Spencer Nusbaum
@spencernusbaum.bsky.social
Covering the Nationals ✍️ @washingtonpost.com
📧: spencer.nusbaum@washpost.com
📧: spencer.nusbaum@washpost.com
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/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera — a 33-year-old who worked as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays — as their next manager, tasking him with guiding a young roster.
Nationals expected to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager
The skipper, chosen by new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, has much to address as his tenure with Washington begins.
wapo.st
October 30, 2025 at 3:49 PM
The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera — a 33-year-old who worked as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays — as their next manager, tasking him with guiding a young roster.
From a former colleague of new Nationals manager Blake Butera:
“He developed in Tampa, they are progressive and inclusive. He has experience translating metrics and data to players from different backgrounds and ages. Perfect for this diverse roster.”
“He developed in Tampa, they are progressive and inclusive. He has experience translating metrics and data to players from different backgrounds and ages. Perfect for this diverse roster.”
October 30, 2025 at 4:05 PM
From a former colleague of new Nationals manager Blake Butera:
“He developed in Tampa, they are progressive and inclusive. He has experience translating metrics and data to players from different backgrounds and ages. Perfect for this diverse roster.”
“He developed in Tampa, they are progressive and inclusive. He has experience translating metrics and data to players from different backgrounds and ages. Perfect for this diverse roster.”
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager, tasking him with guiding their young roster at a critical moment for the franchise.
More here from @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me on the hire:
More here from @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me on the hire:
Nationals expected to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager
The skipper, chosen by new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, has much to address as his tenure with Washington begins.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager, tasking him with guiding their young roster at a critical moment for the franchise.
More here from @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me on the hire:
More here from @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me on the hire:
Adding another name into the mix: The Nationals also interviewed Red Sox Double-A manager Chad Epperson for their managerial opening, per multiple sources.
Epperson, 53, has managed Class AA Portland since 2022. Spent 2010-2021 as Boston’s MiLB catching coordinator.
Epperson, 53, has managed Class AA Portland since 2022. Spent 2010-2021 as Boston’s MiLB catching coordinator.
Miguel Cairo has been informed he won't be the Nats' next manager, per sources.
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Miguel Cairo is out of the running for Nats manager as search continues
Cairo served as interim manager after Dave Martinez was fired in July. He interviewed for the job but has been told he’s no longer under consideration.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Adding another name into the mix: The Nationals also interviewed Red Sox Double-A manager Chad Epperson for their managerial opening, per multiple sources.
Epperson, 53, has managed Class AA Portland since 2022. Spent 2010-2021 as Boston’s MiLB catching coordinator.
Epperson, 53, has managed Class AA Portland since 2022. Spent 2010-2021 as Boston’s MiLB catching coordinator.
Shinnosuke Ogasawara and C.J. Stubbs have cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Class AAA Rochester.
Eduardo Salazar and Mason Thompson also cleared outright waivers and were assigned to Rochester, but both declared free agency.
Eduardo Salazar and Mason Thompson also cleared outright waivers and were assigned to Rochester, but both declared free agency.
October 29, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Shinnosuke Ogasawara and C.J. Stubbs have cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Class AAA Rochester.
Eduardo Salazar and Mason Thompson also cleared outright waivers and were assigned to Rochester, but both declared free agency.
Eduardo Salazar and Mason Thompson also cleared outright waivers and were assigned to Rochester, but both declared free agency.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Miguel Cairo has been informed he won't be the Nats' next manager, per sources.
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Miguel Cairo is out of the running for Nats manager as search continues
Cairo served as interim manager after Dave Martinez was fired in July. He interviewed for the job but has been told he’s no longer under consideration.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Miguel Cairo has been informed he won't be the Nats' next manager, per sources.
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Most of last year's staff, including Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, was informed they won't return unless the next manager opts to keep them. More on the staff and search here:
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Some Nationals manager news: hearing Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz and interim manager Miguel Cairo interviewed for the job this week.
Not necessarily the full list, but the Nats are pushing forward with their manager search.
Not necessarily the full list, but the Nats are pushing forward with their manager search.
October 25, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Some Nationals manager news: hearing Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz and interim manager Miguel Cairo interviewed for the job this week.
Not necessarily the full list, but the Nats are pushing forward with their manager search.
Not necessarily the full list, but the Nats are pushing forward with their manager search.
Paul Toboni wants to build a scouting and development monster in Washington.
Justin Horowitz, coming over from the Pirates and set to become an AGM with the Nationals, is the latest exec who fits that mold (and has worked with Toboni before):
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Justin Horowitz, coming over from the Pirates and set to become an AGM with the Nationals, is the latest exec who fits that mold (and has worked with Toboni before):
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Nats hire another scouting mind with Boston ties as front office grows
Justin Horowitz, who is joining Washington as an assistant general manager, has previously worked for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Paul Toboni wants to build a scouting and development monster in Washington.
Justin Horowitz, coming over from the Pirates and set to become an AGM with the Nationals, is the latest exec who fits that mold (and has worked with Toboni before):
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Justin Horowitz, coming over from the Pirates and set to become an AGM with the Nationals, is the latest exec who fits that mold (and has worked with Toboni before):
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
A story 🧵
I profiled Ace Dybantsa.
Father of one of the best young basketball players in the world.
Man of many, many words (very few of which he'll spend on whether his involvement in his son's career is too much): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
I profiled Ace Dybantsa.
Father of one of the best young basketball players in the world.
Man of many, many words (very few of which he'll spend on whether his involvement in his son's career is too much): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
This basketball prospect is making millions – backed by a sports dad like no other
Want a piece of AJ Dybantsa, basketball’s next big thing? ‘You have to go through’ his dad.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 18, 2025 at 1:21 PM
A story 🧵
I profiled Ace Dybantsa.
Father of one of the best young basketball players in the world.
Man of many, many words (very few of which he'll spend on whether his involvement in his son's career is too much): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
I profiled Ace Dybantsa.
Father of one of the best young basketball players in the world.
Man of many, many words (very few of which he'll spend on whether his involvement in his son's career is too much): www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Jacob Young will again be an NL CF Gold Glove finalist, this time alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong and Victor Scott II.
October 15, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Jacob Young will again be an NL CF Gold Glove finalist, this time alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong and Victor Scott II.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Can confirm that Devin Pearson is expected to join the Washington Nationals as an assistant general manager. First with the news was @alexspeier.bsky.social.
Pearson had been Boston’s scouting director since 2023.
Pearson had been Boston’s scouting director since 2023.
New Nationals baseball chief makes his first hire — from his old team
Paul Toboni, the Nationals’ new baseball chief, turns to his old employer for his first front office hire — Devin Pearson, Boston’s former director of amateur scouting.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Can confirm that Devin Pearson is expected to join the Washington Nationals as an assistant general manager. First with the news was @alexspeier.bsky.social.
Pearson had been Boston’s scouting director since 2023.
Pearson had been Boston’s scouting director since 2023.
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Nats aren’t done making changes.
Nats part with player development staff amid organizational overhaul
The decisions follow the departures of a handful of top executives Wednesday, including assistant general manager Mark Scialabba.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 9, 2025 at 11:25 PM
The Nats aren’t done making changes.
We've now learned of 15 MiLB staffers who will not return to the Nats, as well as 3 MiLB managers who will return in unknown roles.
That, plus more on the MLB staff, a catching kerfuffle and an internal analytics debate.
Via @andrewgolden.bsky.social and me:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
That, plus more on the MLB staff, a catching kerfuffle and an internal analytics debate.
Via @andrewgolden.bsky.social and me:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Nats part with player development staff amid organizational overhaul
The decisions follow the departures of a handful of top executives on Wednesday, including assistant general manager Mark Scialabba.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
We've now learned of 15 MiLB staffers who will not return to the Nats, as well as 3 MiLB managers who will return in unknown roles.
That, plus more on the MLB staff, a catching kerfuffle and an internal analytics debate.
Via @andrewgolden.bsky.social and me:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
That, plus more on the MLB staff, a catching kerfuffle and an internal analytics debate.
Via @andrewgolden.bsky.social and me:
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Here's what Paul Toboni said when @granthpaulsen.bsky.social asked him if he made decisions on the staff changes or if he received help from others in the process:
October 9, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Here's what Paul Toboni said when @granthpaulsen.bsky.social asked him if he made decisions on the staff changes or if he received help from others in the process:
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Nationals have let go of at least 12 members of their player development staff and four members of their international scouting department, sources tell @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me.
The names we know, and more, in here:
The names we know, and more, in here:
Nats part with player development staff amid organizational overhaul
The decisions follow the departures of a handful of top executives on Wednesday, including assistant general manager Mark Scialabba.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The Nationals have let go of at least 12 members of their player development staff and four members of their international scouting department, sources tell @spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me.
The names we know, and more, in here:
The names we know, and more, in here:
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
The Nationals began a massive overhaul of the organization today. Scouts, execs and others have been told they won’t be back.
“I think I was a Rizzo guy. Maybe they want to move on from all things Rizzo.”
“I think I was a Rizzo guy. Maybe they want to move on from all things Rizzo.”
Washington Nationals begin sweeping organizational overhaul
Assistant GMs Eddie Longosz and Mark Scialabba are among those affected by the organizational overhaul.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
The Nationals began a massive overhaul of the organization today. Scouts, execs and others have been told they won’t be back.
“I think I was a Rizzo guy. Maybe they want to move on from all things Rizzo.”
“I think I was a Rizzo guy. Maybe they want to move on from all things Rizzo.”
Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
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.
@spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me.
Stay here for updates.
October 8, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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.
@spencernusbaum.bsky.social and me.
Stay here for updates.