Spencer Nusbaum
@spencernusbaum.bsky.social
Covering the Nationals ✍️ @washingtonpost.com
📧: [email protected]
📧: [email protected]
I was laid off by The Washington Post today. This is gutting for our readers and our section, but I’m grateful for the 4 years I had to cover sports alongside friends and legends.
If you’re hiring or know of someone who is: spencernusbaum(at)gmail(dot)com
If you’re hiring or know of someone who is: spencernusbaum(at)gmail(dot)com
February 4, 2026 at 3:48 PM
I was laid off by The Washington Post today. This is gutting for our readers and our section, but I’m grateful for the 4 years I had to cover sports alongside friends and legends.
If you’re hiring or know of someone who is: spencernusbaum(at)gmail(dot)com
If you’re hiring or know of someone who is: spencernusbaum(at)gmail(dot)com
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Just wanted to take a minute, for no particular reason whatsoever, and celebrate some of the brilliant work that my
@postsports.bsky.social colleagues have done in recent weeks.
These stories take time and resources. They're also what make The Post so great. All gift links/free to read...
@postsports.bsky.social colleagues have done in recent weeks.
These stories take time and resources. They're also what make The Post so great. All gift links/free to read...
January 26, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Just wanted to take a minute, for no particular reason whatsoever, and celebrate some of the brilliant work that my
@postsports.bsky.social colleagues have done in recent weeks.
These stories take time and resources. They're also what make The Post so great. All gift links/free to read...
@postsports.bsky.social colleagues have done in recent weeks.
These stories take time and resources. They're also what make The Post so great. All gift links/free to read...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
He keeps every story I write in boxes in his home. He calls me to ask if I know when my stories make it on the front page of the sports section.
It’s an honor to be part of the @postsports.bsky.social team. Always have felt that way but especially today.
It’s an honor to be part of the @postsports.bsky.social team. Always have felt that way but especially today.
January 26, 2026 at 8:07 PM
He keeps every story I write in boxes in his home. He calls me to ask if I know when my stories make it on the front page of the sports section.
It’s an honor to be part of the @postsports.bsky.social team. Always have felt that way but especially today.
It’s an honor to be part of the @postsports.bsky.social team. Always have felt that way but especially today.
If nothing else, I’ve always hoped our work in the Washington Post’s sports section could give readers a meaningful connection to (and understanding of) something bigger than themselves.
I’ve seen today: It has. Forever grateful to be a part of this team. #SaveThePost
I’ve seen today: It has. Forever grateful to be a part of this team. #SaveThePost
January 26, 2026 at 7:20 PM
If nothing else, I’ve always hoped our work in the Washington Post’s sports section could give readers a meaningful connection to (and understanding of) something bigger than themselves.
I’ve seen today: It has. Forever grateful to be a part of this team. #SaveThePost
I’ve seen today: It has. Forever grateful to be a part of this team. #SaveThePost
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
I know what you're thinking: man, I wish @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and Andrew had a story detailing what they've heard from talent evaluators across baseball about the prospects acquired in the MacKenzie Gore trade.
Lucky for you, we came through:
Lucky for you, we came through:
They were traded for MacKenzie Gore. Here’s what MLB evaluators see.
The Post talked to several talent evaluators employed by teams across MLB, asking them about the return for MacKenzie Gore. Here’s what we learned.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:23 PM
I know what you're thinking: man, I wish @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and Andrew had a story detailing what they've heard from talent evaluators across baseball about the prospects acquired in the MacKenzie Gore trade.
Lucky for you, we came through:
Lucky for you, we came through:
The Washington Nationals are acquiring five prospects back from the Rangers for MacKenzie Gore, per source. Biggest names among them: SS Gavin Fien and RHP Alejandro Rosario.
January 22, 2026 at 8:43 PM
The Washington Nationals are acquiring five prospects back from the Rangers for MacKenzie Gore, per source. Biggest names among them: SS Gavin Fien and RHP Alejandro Rosario.
Matt LeCroy will stay on as the manager of the Nationals’ Class AAA affiliate in Rochester, per sources.
