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Good Morning, Washington Nationals fans.
Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Friday, February 13, 2026
A few things before we get started!
We’re officially introducing our Opening Day Fundraising Campaign! The Nats Report is looking to raise $3,000 before Opening Day this season. If you would like to donate to the campaign to keep Nats Report able to put out high-quality content, you can do so here.
Also, our very own Richard Wachtel will be doing an Ask Me Anything on the Nationals subreddit in the coming week, so keep an eye out on our socials for more information on that!
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Spring Training Updates
Photo via Washington Nationals
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
We are going to be doing daily reports from Washington Nationals Spring Training in West Palm Beach exclusively for Nats Report+ subscribers. Here is a quick sneak peek at what we’ve been writing so far.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
The addition of Miles Mikolas brings more talent and skill as well as veteran leadership to be a motivating voice in the clubhouse
Cade Cavalli had a strong outing in his first bullpen work on his way back from the injury and setbacks that have plagued him for the past two full seasons
First day of Spring Training came with an update regarding Travis Sykora as well
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
When rebuilding, if there’s no strong culture with the players and leadership within the locker room, everything can fall apart. Manager Blake Butera believes they’ve found the foundation for the Nats’ leadership in the addition of Mikolas, “We already have a good group in here, but adding somebody with the pedigree and history that Miles has, he’s going to be a great leader and voice for our clubhouse—just to continue pushing these guys and bumping up the work ethic even more.”
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
For more on these Spring Training storylines and daily updates straight from West Palm Beach, become a Nats Report+ subscriber today to get all the access you want and need.
Want exclusive breakdowns before anyone else? 🔔 Subscribe to The Nats Report+ Morning Briefing — exclusive access, deep dives, and so much more!
Big Impact Player
Photo via Washington Nationals
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
We asked our Twitter followers yesterday which Washington Nationals player they think is going to have a big impact on the 2026 season. Will it be Dylan Crews, Brady House, Cade Cavalli, or CJ Abrams?
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
There’s a fair sign that it could be either CJ Abrams or Brady House that makes the biggest impact this season. With a 962 fielding percentage last season as well as multiple 30+ stolen base seasons, CJ Abrams is a solid answer both defensively and offensively, and that is only looking to continue as his game grows. And while Brady House only played 73 games for the Nationals in his debut season last year, he racked up solid 11 doubles, four home runs, and 29 RBIs. With House looking to expand on that successful rookie campaign in his sophomore season, it’ll be good to see just how strong of an offensive player he can be if those were his numbers with just 45% of a full season to play.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Which player do you think will grow the most as Spring Training progresses? Will there be any big surprises this season in who steps up?
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
Take a look at the options on Twitter and vote today!
Want the full breakdown before anyone else? 🔔 Subscribe to The Nats Report Morning Briefing — exclusive access, deep dives, and insider audio drops every weekday morning.
Spring Training Coverage
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
Nats Report is officially making the venture down to Spring Training! There are, of course, many topics to cover when it comes to Spring Training and the kickoff to the season, so we would like to hear from you!
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
What topics would you like to see Nats Report cover at Spring Training? Which burning questions do you have about the team going into Spring Training? Please feel free to submit your questions to us!
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
Be sure to check out the Opening Day Fundraising Campaign!
Want the full breakdown before anyone else? 🔔 Subscribe to The Nats Report Morning Briefing — exclusive access, deep dives, and insider audio drops every weekday morning.
WHAT WE THINK THE NATIONALS FRONT OFFICE IS READING
Speed Reads
📌 Prospect Profiles: The Minor League Rule 5 Draft Brings Much-Needed Relief to the Nationals’ System
📌 Which Washington Nationals Non-Roster Invite has the best chance of making the roster? (Federal Baseball)
📌Everything you need to know about the new ABS Challenge System (MLB)