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Good Morning, Washington Nationals fans.
Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Monday, October 20, 2025.
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Nationals Poised to Add Red Sox Field Coordinator Andrew Wright to Player Development Team
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
The Nationals are expected to hire Andrew Wright, the Boston Red Sox’s Minor League Field Coordinator, per The Boston Globe and league sources. Wright, a development-minded leader with a Yankees-to-Red Sox pedigree, would bolster Washington’s player development staff. His background in defensive instruction and base running aligns with the renewed focus on fundamentals system-wide.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Wright has been Boston’s Minor League Field Coordinator since 2021.
Previously worked for the Yankees as Manager of Staff Development (2019–20).
Known for modernizing defense and baserunning programs in the Sox system.
Joins a growing ex-Red Sox group under assistant GM Devin Pearson.
Started coaching in college baseball in 2002 at Concord University.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
Quiet optimism inside Nationals Park — several player development staffers view Wright’s arrival as a “structural move,” not a splashy hire, but a signal the front office wants to modernize instruction methods top to bottom.
📈 MORNING STAT
7 — Number of programs Wright has coached or coordinated across college, summer league, and pro baseball before reaching MLB player development.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Do you think the Nationals’ growing Boston-to-DC pipeline is the start of a true developmental overhaul?
Nationals Face Key Decision: Extend and Transition CJ Abrams from Shortstop to Second Base
Photo via Ryan Shenker
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
With Paul Toboni now leading the Nationals’ front office, one of this offseason’s biggest questions centers on CJ Abrams’ role in Washington’s long-term plans. Abrams is arbitration-eligible after 2025, projected to earn around $5.6 million, and could reach free agency in 2029.
His offensive profile and speed remain elite, but the organization must decide whether shortstop is still his best position — or if a shift to second base better supports Toboni’s modern, defense-forward philosophy.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Arb-eligible after 2025; projected 2026 salary: $5.6M.
Hit .328/.386/.542 from June 10–July 19 with 9 doubles, 5 HR, and 9 SB.
Finished 2025 tied for 7th in NL doubles (35) and 9th in NL stolen bases (31).
Recorded 100th career steal on June 18; 115 of 116 steals as a National.
Set Nationals record on May 31 after being hit by a pitch three times in one game.
Career totals: .246 AVG with RISP, 59 HR, 37 RBI with runners on, 91.2% SB success.
2024 first-rounder Eli Willits adds a long-term shortstop alternative.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
While trade speculation might circulate once the offseason officially starts, many downplay any intention to move Abrams. Team evaluators view him as a foundational bat and base running catalyst. One insider described him as “untouchable unless the return is franchise-changing.” Focus instead centers on refining his glove—whether that’s at shortstop or second base—within the Nationals’ growing analytics hub.
📈 MORNING STAT
5.6 million — Abrams’ projected 2026 arbitration salary, according to early estimates, marking a major milestone in his young career’s financial trajectory.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Should the Nationals extend CJ Abrams long-term and shift him to second base, or keep him as their franchise shortstop?
WHAT WE THINK THE NATIONALS FRONT OFFICE IS READING
Speed Reads
📌 MLB labor: How fight over salary cap will shape negotiations (ESPN)