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Good Morning, Washington Nationals fans.
Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
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Blake Meets the Press
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
The Nationals officially ushered in a new era by naming Blake Butera as manager, signaling their commitment to player development and a modern, unified clubhouse philosophy. At just 33, Butera becomes MLB’s youngest manager since 1972, tasked with leading a fundamentally sound, character-driven team into the future.
@thenatsreport Washington Nationals Manager Blake Butera on building true Leadership through the power of accountability and unity. Drop a 💙 if you are e... See more
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Blake Butera named manager—the youngest MLB skipper since 1972.
Michael Johns joins as bench coach for veteran experience.
Simon Mathews hired as pitching coach; Sean Doolittle remains an active presence.
President Paul Toboni: “We want a scouting and player development monster… you win with people”
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
“We’re energized by Blake’s leadership; he has a unique ability to connect with veterans and young players alike,” said Toboni. Butera added: “The best advice I’ve gotten is just to be yourself. We’re ready to get started building a team that represents this city and our fans with pride and connection”
📈 MORNING STAT (Optional)
33 — Blake Butera’s age, making him MLB’s youngest manager in more than 50 years
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Do you think the Nationals’ commitment to leadership and development will bring a winning culture back to Nationals Park? Who’s the biggest difference-maker in this new regime?
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Sean Doolittle to remain with the Washington Nationals
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
The Nationals are doubling down on modern pitching development. Sean Doolittle will remain on staff, while 30-year-old Simon Mathews joins as the new pitching coach—bringing data-driven strategies and a fresh perspective to a staff eager for reinvention.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Sean Doolittle to continue in a key developmental role, praised throughout the clubhouse for his mentorship.
Simon Mathews, formerly the Reds’ assistant pitching coach, takes over in D.C. after helping Cincinnati post a 3.86 ERA in 2025.
Mathews’ background includes work at Driveline Baseball and Push Performance, known for biomechanics and pitch design innovation.
Doolittle and Mathews previously worked together at Push Performance, ensuring a smooth transition and shared philosophy.
Expect fewer predictable fastballs and more pitch variation in 2026.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
Manager Blake Butera revealed more than 20 Nationals pitchers singled out Doolittle’s guidance as pivotal to their growth—an endorsement that made keeping him on staff an easy call. Word around the clubhouse is that Mathews’ analytical edge and Doolittle’s player-first mentorship could form the perfect blend of data and feel.
📈 MORNING STAT (Optional)
3.86 ERA — Cincinnati’s 2025 team mark under Mathews’ guidance, a top-10 figure in MLB despite their hitter-friendly home park.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Can the new Doolittle–Mathews tandem finally unlock the Nationals’ young pitching core? Who’s your breakout pick for 2026 — Cavalli, Irvin, or a sleeper from the farm?
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WHAT WE THINK THE NATIONALS FRONT OFFICE IS READING
Speed Reads
📌 Takeaways from Blake Butera’s first press conference as Washington Nationals manager (Federal Baseball)