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Spencer Nusbaum

@spencernusbaum.bsky.social

5K followers 240 following 210 posts

Covering the Nationals ✍️ @washingtonpost.com 📧: [email protected]

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Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 2h

The Nationals are making sweeping changes to their front office today. Among them: AGM Mark Scialabba and farm director Eddie Longosz have been informed that they aren't returning next season, sources tell
@spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me.

Stay here for updates.

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 4d

I meant to say 66 wins. I definitely meant to say 66 wins

Mark Zuckerman @markzuckerman.bsky.social · 4d

The time has come. Here’s how we did with our Opening Day predictions on the 2025 Nationals … 😬
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/r...

Revisiting our 2025 Opening Day predictions

OK, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. No, not the naming of the Nationals’ new president of baseball operations. Not the hiring of a new manager. And certainly not the signing of any core y...

www.masnsports.com

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 7d

The Nationals have a new president of baseball operations. Here was my biggest takeaway from his introduction.

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Chelsea Janes @chelseajanes.bsky.social · 7d

In here, among other things, Toboni’s thoughts on the future of former interim GM Mike DeBartolo.

Chelsea Janes @chelseajanes.bsky.social · 7d

Who is Paul Toboni, the man the Washington Nationals will introduce as their head of baseball operations in a few hours?

Asked him about that: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

Paul Toboni takes helm of Nats with forward approach and a scout’s vision

A series of fortunate events landed Toboni in the Red Sox front office 11 years ago. But his rise to the top baseball job with the Nationals has been no accident.

www.washingtonpost.com

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 9d

That’s a wrap on Year ✌️! Hope you all enjoyed our coverage in 2025.

I would never say it to his face but I am very grateful to do this job with @andrewgolden.bsky.social (and eternally thankful for our editor, @sarahlarimer.bsky.social)

Up next: A very important offseason!

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 10d

Michael A. Taylor just announced his retirement from baseball after today’s game.

“To be able to play my last games of my career here in this ballpark in front of these fans, it’s just the icing on the cake. I think it’s all part of God’s plan and I’m very grateful for that.”

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 13d

Paul Toboni is expected to be the Nationals’ president of baseball operations.

The intention is for the Nationals to hire a general manager under Toboni, per source as @brittghiroli.bsky.social first reported.

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 13d

The Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Red Sox AGM Paul Toboni as their new head of baseball operations.

Here’s what we know, with
@andrewgolden.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

Nationals set to name Paul Toboni as head of baseball operations

Toboni, 35, will arrive in Washington from Boston, where he helped oversee a stellar draft and player development system for the Red Sox.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 13d

In this story: the Nats hired an executive search firm, Spencer Stuart, to assist with the GM search.

And Mark Lerner met with Philadelphia Phillies POBO Dave Dombrowski for advice on the process when their teams played in August, according to a person familiar:

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 13d

The Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Red Sox AGM Paul Toboni as their new head of baseball operations.

Here’s what we know, with
@andrewgolden.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

Nationals set to name Paul Toboni as head of baseball operations

Toboni, 35, will arrive in Washington from Boston, where he helped oversee a stellar draft and player development system for the Red Sox.

www.washingtonpost.com

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 13d

The Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Red Sox AGM Paul Toboni as their new head of baseball operations.

Here’s what we know, with
@andrewgolden.bsky.social: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

Nationals set to name Paul Toboni as head of baseball operations

Toboni, 35, will arrive in Washington from Boston, where he helped oversee a stellar draft and player development system for the Red Sox.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 14d

The Nationals’ top pitching prospects -- Travis Sykora and Jarlin Susana -- are sidelined for the foreseeable future. Who’s next?

Wrote about Jake Bennett, Alex Clemmey and Jackson Kent, the trio of lefties who ended their seasons in Harrisburg:

The Nationals’ top pitching prospects are sidelined. Who’s next?

Jake Bennett, Alex Clemmey and Jackson Kent ended their seasons at Class AA Harrisburg, which is a good sign for the Nationals.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 18d

Some weekend reading from me, @andrewcgolden and @chelsea_janes: At a critical juncture in the Nationals' existence, the decision-making process can seem "chaotic," the franchise "directionless."

A look at the Lerners, who's in the room, and the vibe.
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

Who is running the Washington Nationals?

At a critical juncture in its history, the MLB franchise appears to some as “directionless,” with too many hands on the wheel.

www.washingtonpost.com

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 18d

The Nationals are moving Mitchell Parker to the bullpen, at least until the end of this season.

We’ll talk to Miguel Cairo about it in a bit, but Parker said he understands the decision and will learn on the fly.

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 20d

Cade Cavalli looks even better in the majors than he did in the minor leagues.

I wondered why that was. So I asked him. Bigger crowds? Better luck? A healthier arm?

Not exactly. To pitch again, Cade Cavalli had to learn his pitches again:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

To pitch again, Cade Cavalli had to learn his pitches again

Cavalli underwent Tommy John surgery in the spring of 2023 and has long worked toward his MLB return. When it arrived, something had changed.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 21d

First version of today's story on the Nationals' loss in Game 1 of the doubleheader. Jake Irvin allowed five in the fourth inning:

“It’s been kind of a microcosm of the season,” Irvin said. “Trying to limit that damage and not being able to do it.”

