The Nationals’ Twitter has been abuzz today thanks to Ken Rosenthal’s piece in The Athletic titled: “Nationals remain among MLB’s bottom feeders despite lengthy rebuild.” While some of the points he raises in the article might be true, I think there’s a different and more positive approach for what Nationals fans should be looking for.

It’s interesting to see Rosenthal, who normally doesn’t pay much attention to teams that aren’t named Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, Dodgers, and maybe the Mets, focus on and write something about the Nationals. When was the last time you saw Rosenthal on a Nationals broadcast in Washington, D.C.? That’s not meant to be a rhetorical question; that is a real one.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty of Rosenthal’s critique, let’s pause for a second: Why should Nationals fans even care what a national reporter thinks? National voices like Rosenthal help shape the bigger conversation about teams, which can influence everything from fan perception to front office decisions and even how players view the organization. Still, national coverage often chases the loudest storylines or focuses on the most headline-grabbing franchises, which means teams like the Nationals can get painted with a broad brush or overlooked entirely. So, while it’s worth paying attention to what’s being said on the national stage, it’s just as important for fans to trust their own eyes and the progress they see on the field, in the clubhouse, and throughout the farm system.

Now, let’s talk about the article itself. Rosenthal opens by grouping the Nationals with baseball’s “perennial bottom feeders,” writing, “When discussing baseball's consistent underperformers, the Colorado Rockies are often the first team that comes to mind, followed closely by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, and Miami Marlins. The Washington Nationals also belong in this category.” Sure, the Nats have had a rough go since 2019, but to lump them in with teams that have been stuck in neutral for decades misses the bigger picture. The current young core—James Wood, Dylan Crews, CJ Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore—is already making real contributions. Wood’s rookie season has brought a new energy to the fanbase, Abrams is flashing elite skills on both sides of the ball, and Gore is showing he could be a top-of-the-rotation arm. Add in prospects like Brady House and Travis Sykora, and you’ve got a foundation that’s a lot sturdier than most rebuilding teams can claim.

Rosenthal also calls out “ownership's reluctance to invest,” noting, “over the last three years, they have fallen into the bottom tier of payroll rankings.” While payroll is down, it’s not just about cutting costs—it’s a strategic pivot. The Nationals are investing in the future, focusing on player development and smart acquisitions instead of throwing money at short-term fixes. The farm system, now ranked 17th by Keith Law, is deeper and more productive than it’s been in years. The recent promotions of players like Robert Hassell III and the continued growth of House and Sykora show that the pipeline is working. With the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft (a spot that’s brought the team Strasburg and Harper in the past), there’s even more reason for optimism.

One of Rosenthal’s main critiques is that “perhaps an even more significant issue is the team's persistent shortcomings in developing players, as well as in their amateur and international scouting efforts, which have been lacking for over a decade.” That’s a fair point about the past, but things are changing. The front office has made key hires and restructured its approach to player development, and the early returns—like the emergence of Wood and the progression of House and Sykora—are promising. Plus, the team has shown it can compete, recently sweeping the Orioles and playing tough against some of the league’s best. There’s a new energy and resilience in the clubhouse that’s hard to ignore.

Rosenthal is skeptical about the Nats’ ability to keep their young stars, writing, “The likelihood of contract extensions for Gore and two other promising players—outfielder James Wood...and outfielder Dylan Crews...seems low. All three are represented by agent Scott Boras, who typically prefers that his clients establish their market value through free agency.” It’s true that Boras’ clients often test the market, but the Nationals have shown a willingness to negotiate, as seen with their massive offer to Juan Soto. Talks with CJ Abrams are ongoing, and with so much young talent arriving at once, the team has a multi-year window to build before free agency becomes a real concern.

Finally, Rosenthal questions whether the rebuild is really nearing its end, stating, “Despite holding the first overall pick in this year’s draft...the conclusion of their rebuilding phase remains uncertain.” Predicting the exact timeline is always tricky, but between a rising farm system, a talented young core, and a top draft pick, the Nats are in a much better spot than many realize. Veterans like Keibert Ruiz and manager Davey Martinez provide stability, and the organization seems committed to making smart investments as the team transitions from rebuilding to contending.

So yes, Rosenthal raises some valid concerns, but the bigger story is that the Nationals are making real progress. The foundation is being laid for sustained success, and fans have plenty of reasons to be hopeful about what’s coming next.