CONSPIRACY: Why The Washington Nationals REALLY Optioned Dylan Crews

Washington Nationals shake up their outfield, sending former No. 2 overall pick Dylan Crews to the minors and spotlighting Jacob Young’s elite defense. Could Young earn an everyday role, or are the Nationals positioning him for a future trade? Ryan Clary explores whether the franchise is prioritizing small ball and defensive intensity under a new analytics-driven regime, highlighting James Wood’s power potential and dissecting Christian Franklin’s demotion. Key discussion points include Josiah Gray’s brutal 60-day IL setback with a right flexor strain, crucial bullpen upgrades featuring Cionel Perez and Ken Waldichuk, and roster maneuvers impacting Opening Day. Clary emphasizes the Nationals’ unexpectedly strong pitching staff, their offense’s early struggles, and an intense schedule with the Cubs, Phillies, and Dodgers. Insightful speculation on how key players will adapt to new strategies makes this episode a must-listen for fans eager to track Washington’s path in the 2026 MLB season. 00:00 "Jacob Young's Outfield Spotlight" 04:51 Nationals' Small Ball Strategy 06:53 "Jacob Young's Rising Spotlight" 10:11 "Jacob Young's Big Opportunity" 16:10 Nationals' Projected 26-Man Roster 17:09 Nationals' Roster and Season Outlook 24:54 "Josiah Gray's Injury Setback" 27:37 Nationals Pitcher’s Evolving Arsenal 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 https://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 Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.    Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today. Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm. 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 Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.