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:14 PM
New episode of @natschatpodcast.bsky.social
* Thoughts on Butera's press conference
* Reaction to the coaching staff so far (including Doolittle)
* Looking ahead to Friday's non-tender decisions
* @benraby31.bsky.social on "Who Killed the Montreal Expos" doc
www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
* Thoughts on Butera's press conference
* Reaction to the coaching staff so far (including Doolittle)
* Looking ahead to Friday's non-tender decisions
* @benraby31.bsky.social on "Who Killed the Montreal Expos" doc
www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
Reposted by Mark Zuckerman
Our reaction to Blake Butera's introductory press conference as the Nats new manager:
www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
Blake Butera Introduced to D.C. — Nats Chat Podcast
Blake Butera Introduced to D.C.
www.natschatpodcast.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Our reaction to Blake Butera's introductory press conference as the Nats new manager:
www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
How Paul Toboni and Blake Butera first came to know of each other, and the process that led to them sitting together today at Nationals Park for the formal introduction of the majors' youngest manager in five decades.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Butera "honored, humbled excited" to become Nationals manager
Well before he even knew he would be a candidate for the Nationals’ managerial job, let alone get the job, Blake Butera tuned into Paul Toboni’s introductory press conference and found himself captiva...
www.masnsports.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:21 PM
How Paul Toboni and Blake Butera first came to know of each other, and the process that led to them sitting together today at Nationals Park for the formal introduction of the majors' youngest manager in five decades.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Reposted by Mark Zuckerman
News on Sean Doolittle remaining on the Nats coaching staff, and why Paul Toboni & Blake Butera felt it was important to bring him back.
"It's tough to not like Sean...he's really passionate about doing a great job in this role, which is exciting for us." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/d...
"It's tough to not like Sean...he's really passionate about doing a great job in this role, which is exciting for us." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/d...
Doolittle remaining on Nats coaching staff, exact role TBD
While most of today’s festivities at Nationals Park were focused on the official introduction of 33-year-old Blake Butera as the Nationals’ new manager, some news on his coaching staff also came out.S...
www.masnsports.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:01 PM
News on Sean Doolittle remaining on the Nats coaching staff, and why Paul Toboni & Blake Butera felt it was important to bring him back.
"It's tough to not like Sean...he's really passionate about doing a great job in this role, which is exciting for us." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/d...
"It's tough to not like Sean...he's really passionate about doing a great job in this role, which is exciting for us." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/d...
How Paul Toboni and Blake Butera first came to know of each other, and the process that led to them sitting together today at Nationals Park for the formal introduction of the majors' youngest manager in five decades.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Butera "honored, humbled excited" to become Nationals manager
Well before he even knew he would be a candidate for the Nationals’ managerial job, let alone get the job, Blake Butera tuned into Paul Toboni’s introductory press conference and found himself captiva...
www.masnsports.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:21 PM
How Paul Toboni and Blake Butera first came to know of each other, and the process that led to them sitting together today at Nationals Park for the formal introduction of the majors' youngest manager in five decades.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/b...
Reposted by Mark Zuckerman
Sean Doolittle will remain on the Nats coaching staff, per Paul Toboni. His official title is TBA.
November 17, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Sean Doolittle will remain on the Nats coaching staff, per Paul Toboni. His official title is TBA.
Gio Gonzalez, Howie Kendrick and Daniel Murphy are on the Hall of Fame ballot.
Bring on the ballots! The 2026 BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot features 27 former players, including 15 new candidates.
Results will be announced live on MLB Network on Jan. 20. baseballhall.org/bbwaa
Results will be announced live on MLB Network on Jan. 20. baseballhall.org/bbwaa
November 17, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Gio Gonzalez, Howie Kendrick and Daniel Murphy are on the Hall of Fame ballot.
Blake Butera's introductory press conference is today at 1:30 p.m. (live on MASN) and the 33-year-old manager will face plenty of questions. Here are some subjects that should come up: www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/p...
Plenty of questions coming for Butera in introductory press conference
It's been 18 days since news first broke the Nationals were hiring Blake Butera as manager. And at long last, today we will finally get to hear from him about his vision for the job and the path that ...
www.masnsports.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Blake Butera's introductory press conference is today at 1:30 p.m. (live on MASN) and the 33-year-old manager will face plenty of questions. Here are some subjects that should come up: www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/p...
A look at the state of the Nationals’ payroll entering the offseason. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
Where payroll stands as the Nats enter the offseason
In an offseason loaded with major questions, the Nationals have already answered two of the biggest ones: Who will lead baseball operations, and who will manage the big league club?Among the high-rank...
www.masnsports.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A look at the state of the Nationals’ payroll entering the offseason. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
Nationals have announced game times for next season. Weeknights at 6:45, Saturdays at 4:05, Sundays at 1:35, weekday matinees at 12:05/1:05, July 4 at 11:05.
November 13, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Nationals have announced game times for next season. Weeknights at 6:45, Saturdays at 4:05, Sundays at 1:35, weekday matinees at 12:05/1:05, July 4 at 11:05.
What positions of need might the Nationals prioritize this winter?
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
Where the Nats roster most needs to be bolstered
Baseball’s annual GM Meetings wrap up this morning in Las Vegas, and as is always the case, there hasn’t been a whole lot of hard news coming out of the event. This isn’t the Winter Meetings (which ar...
www.masnsports.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:01 PM
What positions of need might the Nationals prioritize this winter?
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
Reposted by Mark Zuckerman
I was an NL Cy Young Award voter. Like everyone else, I obviously had Paul Skenes as the winner.
Here's a breakdown of his dominant season and the other four names on my ballot. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/e...
Here's a breakdown of his dominant season and the other four names on my ballot. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/e...
Explaining my NL Cy Young Award ballot
We’re nearing the end of awards week for the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s four-highest honors that are handed out after every baseball season.The third was announced last night as Paul S...
www.masnsports.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I was an NL Cy Young Award voter. Like everyone else, I obviously had Paul Skenes as the winner.
Here's a breakdown of his dominant season and the other four names on my ballot. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/e...
Here's a breakdown of his dominant season and the other four names on my ballot. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/e...