The Washington Nationals aren’t just turning the page this offseason - they’re rewriting the whole playbook. From the front office to the dugout, the Nats have been one of the most active teams in baseball this winter, and it’s not just busywork. There’s a clear shift in direction, and it starts at the top.
The organization kicked things off by bringing in Paul Toboni as their new President of Baseball Operations, and he wasted no time putting his stamp on the franchise. Toboni has essentially built a new front office from the ground up, capping it off with the hire of a new general manager. On the field, the Nationals also made a bold move by naming Blake Butera as their new manager - a fresh face to match the fresh vision.
But the changes haven’t stopped in the executive suite. Washington has already pulled off a couple of trades aimed squarely at the future, acquiring young prospects to bolster a system that’s been in need of reinforcements. One of those additions is expected to step right into the starting catcher role this season - a sign that the club is willing to give youth a real shot at contributing now, not just later.
Beyond the headline moves, the Nationals have been aggressive in the margins, too. They’ve added several minor league free agents to deepen the farm system, made some interesting selections in the Rule 5 Draft, and dipped into the international market for their first major league signing under Toboni: left-hander Foster Griffin, who returns stateside after a stint in Japan.
So yes, it’s been a whirlwind. And while there’s still time for more moves before pitchers and catchers report, the Nationals have already laid a foundation that looks significantly different from where they stood just a few months ago.
Of course, when new faces arrive, some familiar ones move on. In this case, it’s right-hander Sauryn Lao who’s heading overseas.
Originally a waiver pickup from the Seattle Mariners last season, Lao is now taking his talents to Japan, signing a two-year deal with the Nippon-Ham Fighters in the NPB. The contract is worth more than $3 million, with one guaranteed year and a team option for a second, according to Mike Rodriguez.
This is a move that makes a lot of sense for Lao. He wasn’t a lock to make a big league roster in 2026, but in Japan, he’ll have a real opportunity to pitch meaningful innings - and potentially in high-leverage spots.
That kind of role can be a springboard. Just ask Miles Mikolas, Erick Fedde, or even Foster Griffin himself.
All three used their time in the NPB or KBO to re-establish themselves and eventually return to MLB with more value and experience.
For Lao, this is a chance to do the same - to refine his game, get regular work, and show he can be more than just a depth arm. And for the Nationals, it’s another example of the evolving nature of their roster under a new regime that’s clearly not afraid to shake things up.
This offseason has been about more than just transactions - it’s been about transformation. And if early signs are any indication, the Nationals are committed to building something new, something sustainable, and maybe, just maybe, something special.