MAKE OR BREAK: CJ Abrams' Hot Start Is VERY Important For The Washington Nationals Future

Washington Nationals face pivotal decisions as CJ Abrams shines in a make-or-break season. Will the front office pursue an extension or test the trade market if Abrams continues his offensive surge? Ryan Clary explores Abrams' eye-popping stats, improved plate discipline, and the looming question of his defensive future at shortstop versus second base. The Nationals' track record with star trades and your prospects like Seaver King add intrigue to the roster outlook. Clary spotlights Dylan Crews' ongoing development and the challenges he faces in Triple-A, questioning whether Crews is ready for a big league call-up or needs further refinement. Additional analysis covers the bullpen's recurring late-inning struggles and Miles Mikolas’ uncertain role ahead of a crucial showdown against the St. Louis Cardinals. With the Nationals’ offense red-hot and pitching decisions ahead, will the team seize momentum or face another turning point in the 2026 MLB season? 00:00 CJ Abrams' make-or-break season 03:13 Nationals' trade decisions and future 06:28 Evaluating CJ Abrams' position future 12:52 Nationals bullpen struggles late 15:49 Dylan Crews' early season stats 19:33 Fixing swing mechanics 24:57 Mikolas' struggles and roster decisions 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! 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. 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.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. 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.