Volume 1 Issue 6
In today’s Reporters Notebook, I take a closer look at the news from earlier this week about the Lerners and the non-sale of the Washington Nationals and how that affects the team in the short and long-term.
Two quick housekeeping items:
Don't forget to subscribe to the Morning Briefing, where we provide the latest headlines, analysis, and much more every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until the start of the season. Once the 2024 season kicks off, we'll be delivering updates every morning.
An important note: During the 2024 season, my reporter's notebook will be exclusive to paid subscribers of the Nats Report. If you're enjoying the valuable insights from my Reporter's Notebook during Spring Training and wish to delve deeper with me during the season, be sure to subscribe today!
Nationals Stay Put: Lerner’s Hit Pause on Sale Plans, Pledge Commitment to Team's Future"
In April 2022, the Lerner’s made headlines when they announced an "exploratory process" into the potential sale of the Washington Nationals. However, in a recent interview with the Washington Post during this year’s Spring Training, Mark Lerner, the Nationals’ managing principal owner, provided fans with an update on this situation.
Lerner stated in the interview, "We’ve decided that it’s not the time or place for it. We’re very happy owning the team and bringing us back a ring one day." This announcement comes at a pivotal time, especially considering the recent agreement by the owners of the Orioles, the other baseball team in the north, to cede control to a group led by David Rubinstein. This move could potentially bring an end to the long-standing dispute over local TV rights, also known as MASN.
Sleepers! Get Your Sleeper Prospects Here!
Owen Ranger • Feb 20, 2024
First, let’s be perfectly honest; the Nats’ farm system is unfortunately not in the same league as their nearest neighbors and MASN overlords up I-95, and in particular is top-heavy as it usually is when it is good, with five prospects carrying the vast majority of the weight rather than the usual three or four. The perennial depth issues are exacerbate…
Read full story →
Despite the Nationals not being in playoff contention, there's a palpable excitement among fans as the team has undergone significant roster changes and bolstered its farm system with promising prospects in various stages of development.
As we embark on the Spring Training season, Nationals enthusiasts find themselves pondering a crucial question: With the team off the market, how much financial investment can we expect from the Lerners to elevate the Nationals to new heights?
It's a storyline that will undoubtedly shape the overarching narrative of the season, providing ample material for Nationals fans to follow and discuss. While playoff aspirations may be on hold, the financial commitment to the team remains a focal point of intrigue for the loyal Nationals fanbase. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!
The Nats Report is a reader-supported independent project that offers free and paid subscriptions. The Nats Report is not affiliated with the Washington Nationals.
Those who opt for the paid edition are providing vital assistance to bolster our independent coverage of the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball.