The GM Meetings in Las Vegas have arrived, and for the Washington Nationals, this feels like one of those stretches that could quietly shape the rest of the offseason. These gatherings usually don’t produce blockbuster headlines on the spot, but this year has a different edge to it because of the looming lockout.
That deadline changes the temperature around the league. Jon Morosi reported that trade talks are already further along than they typically are this early in the offseason, and the reason is simple: teams know they won’t be able to keep making roster moves once the lockout begins in early December. That kind of hard stop tends to push general managers into action, and it gives the whole market a sense of urgency.
The meetings themselves, which run from November 9th to the 12th, may only produce one or two deals right away. Still, the real movement could come soon after. If the last labor dispute is any guide, the end of November could bring a rush of activity, with a lot of the top free agents coming off the board before the freeze hits.
In 2021, that meant stars like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Max Scherzer and Javier Baez landing contracts worth more than $100 million before the lockout. This winter could bring a similar sprint, with players such as Tarik Skubal, Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki mentioned as possible candidates for major deals.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com laid out what these meetings usually mean: a chance for new executives to get comfortable, for ideas to start moving around, and for the early framework of trades to take shape. There will be plenty of conversations, and some of those talks should get interesting fast.
For the Nationals, that puts CJ Abrams right in the middle of the conversation. If Washington were going to move him, this would be the time to do it, before the lockout shuts everything down. That doesn’t mean a deal is coming, but it does mean other teams are going to ask, and Paul Toboni and the Nationals will almost certainly hear from clubs checking in on Abrams.
The tricky part is that this offseason doesn’t feel as straightforward as the last one. A year ago, there was more confidence about where things were headed, with MacKenzie Gore expected to be the player moved and Abrams likely staying put. The Nationals also wanted to be active in free agency, even if expectations weren’t especially high.
Now the picture is murkier. After the progress made during the 2026 season, Paul Toboni is operating in a different spot than before.
This isn’t a full teardown anymore. Washington still isn’t a contender, but it also doesn’t make sense to ship out major pieces just to make a move.
That’s why the next few weeks matter so much. The GM Meetings, and the days right after them, should give a better read on what Toboni has in mind.
He has already shown he’s willing to make bold decisions, and this stretch could go a long way toward defining what the next few years of Nationals baseball look like. The foundation for that will be laid in Las Vegas this week.
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That makes the next few weeks especially important for a club trying to improve on two fronts at once. Toboni has said the Nationals will look for offensive help if the right opportunities present themselves, and that proactive stance matters even more with the possibility of additional changes, including a trade involving shortstop CJ Abrams, still hanging over the roster. [Read more 🡒]
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Ryans contract situation makes him especially interesting for clubs looking to add rotation help, since he is under team control through 2027. But the looming possibility of a labor lockout could make the timing tricky for Minnesota and for any team trying to strike a deal, which means the Nationals may have to navigate a market where the best arms are harder to pry loose and the window to do it may not stay open long. [Read more 🡒]