Nats Journal

Column: Nats need to be careful not to follow Rays model too closely

The new-look Nationals are taking plenty of cues (and some staffers) from Tampa Bay, but eventually they need to think bigger than that

Mark Zuckerman's avatar
Mark Zuckerman
Feb 15, 2026
∙ Paid
Photo by Saúl Martinez / NATS JOURNAL

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The vibe around Nationals camp through this first week of spring training is positive, and understandably so. With so many fresh new faces on the field, in the coaches’ room and in the front office, why wouldn’t everyone be optimistic?

This is a decidedly different tone than was present one yea…

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