Homer-prone Jake Irvin gets burned again as Nats open doubleheader with loss

Irvin scuffled in the fourth inning, allowing five runs as the Nationals fell behind. The Braves held on for a 6-3 win.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 22d

Another person who has interviewed for the Nationals’ GM job, per sources: Cleveland Guardians EVP and assistant GM Matt Forman.

Forman started as a director of baseball operations for Cleveland.

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 23d

Jose A. Ferrer always wanted to be a closer. So over the last two seasons, he’s sought advice from some of the best.

On the conversations he’s had with Edwin Díaz, Aroldis Chapman, Devin Williams and Kyle Finnegan that are helping him now:

Jose A. Ferrer loves to learn. His teachers include MLB’s best closers.

“By yourself, you’re not going to achieve much,” said Ferrer, who has learned how to close games in part by asking other closers for tips and advice.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · Sep 7

Robert Hassell III’s solo HR in the ninth was a product of advice from assistant coach Chris Johnson.

Josh Bell’s three-run HR was a product of prepping in the batting cage and knowing his own scouting report.

Inside the Nats’ comeback against the Cubs:

Josh Bell finds nothing but netting to lift the Nationals past the Cubs

Pinch-hit, three-run home run in the ninth gives Washington a series victory over playoff-contending Chicago at Wrigley Field.

www.washingtonpost.com

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · Sep 3

Nas Nuñez hit his first two big-league homers in the same game.

He then answered questions with a big, silver chain around his neck that spelled out “NAS.”

Then, in a twist, my editors put a Jay-Z reference as the headline. Anyways. The Nas Nuñez game:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

Big pimpin’ Nasim Nuñez blasts two homers as Nats sweep the Marlins

The rookie, a Rule 5 pick drafted by the Marlins, makes the most in his return to the majors after an unremarkable first call-up in May.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · Aug 27

The Nationals outhit the Yankees on Tuesday. Sometimes, that edge alone can determine who will win a game.

A more predictive factor: hitting for power. The good teams have it; the bad teams have to string hits together to keep up. That showed tonight:

Nationals keep pressing — and the results remain predictable

On a night the big again proves elusive, MacKenzie Gore makes one big mistake and Giancarlo Stanton makes him pay in a 5-1 loss to the Yankees.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · Aug 26

Mason Denaburg didn’t lose his love for baseball. But injuries ripped away the career he imagined.

This offseason, the former first-round pick had a choice — continue baseball or attempt to be a college punter. He chose the latter:

Plan A was baseball. But it’s time for Plan B: Walk on as a college punter.

At 26, Mason Denaburg is transitioning from the pitcher’s mound to the football field, as he returns to a sport he played growing up in Florida.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · Aug 25

Eli Willits has played 4 games in Class A as a 17 year old. The ages of the pitchers’ in those games? 21, 22, 21 and 20. It’s early, but he’s more than held his own.

On the young shortstop who hasn’t carried himself like it so far:

www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

In Fredericksburg, Eli Willits is doing what most 17-year-olds aren’t

Willits, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 MLB draft, is in Class A Fredericksburg at age 17. He has gotten off to a fast start.

www.washingtonpost.com

Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · Aug 25

Who is Mike DeBartolo?

A man who left the private sector because he loved ball. A man who many believe is well-equipped to lead the Nats. A man who probably prefers not to be the subject of a profile.

My profile of the Nats interim GM:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

With a mind for finance, Mike DeBartolo followed his baseball heart

Mike DeBartolo became interim general manager of the Nationals amid a franchise shakeup in July. He’s still getting used to the spotlight.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · Aug 24

Sam Horn is living out quite the backyard dream.

This summer, he signed with the Dodgers as a pitcher.

Now he's competing to be Mizzou's starting QB.

Here's the how and why, including what Horn tells us about the business of modern college sports: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

He’s in an SEC QB battle. He also just signed with the Dodgers.

Missouri’s Sam Horn wants to play both football and baseball for as long as possible. The business of modern college sports is making that easier.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Post Sports @postsports.bsky.social · Aug 24

Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez was clinical and disorienting behind a six-pitch mix Sunday.

Through two innings of a 3-2 loss, the Nationals did not have a hit. Through five innings, they had swung at a higher percentage of pitches outside the zone than pitches inside it.

Nationals continue to look lost at the plate in defeat to Phillies

Washington manages three hits in a 3-2 loss against Philadelphia and Ranger Suárez, the kind of meticulous left-hander who always befuddles it.

www.washingtonpost.com

Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum

Post Sports @postsports.bsky.social · Aug 23

Best win of the year? Nats make the case in a thriller over the Phillies.

Best win of the year? Nats make the case in a thriller over the Phillies.

Dylan Crews and Daylen Lile spark a stunning two-run rally in the ninth over Jhoan Duran and the Phillies for a 5-4 win in the series opener.

www.washingtonpost.com