Where I Was WRONG About The Washington Nationals & How Key Position Battles Will Play Out

Where I Was WRONG About The Washington Nationals & How Key Position Battles Will Play Out

26:24 Mar 6, 2026
About this episode
Could Andrés Chaparro claim the first base job over Abi Ortiz and Matt Mervis, while top prospect Harry Ford waits in the wings at catcher? Ryan Clary questions the Nationals’ reluctance to promote young talent, spotlighting Ford’s stellar AAA stats and international performance as he faces Team USA and ace Tarik Skubal in the World Baseball Classic. Breaking down rotation scenarios, Ryan Clary weighs Josiah Gray’s comeback from Tommy John surgery and how new faces like Cade Cavalli, Jake Irvin, Miles Mikolas, and Foster Griffin fit the opening day lineup puzzle. Analysis includes the uncertain futures of Luis Garcia Jr. at first base and Keibert Ruiz behind the plate, plus how prospect timelines may impact the Nationals’ long-term strategy. Will these unexpected decisions spark a new era for Washington? 00:00 Nationals' First Base Dilemma 05:28 Nationals' Uncertainty at First Base 09:04 "Debating Harry Ford's Readiness" 15:37 Josiah Gray's Return Plan 19:26 Nationals' Future Rotation Speculation 25:06 Harry Ford's Big Opportunity Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11 Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals   Everydayer Club Link: https://lockedonnationals.supercast.com/   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PlayStation This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE. Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.  Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.  Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit 
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