LeCroy is a popular figure in the organization and has managed Rochester for the last five years. This’ll be his 18th year with the organization.
LeCroy is a popular figure in the organization and has managed Rochester for the last five years. This’ll be his 18th year with the organization.
January 21, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Matt LeCroy will stay on as the manager of the Nationals’ Class AAA affiliate in Rochester, per sources.
LeCroy is a popular figure in the organization and has managed Rochester for the last five years. This’ll be his 18th year with the organization.
LeCroy is a popular figure in the organization and has managed Rochester for the last five years. This’ll be his 18th year with the organization.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Can confirm that LHP Zach Penrod and the Nationals are in agreement on a minor-league deal. @willsammon.bsky.social was first.
Penrod, a former Red Sox prospect, made 7 big league appearances with Boston in 2024.
Penrod, a former Red Sox prospect, made 7 big league appearances with Boston in 2024.
January 20, 2026 at 4:03 AM
Can confirm that LHP Zach Penrod and the Nationals are in agreement on a minor-league deal. @willsammon.bsky.social was first.
Penrod, a former Red Sox prospect, made 7 big league appearances with Boston in 2024.
Penrod, a former Red Sox prospect, made 7 big league appearances with Boston in 2024.
Can confirm that the Nationals have signed righty reliever Trevor Gott to a minor league deal, per source. @ken-rosenthal.bsky.social first.
Gott had good underlying metrics in ‘22/23 but had TJ in April ‘24 and hasn’t pitched in the majors since. 9.16 ERA in limited AAA stint last year.
Gott had good underlying metrics in ‘22/23 but had TJ in April ‘24 and hasn’t pitched in the majors since. 9.16 ERA in limited AAA stint last year.
January 17, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Can confirm that the Nationals have signed righty reliever Trevor Gott to a minor league deal, per source. @ken-rosenthal.bsky.social first.
Gott had good underlying metrics in ‘22/23 but had TJ in April ‘24 and hasn’t pitched in the majors since. 9.16 ERA in limited AAA stint last year.
Gott had good underlying metrics in ‘22/23 but had TJ in April ‘24 and hasn’t pitched in the majors since. 9.16 ERA in limited AAA stint last year.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Are you or someone you know going to the Caps' Pride game on Saturday? Have you watched Heated Rivalry? Is, by chance, anyone going to the game *because* they watched Heated Rivalry?
If any of that fits you, my DMs are open. Working on a story and would love to chat!
If any of that fits you, my DMs are open. Working on a story and would love to chat!
January 12, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Are you or someone you know going to the Caps' Pride game on Saturday? Have you watched Heated Rivalry? Is, by chance, anyone going to the game *because* they watched Heated Rivalry?
If any of that fits you, my DMs are open. Working on a story and would love to chat!
If any of that fits you, my DMs are open. Working on a story and would love to chat!
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Next week, the Nationals are hosting a supplemental camp for ~60 minor leaguers before spring training starts. Talked to AGM Devin Pearson about why.
That, plus some prospects who will be there, updates on new technology/spending and more:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
That, plus some prospects who will be there, updates on new technology/spending and more:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Ahead of spring training, some Nats minor leaguers will get an extra camp
The Nationals are expected to have around 60 minor leaguers participate in a supplemental training camp at the team’s facility in Florida, which will start later this month.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Next week, the Nationals are hosting a supplemental camp for ~60 minor leaguers before spring training starts. Talked to AGM Devin Pearson about why.
That, plus some prospects who will be there, updates on new technology/spending and more:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
That, plus some prospects who will be there, updates on new technology/spending and more:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Nationals have claimed pitcher Paxton Schultz off waivers, per source.
Schultz pitched in 13 games for the Toronto Blue Jays last season. Was used as a reliever/opener in 2025. He was DFA’d so Toronto could clear space on their roster for Kazuma Okamoto.
Schultz pitched in 13 games for the Toronto Blue Jays last season. Was used as a reliever/opener in 2025. He was DFA’d so Toronto could clear space on their roster for Kazuma Okamoto.
