Spencer Nusbaum
@spencernusbaum.bsky.social
Covering the Nationals ✍️ @washingtonpost.com
📧: [email protected]
📧: [email protected]
I’d never tell Jesse this but even for him this is quite an exceptional read
I profiled Azzi Fudd.
After all the injuries and doubt, and dealing with that as her life became more and more public, here's a story of getting back to once was — mentally, physically — then becoming even better: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
After all the injuries and doubt, and dealing with that as her life became more and more public, here's a story of getting back to once was — mentally, physically — then becoming even better: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Azzi Fudd was a can’t-miss basketball star. Then she had to prove it again.
Injuries and self-doubt nearly derailed a prodigy. Now in her final college season, she has rediscovered just how good she can be.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:38 PM
I’d never tell Jesse this but even for him this is quite an exceptional read
Feedback loops? Banger sliders?
As much as any hire can, the Nationals new 30-year-old pitching coach represents a pivot in the organization:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
As much as any hire can, the Nationals new 30-year-old pitching coach represents a pivot in the organization:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Feedback loops, banger sliders and the pitching coach who will shape the new Nats
Simon Mathews, 30, will oversee one of the youngest pitching staffs in baseball and work underneath Blake Butera, MLB’s youngest manager in more than 50 years.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Feedback loops? Banger sliders?
As much as any hire can, the Nationals new 30-year-old pitching coach represents a pivot in the organization:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
As much as any hire can, the Nationals new 30-year-old pitching coach represents a pivot in the organization:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Monday’s press conference certainly was not the first time Blake Butera had been asked about his age. It certainly will not be the last.
No one seemed to be more aware of that than Butera, who didn’t seem to mind as he spoke about being himself:
No one seemed to be more aware of that than Butera, who didn’t seem to mind as he spoke about being himself:
The Nats’ 33-year-old manager knows the questions are coming
“When you talk with players and work with players, I think the last thing they look at is how old or young somebody might be,” Nationals Manager Blake Butera said Monday.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Monday’s press conference certainly was not the first time Blake Butera had been asked about his age. It certainly will not be the last.
No one seemed to be more aware of that than Butera, who didn’t seem to mind as he spoke about being himself:
No one seemed to be more aware of that than Butera, who didn’t seem to mind as he spoke about being himself:
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Nationals are hiring Tyler Smarslok as the team’s field coordinator, sources tell @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me.
Smarslok was the Marlins’ 1B coach last season. He was also responsible for coaching Miami’s base running and infield defense.
Smarslok was the Marlins’ 1B coach last season. He was also responsible for coaching Miami’s base running and infield defense.
November 18, 2025 at 11:22 PM
The Nationals are hiring Tyler Smarslok as the team’s field coordinator, sources tell @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me.
Smarslok was the Marlins’ 1B coach last season. He was also responsible for coaching Miami’s base running and infield defense.
Smarslok was the Marlins’ 1B coach last season. He was also responsible for coaching Miami’s base running and infield defense.
Some quick thoughts on the three players the Nationals added to the 40-man roster yesterday:
November 19, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Some quick thoughts on the three players the Nationals added to the 40-man roster yesterday:
Butera’s full quote on Sean Doolittle:
November 17, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Butera’s full quote on Sean Doolittle:
Paul Toboni just told us that Sean Doolittle will remain on the staff. Exact role is TBD.
Blake Butera said he’s talked to 20+ players. Every pitcher, unsolicited, brought up how impactful Doolittle was in their careers. Also had a previous relationship w/Simon Mathews.
Blake Butera said he’s talked to 20+ players. Every pitcher, unsolicited, brought up how impactful Doolittle was in their careers. Also had a previous relationship w/Simon Mathews.
November 17, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Paul Toboni just told us that Sean Doolittle will remain on the staff. Exact role is TBD.
Blake Butera said he’s talked to 20+ players. Every pitcher, unsolicited, brought up how impactful Doolittle was in their careers. Also had a previous relationship w/Simon Mathews.
