"As of December 29th, 2025 take a look at the projected 2026 payroll for the Washington Nationals. Go ahead, pull it up. As of right now, it's hovering right around $98 million. This is in a division where the Mets and Phillies are both treating the league's luxury tax as nothing more than a suggestion, the Nationals are currently ranked in the bottom third in spending."
"Since 2021, the Nationals have operated on a basis with the urgency of a team that is content to do nothing more than collect their revenue sharing checks. While the Orioles just across the beltway got a new owner that is slashing concession prices in half and actually showing the fans that he cares about winning... we are stuck with an ownership group that hasn't even shown any signs that they will back Paul Toboni with the funds to sign a legitimate veteran starter."
Projected 2026 payroll for the Washington Nationals sits around $98 million, placing the team in the bottom third of its division's spending. Rival teams like the Mets and Phillies are spending aggressively and treating the luxury tax as a suggestion. Top prospects James Wood and Dylan Crews are arriving, suggesting the competitive window is opening. Ownership appears to prioritize cost minimization, leading fans to suspect a salary dump rather than a true rebuild. Since 2021 the team has operated with little urgency, relying on revenue sharing. Ownership has not signaled willingness to fund veteran pitching or substantial roster investment.
Read at District on Deck
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]