January 9, 2026 at 7:19 PM
The Nationals have claimed pitcher Paxton Schultz off waivers, per source.
Schultz pitched in 13 games for the Toronto Blue Jays last season. Was used as a reliever/opener in 2025. He was DFA’d so Toronto could clear space on their roster for Kazuma Okamoto.
Schultz pitched in 13 games for the Toronto Blue Jays last season. Was used as a reliever/opener in 2025. He was DFA’d so Toronto could clear space on their roster for Kazuma Okamoto.
Story with @andrewgolden.bsky.social on the Nationals’ arbitration situation (which includes a $75k gap between what they filed and what Cade Cavalli did, the smallest arb gap in MLB) and some other details in here: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Nats avoid the awkwardness of arbitration with all but one player
Infielders CJ Abrams and Luis García Jr., and pitchers MacKenzie Gore and Jake Irvin agreed to contracts for the upcoming season. Cade Cavalli and the club remain at odds.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:16 AM
Story with @andrewgolden.bsky.social on the Nationals’ arbitration situation (which includes a $75k gap between what they filed and what Cade Cavalli did, the smallest arb gap in MLB) and some other details in here: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/...
Every year, MLB pitchers throw harder and harder. But behind the scenes, they’re also embarking on a quieter quest: learning more and more pitch types.
Enter Foster Griffin, who returns from Japan with seven pitches and the chance to step up with the Nats:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Enter Foster Griffin, who returns from Japan with seven pitches and the chance to step up with the Nats:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
He did a bit of a study abroad in Japan. It changed him as a pitcher.
The Nationals signed Foster Griffin, a left-hander who throws seven pitches, to a one-year contract worth up to $6.5 million.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Every year, MLB pitchers throw harder and harder. But behind the scenes, they’re also embarking on a quieter quest: learning more and more pitch types.
Enter Foster Griffin, who returns from Japan with seven pitches and the chance to step up with the Nats:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Enter Foster Griffin, who returns from Japan with seven pitches and the chance to step up with the Nats:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The Nationals have a new general manager in Anirudh Kilambi. And the background he will bring is becoming increasingly common in DC:
- In his 30s.
- From a competitive organization.
- Data guy.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
- In his 30s.
- From a competitive organization.
- Data guy.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Nationals’ Paul Toboni hires his No. 2: A 31-year-old GM
The hiring of Anirudh Kilambi from the Phillies as the new GM aligns perfectly with the Nats’ Venn diagram: Young, from a competitive organization and steeped in data.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:11 AM
The Nationals have a new general manager in Anirudh Kilambi. And the background he will bring is becoming increasingly common in DC:
- In his 30s.
- From a competitive organization.
- Data guy.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
- In his 30s.
- From a competitive organization.
- Data guy.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Nationals have their first free agent signing of the winter: Foster Griffin. More here on the 30-year-old lefty who spent the last 3 seasons in Japan:
Nationals take a chance on a left-hander who lands a second MLB chance
Foster Griffin, 30, spent the past three seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:20 PM
The Nationals have their first free agent signing of the winter: Foster Griffin. More here on the 30-year-old lefty who spent the last 3 seasons in Japan:
CJ Abrams has emerged as one of the biggest names on MLB’s trade block. But should the Nationals trade him?
@andrewgolden.bsky.social and I think it’s best to hold off: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrgC3STA/
@andrewgolden.bsky.social and I think it’s best to hold off: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrgC3STA/
All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams has emerged as one of the biggest names on MLB’s trade block. But should the Washington Nationals trade him? #MLB #Nationals #baseball #washingtondc #baseballtiktoks
TikTok video by Andrew and Spencer
www.tiktok.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:25 PM
CJ Abrams has emerged as one of the biggest names on MLB’s trade block. But should the Nationals trade him?
@andrewgolden.bsky.social and I think it’s best to hold off: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrgC3STA/
@andrewgolden.bsky.social and I think it’s best to hold off: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrgC3STA/
The Nationals have their new lower-level pitching coordinator: Will Hawks. He arrives from the St. Louis Cardinals org and was their High A pitching coach last year.