Blake Butera said he’s talked to 20+ players. Every pitcher, unsolicited, brought up how impactful Doolittle was in their careers. Also had a previous relationship w/Simon Mathews.
“When we look up a year from now, I think everyone will see that we’re going to grow significantly.”
On what we learned in Vegas about Toboni, the coaching staff, the front office and what comes next for the Nationals:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
On what we learned in Vegas about Toboni, the coaching staff, the front office and what comes next for the Nationals:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
What’s up next for the Nationals? How much time do you have?
Multiple people familiar with Washington’s plans suggested the Nationals needed to hire around 40 positions on the baseball side this offseason.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:08 PM
“When we look up a year from now, I think everyone will see that we’re going to grow significantly.”
On what we learned in Vegas about Toboni, the coaching staff, the front office and what comes next for the Nationals:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
On what we learned in Vegas about Toboni, the coaching staff, the front office and what comes next for the Nationals:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
"This is a long way to travel to come up short."
The game story from Washington's 16-13 overtime loss to Miami in Madrid: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The game story from Washington's 16-13 overtime loss to Miami in Madrid: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
In Spain, Commanders’ pain remains with an OT loss to the Dolphins
Washington’s losing streak is six following Miami’s 16-13 victory in Madrid set up by several Commanders mistakes.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:27 PM
"This is a long way to travel to come up short."
The game story from Washington's 16-13 overtime loss to Miami in Madrid: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The game story from Washington's 16-13 overtime loss to Miami in Madrid: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Source confirms the Nationals signed reliever Eddy Yean to a MiLB contract with an invite to MLB spring training. @francysromero.bsky.social first on it.
Righty had a 3.06 ERA in AAA last year. Power arm, and the Nats hope they can help him develop more swing and miss. Just 24 y/o.
Righty had a 3.06 ERA in AAA last year. Power arm, and the Nats hope they can help him develop more swing and miss. Just 24 y/o.
November 16, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Source confirms the Nationals signed reliever Eddy Yean to a MiLB contract with an invite to MLB spring training. @francysromero.bsky.social first on it.
Righty had a 3.06 ERA in AAA last year. Power arm, and the Nats hope they can help him develop more swing and miss. Just 24 y/o.
Righty had a 3.06 ERA in AAA last year. Power arm, and the Nats hope they can help him develop more swing and miss. Just 24 y/o.
The Nationals will look to add starting pitching this winter, and will be open to what comes their way at 1B and C.
This, and more from the GM meetings, in here:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
This, and more from the GM meetings, in here:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
How will Paul Toboni reshape the Nats? Three areas of interest are clear.
“We’ll be open-minded and try and be creative through it all,” Washington’s new president of baseball operations said.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:04 PM
The Nationals will look to add starting pitching this winter, and will be open to what comes their way at 1B and C.
This, and more from the GM meetings, in here:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
This, and more from the GM meetings, in here:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
There was a time when Paul DePodesta had the reputation as the kind of front office wunderkind who might, say, figure out how to win at Coors Field someday. But that was many jobs and an NFL jaunt ago. Can he really pull this off? www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
A ‘Moneyball’ architect is back in MLB to turn around another franchise
After a decade away from baseball, Paul DePodesta takes over the Colorado Rockies. Can he save a struggling team in a dramatically changed sport?
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:05 PM
There was a time when Paul DePodesta had the reputation as the kind of front office wunderkind who might, say, figure out how to win at Coors Field someday. But that was many jobs and an NFL jaunt ago. Can he really pull this off? www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Nationals are planning to introduce their new manager Blake Butera on Monday at 1:30.
November 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The Nationals are planning to introduce their new manager Blake Butera on Monday at 1:30.
From Vegas: What we know (and what Nationals POBO Paul Toboni said) about MacKenzie Gore, the pace of the offseason, payroll and extension conversations:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Paul Toboni makes one thing clear: The Nats are open for business
The Nationals’ new baseball chief, at his first GM meetings sitting in the big chair, says the team would be “dumb” not to listen to offers on Gore and others,
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:04 AM
From Vegas: What we know (and what Nationals POBO Paul Toboni said) about MacKenzie Gore, the pace of the offseason, payroll and extension conversations:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
From @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me:
Pitching coach Simon Mathews, 30, joins a young Nationals staff headed by Blake Butera, who, at 33, is the youngest manager in the majors in more than 50 years
Nationals name Simon Mathews, 30, pitching coach
The team’s ongoing rebuild will be in the hands of a young coaching staff, headed by a 33-year-old manager and now a 30-year-old pitching coach.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:14 AM
From @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me:
Bobby Wilson will be the Nationals big-league catching coordinator, sources tell @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me.
The 42-year-old comes over from the Texas Rangers. Had a big role in Texas.
The 42-year-old comes over from the Texas Rangers. Had a big role in Texas.
November 12, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Bobby Wilson will be the Nationals big-league catching coordinator, sources tell @chelseajanes.bsky.social and me.
The 42-year-old comes over from the Texas Rangers. Had a big role in Texas.
The 42-year-old comes over from the Texas Rangers. Had a big role in Texas.
Source confirms the Nationals are hiring Simon Mathews as their next pitching coach. Comes from the Cincinnati Reds, where he was their assistant pitching coach.
@Russ_Dorsey1 and @Jake_Mintz on it first.
@Russ_Dorsey1 and @Jake_Mintz on it first.
November 11, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Source confirms the Nationals are hiring Simon Mathews as their next pitching coach. Comes from the Cincinnati Reds, where he was their assistant pitching coach.
@Russ_Dorsey1 and @Jake_Mintz on it first.
@Russ_Dorsey1 and @Jake_Mintz on it first.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Can confirm @ken-rosenthal.bsky.social’s report that Michael Johns will be the Nationals’ new bench coach.
He was the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons. He was also TB’s minor league field coordinator during Blake Butera’s 4 years as an A-ball manager.
He was the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons. He was also TB’s minor league field coordinator during Blake Butera’s 4 years as an A-ball manager.
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Can confirm @ken-rosenthal.bsky.social’s report that Michael Johns will be the Nationals’ new bench coach.
He was the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons. He was also TB’s minor league field coordinator during Blake Butera’s 4 years as an A-ball manager.
He was the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons. He was also TB’s minor league field coordinator during Blake Butera’s 4 years as an A-ball manager.
1. Per @baseballamerica.com, the Nats had the most minor leaguers elect free agency (34) of any org, so additions should be otw
3. A few pitchers surprised me. Most notable departure, tho: OF Nick Schnell. Good find, dev. May have better chance as an OF elsewhere. Could sign him back
3. A few pitchers surprised me. Most notable departure, tho: OF Nick Schnell. Good find, dev. May have better chance as an OF elsewhere. Could sign him back
Rochester Red Wings who elected free agency: Joan Adon, Juan Yepez, Nick Schnell, Francisco Mejía, Erick Mejia, Garrett Davila, Jackson Cluff, Daison Acosta, Parker Dunshee, Adrian Sampson, Bryce Conley, Michael Cuevas, Carlos De La Cruz, Chase Solesky, C.J. Stubbs & J.T. Arruda.
November 7, 2025 at 11:49 PM
1. Per @baseballamerica.com, the Nats had the most minor leaguers elect free agency (34) of any org, so additions should be otw
3. A few pitchers surprised me. Most notable departure, tho: OF Nick Schnell. Good find, dev. May have better chance as an OF elsewhere. Could sign him back
3. A few pitchers surprised me. Most notable departure, tho: OF Nick Schnell. Good find, dev. May have better chance as an OF elsewhere. Could sign him back
Rochester Red Wings who elected free agency: Joan Adon, Juan Yepez, Nick Schnell, Francisco Mejía, Erick Mejia, Garrett Davila, Jackson Cluff, Daison Acosta, Parker Dunshee, Adrian Sampson, Bryce Conley, Michael Cuevas, Carlos De La Cruz, Chase Solesky, C.J. Stubbs & J.T. Arruda.
November 7, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Rochester Red Wings who elected free agency: Joan Adon, Juan Yepez, Nick Schnell, Francisco Mejía, Erick Mejia, Garrett Davila, Jackson Cluff, Daison Acosta, Parker Dunshee, Adrian Sampson, Bryce Conley, Michael Cuevas, Carlos De La Cruz, Chase Solesky, C.J. Stubbs & J.T. Arruda.
The Nationals’ new manager is an outside-the-box hire. Here’s what set him apart — and what we know about what comes next:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The Nats’ new manager is an outside-the-box hire. Here’s what set him apart.
President of baseball operations Paul Toboni described Blake Butera as passionate, authentic, even-keeled and open-minded.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:21 PM
The Nationals’ new manager is an outside-the-box hire. Here’s what set him apart — and what we know about what comes next:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
New Nats roles from Paul Toboni:
Devin Pearson (AGM) will oversee the Nationals' player development operation.
Justin Horowitz (AGM) will oversee acquisitions (amateur scouting, trades, international scouting).
Mike DeBartolo (SVP and AGM) will help oversee baseball ops.
Devin Pearson (AGM) will oversee the Nationals' player development operation.
Justin Horowitz (AGM) will oversee acquisitions (amateur scouting, trades, international scouting).
Mike DeBartolo (SVP and AGM) will help oversee baseball ops.
November 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
New Nats roles from Paul Toboni:
Devin Pearson (AGM) will oversee the Nationals' player development operation.
Justin Horowitz (AGM) will oversee acquisitions (amateur scouting, trades, international scouting).
Mike DeBartolo (SVP and AGM) will help oversee baseball ops.
Devin Pearson (AGM) will oversee the Nationals' player development operation.
Justin Horowitz (AGM) will oversee acquisitions (amateur scouting, trades, international scouting).
Mike DeBartolo (SVP and AGM) will help oversee baseball ops.
Even more unbelievable than becoming an MLB manager at 33 years old: Blake Butera became a father yesterday, too.
He and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their first child, Blair Margaux Butera, on Thursday.
He and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their first child, Blair Margaux Butera, on Thursday.
October 31, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Even more unbelievable than becoming an MLB manager at 33 years old: Blake Butera became a father yesterday, too.
He and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their first child, Blair Margaux Butera, on Thursday.
He and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their first child, Blair Margaux Butera, on Thursday.
Blake Butera in 2014, h/t to Nationals Reddit:
October 30, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Blake Butera in 2014, h/t to Nationals Reddit:
Curious what we’re hearing about the Nationals new managerial hire?
Read @andrewcgolden and my story on the Post, or here on Reddit. What we’ve heard about a) his appetite for analytics b) his ability to teach fundamentals and c) his age and experience.
www.reddit.com/r/Nationals/...
Read @andrewcgolden and my story on the Post, or here on Reddit. What we’ve heard about a) his appetite for analytics b) his ability to teach fundamentals and c) his age and experience.
www.reddit.com/r/Nationals/...
From the Nationals community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the Nationals community
www.reddit.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Curious what we’re hearing about the Nationals new managerial hire?
Read @andrewcgolden and my story on the Post, or here on Reddit. What we’ve heard about a) his appetite for analytics b) his ability to teach fundamentals and c) his age and experience.
www.reddit.com/r/Nationals/...
Read @andrewcgolden and my story on the Post, or here on Reddit. What we’ve heard about a) his appetite for analytics b) his ability to teach fundamentals and c) his age and experience.
www.reddit.com/r/Nationals/...