In the meantime, I'm still doing the @natschatpodcast.bsky.social podcast with Al Galdi and Tim Shovers (they're recording a new episode today). And when the dust settles, my intention/hope is to continue covering the Nationals in one form or another this year and for many years to come!

Everyone at MASN has been incredibly good to me over the last 10 years, and especially the last few weeks as this all came together. There are lots of other people impacted by this news, and I sincerely hope they all emerge in a good place (whether still with the network or not).

Thanks for following along all year. Had a blast compiling this list, looking back at players both memorable and unmemorable from the last 20 years!

12/31 – JORDAN ZIMMERMANN
RHP, 2009-15
2nd round pick in 2007 from tiny WI town became 2-time All-Star, going 70-50 with 3.32 ERA, 1.159 WHIP in 178 starts. Threw 1st no-hitter in club history. Signed $110 million deal with DET but couldn’t stay healthy. Career: 95-91, 4.07 ERA.

Yep. Just like Elijah Dukes came after Zach Duke.

12/30 – RYAN ZIMMERMAN
3B/1B/LF, 2005-21
First pick in club history became Face of Franchise and all-time leader in HR (284), RBI (1,061), H (1,846) and G (1,799) while batting .277/.341/.475. Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner hit 11 walk-off HR (t-8th in MLB history).

Most significant story No. 3 (written by yours truly): The selection of Eli Willits as the No. 1 pick in the draft one week after the firing of GM Mike Rizzo.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/m...

Most significant story No. 4 - also written by @bobbyblanco.bsky.social: James Wood's breakout season.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/m...

12/29 – JACOB YOUNG
OF, 2023-present
7th round pick in 2021 has been two-time Gold Glove finalist in CF while batting .247/.310/.316 with 41 2B, 5 HR, 79 RBI, 61 SB in 303 MLB games.