December 15, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The Nationals have their new lower-level pitching coordinator: Will Hawks. He arrives from the St. Louis Cardinals org and was their High A pitching coach last year.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
For the fourth straight year, the Nationals take a player in the Rule 5 Draft. This time around, it's Griff McGarry, a right-handed pitcher from the Philadelphia Phillies.
December 10, 2025 at 7:08 PM
For the fourth straight year, the Nationals take a player in the Rule 5 Draft. This time around, it's Griff McGarry, a right-handed pitcher from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
What I’m hearing at the winter meetings about how teams view CJ Abrams, plus more remarks from new manager Blake Butera about his thoughts on Abrams and the team’s goals for 2026:
The Nats’ roster uncertainty starts with CJ Abrams. Fix him or deal him?
Blake Butera, the Nationals’ new manager, is no stranger to working with young players. Abrams may be on the trade block, but the kipper sees potential.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:25 AM
What I’m hearing at the winter meetings about how teams view CJ Abrams, plus more remarks from new manager Blake Butera about his thoughts on Abrams and the team’s goals for 2026:
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Blake Butera acknowledged the average age of his staff earlier:
"That wasn't on purpose. We weren't trying to get young staff. Someone made a joke like, 'Did you tell Paul when you got hired that the staff has to be under 40 years old?'
"You might not believe me, but no."
"That wasn't on purpose. We weren't trying to get young staff. Someone made a joke like, 'Did you tell Paul when you got hired that the staff has to be under 40 years old?'
"You might not believe me, but no."
December 9, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Blake Butera acknowledged the average age of his staff earlier:
"That wasn't on purpose. We weren't trying to get young staff. Someone made a joke like, 'Did you tell Paul when you got hired that the staff has to be under 40 years old?'
"You might not believe me, but no."
"That wasn't on purpose. We weren't trying to get young staff. Someone made a joke like, 'Did you tell Paul when you got hired that the staff has to be under 40 years old?'
"You might not believe me, but no."
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Blake Butera just spoke here in Orlando. Mentioned that he met with MacKenzie Gore in NC last week and his staff has begun meeting with players.
Added James Wood and bench coach Michael Johns were working on outfield defense this weekend in Florida.
Added James Wood and bench coach Michael Johns were working on outfield defense this weekend in Florida.
December 9, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Blake Butera just spoke here in Orlando. Mentioned that he met with MacKenzie Gore in NC last week and his staff has begun meeting with players.
Added James Wood and bench coach Michael Johns were working on outfield defense this weekend in Florida.
Added James Wood and bench coach Michael Johns were working on outfield defense this weekend in Florida.
Great story from Andrew on what’s going on with the Nats at winter meetings:
Paul Toboni said the team would be “negligent” not to listen to offers for MacKenzie Gore or CJ Abrams. But the price to get either will be high.
Some teams were interested in Gore at this year’s deadline. More teams are interested this winter:
Some teams were interested in Gore at this year’s deadline. More teams are interested this winter:
Contenders crave MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams. The Nats want a lot in return.
The Yankees are among the teams interested in Gore, and Abrams offers a rare blend of power and speed. The Nationals may face some difficult decisions soon.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Great story from Andrew on what’s going on with the Nats at winter meetings:
Story on Harry Ford, in line to be the Nats new franchise catcher and warming to the idea of playing in DC after developing in the Mariners system:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The Nats’ new catcher was ‘pretty sad’ to get traded. But opportunity awaits.
Catcher Harry Ford arrives in Washington from Seattle, the organization that made him a first-round draft pick in 2021.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Story on Harry Ford, in line to be the Nats new franchise catcher and warming to the idea of playing in DC after developing in the Mariners system:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Hearing the Nationals are close to finalizing a deal to trade reliever Jose A. Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners.
December 6, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Hearing the Nationals are close to finalizing a deal to trade reliever Jose A. Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners.