New Nats leaders Blake Butera and Paul Toboni reveal plans for a youthful roster, clubhouse chemistry, and untapped player potential.
With spring training officially here, new manager Blake Butera and president of baseball operations Paul Toboni sat down for the Washington Nationals' first spring training press conference on Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
New Culture
Butera and Toboni both enter their first year as manager and President of Baseball Operations, and they outlined their expectations for a young team under new leadership. Washington finished 66-96 in 2025. Butera emphasized that one of his main goals was to get the most out of every spring training attendee.
“If our players get better, hopefully our team improves, and we see more of those wins,” Butera said.
Young Team, Young Management
The Nationals are taking a youthful approach to almost everything this season. Yes, their roster is notably young, and their leadership reflects that as well. Butera and Toboni are both in their 30s, with Butera becoming the youngest MLB manager in 54 years. Toboni said he plans to focus on what he can control.
“That starts with him getting down to West Palm weeks ago, and forming relationships with players,” Toboni said. Both leaders have made clubhouse chemistry a clear priority entering the season.
Player Leadership
No one on this Nationals squad is above the age of 30. This raises the question of who will provide that veteran leadership, when no player is truly considered a veteran. It seems like Butera’s plan is to let dynamics play throughout Spring Training.
“I think it will kind of happen organically,” he explained. Toboni, however, pointed to specific players who could step into those roles.
“I think James and CJ both have that potential,” Toboni said when asked about Washington’s rising stars.
James Wood and CJ Abrams are 23 and 25 respectively, but their proven potential over their past few seasons could be the key to a successful National rebuild.
Hassell’s Hard Work
Several players will compete for opportunities in Washington’s crowded outfield this season, and Butera urged fans to keep an eye on Robert Hassell, who Butera previously noted to have gained 25 pounds this offseason during an event for season ticket holders.
“Sometimes people forget about Robert Hassell,” Butera noted.
He highlighted the outfielder’s motivation over the offseason to improve his strength and overall game. Hassell debuted with the Nationals last May as the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft by San Diego. He slashed .223/.257/.315 during the 2025 season in Washington.
More on Harry Ford
The starting catching battle is still up in the air between Keibert Ruiz and newcomer Harry Ford. While Ruiz will look to prove himself at full strength after being limited to just 68 games in 2025 due to concussions, whether he steps back into the starting role is up in the air. Toboni suggested the prospect from Seattle still had more to show.
“There are so many important leadership elements of the catcher position,” he explained, pointing to the need to improve his defensive efficiency.
He added that Ford is an impressive hitter who controls the zone well, but needs to continue developing defensively, particularly with his receiving. Ford will be playing with Great Britain in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.