Eli Willits Fast Track To The Washington Nationals Could Cause A CJ Abrams Trade This Offseason

0:00This is the Lockdown Podcast Network celebrating 10 years of your team every day. With the Discovered Cashback Card, it's payback time when you earn cashback on everyday purchases. Activate and earn 5% cashback at different categories each quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases. That's 5% cashback at different places each quarter, like grocery stores, on gas, and net restaurants. It pays to discover, terms applying, see Discovered.com slash 5 for details. There is so much NFL on ESPN right now, Monday night football, plus pregame and postgame, NFL live, NFL prime time. Everything you need to stay on top of every game, every week. Unbelievable. And now, NFL network is on the ESPN app. More football, more coverage, more ways to watch. Football's on.

1:00All season long, on ESPN and streaming on the ESPN app. Eli Willett's meteoric rise absolutely has an impact on the future of C.J. Abrams. You are Lockdown Nationals. Your daily Washington Nationals podcast. Part of the Lockdown podcast network. Your team every day. And welcome in a Lockdown Nationals. I'm your host, Ryan Clary. And later on in the show, don't sleep on the Nationals bullpen pipeline. I know. I know what you might be thinking, but don't sleep on it. And the second segment, which Nationals prospects are being overlooked. Well, there's a couple. I'll explore that in the second segment. But Eli Willett's getting the call up to AA playing two games now in AA.

2:01I think it impacts C.J. Abrams future. And I've been pretty. Hellbent on the fact that I think C.J. Abrams will be moved this off season. I think that there is a pretty good chance that C.J. gets traded for multiple different reasons. But I think that Eli Willett's might be at the forefront of that. Now is Eli Willett's like the direct factor as to why the Nationals will probably trade C.J. Abrams? No, there's some monetary reasons. But I do think when you know you have someone who is a top five prospect in baseball, who has the talent that Eli Willett's has, and that has been a fast riser in the system and then across minor league baseball, that is certainly someone that I think you can kind of hang your hand on and say, we're going to bet on this guy being a stud at the next level. And I think that is may what propel the Nationals in this organization to trade away C.J.

3:02Abrams. It's not going to be like some small trade. And again, I feel as if that the Nationals were exploring potentially trades this last off season. I think that they explored maybe some trades that this year's deadline. But I think right now it feels like the time if you're going to move C.J. the time would be this off season. And if you decide to hang on to him for 2027, then of course you ride it out with C.J. And you try to get something done or maybe you wait for the next C for the new CBA and maybe there's a salary cap that makes it a little bit more easy to extend C.J. Abrams. But speaking of an extension, if I had my way, I would want to extend C.J. Abrams. And I think that a lot of Nationals fans right now are probably in that same boat. Now, it gets a little bit tricky with the future of Abrams here because you know, he's splitting 50-50% at second base and a shortstop. But C.J. is going to demand a shortstop kind of contract.

4:04And I think that's where it gets a little bit weird because the difference between the highest paid second baseman compared to the highest paid shortstop is drastic. The highest paid second baseman right now is Xander Bogart's, which is kind of unbelievable if you think about it. He's over Nico Horner, Marcus Simian, Jose Altove, and that's your highest paid second baseman and baseball. And he is at right around 25.5 AAV. And then you look at the highest paid shortstop. Clearly it's Boba Shatt, who is getting paid right now $42 million per season. But then after that is Francisco Lendor, who's also on the New York Metz, who really is their shortstop at $34 million a year. C.J. is going to fit somewhere in the middle of those two numbers because I think that a contract and extension for Abrams kind of looks like something in between those two things. Now, here's the problem with it.

5:05Will this ownership group be willing to give out that money? Will this ownership group before the CBA expires on December 1st? Will they be the owners that give this extension? I don't think so. And if you have faith in that kind of money that they're going to say, you know what, we're going to give Abrams a seven year deal worth. Let's say it gets 30 AAV. Do the quick math there. That's what? I don't know, $210 million. Whatever it is, I have no faith in them giving out that kind of contract. And even then, does C.J. accept that deal? The big problem with the nationals right now is that they can't really kind of get caught in the future here because you can bet on Eli Willets all you want. And I'm going to bet on that guy every single day. I love what Eli Willets brings to the table. I think that he is going to be one of the faces of this organization for hopefully the next decade plus.

6:06But also, we have seen top prospects flail out before here in DC, Victor Robles, who is a consensus top five prospect for a couple straight years. Look at kind of career that he had. He had one good season in 2019 and after that completely fell off. You see it every single year. Jackson Holiday with the Orioles. He has not panned out just yet. There are so many guys that you're like, that is a can't miss prospect and they also fail out. So if you are going to rely on Eli Willets and if you think that, you know what, we're going to trade Abrams because we know that we have this kid that could probably impact us in 2027 and help the nationals get to the problem in in 2028. You have to be right because Abrams is a guy that has been proven that can help you get to that point. Being a 30 plus home run season, I think not a lot of people projected from him back in

7:072022 when he was barely hitting a home run over 162 games. But this guy has transcended himself into a top offensive talent in baseball. If you take the middle infielders there, he is a top three bat amongst those middle infield positions. That is how elite that CJ has become. So yes, I do think Eli Willets right now does kind of change the thought process of CJ Abrams and where this organization stands on them. I think what this organization is doing right now is acting like a small market team. That is the way that it's been. That is the way that's probably going to be under this ownership group. Could it change what they sail? It absolutely could. But the biggest issue is right now they are not willing to spend in free agency and they have not been really willing to spend on guys and giving them long term extensions.

8:08You saw it with key bear a weas right around $80 million for a six, seven year deal. That's really been it. The nationals were not able to get anything done with the weasel Garcia Jr. did they try to? We don't necessarily know. They tried to a few years ago, according to Andrew Golden who reported on this, I believe a few months ago that the nationals tried to do it with the old regime. It's not really clear if they've tried to do it yet with this new regime. But just from my understanding of things and just the way that this team has been operating, you would feel pretty good about a CJ Abrams trade because you look at some of these moves that they have made. I know a lot of people out there have a lot of different thoughts on the McKenzie Gore deal. But that is a really good deal for this team. I think right now the early results have shown that this organization has won that trade. I think that the foster Griffin deal was a really good deal for this team. Could they have tried to extend him?

9:10I'm sure they could have. Did they try to? That was the report said. But nothing got done and they ultimately decided to move. I think the Garcia junior trade is a really good trade for this team. It helps the bullpen. They show. But this organization right now, they are in a spot where they have to rely on the top guys. And Eli Willitz is that. At top guy that is going to help hopefully for the next decade plus. He gets to a point where the nationals are like, this is a blue chip prospect cannot miss. We feel 100% confident in him panning out to be a major league star. Then I think that gives them the opportunity to potentially trade CJ Abrams. And with that Abrams trade, who knows what the nationals get in return. But I think that it looks like something between McKenzie Gore and Wonsoto deal.

10:11I don't think he gets as little as the McKenzie Gore deal. And I don't think he gets as much as that Wonsoto deal. I think it's somewhere right in the middle where you get a star prospect and get a couple of other guys that I think could help you down the road here. They are in a fascinating spot with what to do because you could easily hold on to Abrams and I'd be thrilled about it. But you could also trade him. And if you get back a really good return with guys that can help you in 27 and beyond. While it would be frustrating and I get it. I understand it. But also you're building for the future. And I think the nationals, while their dream goal would be to win in 2027, they're probably I'm 2028. And I get it. Fans have been like, we have been I'm the two years for the last six years. We've been saying that the next year is going to be our year. 2025 is going to be our year. 2026 is going to be the year. And it's never been the year. But I truly do believe with this new group, they have a plan in place.

11:14They are able to develop talent and they are able to make smart, methodical moves. And I think right now this Eli Willett situation with him kind of getting pulled up the minor league ranks and getting up to double A in 2026 as an 18 year old. I do think it impacts the future of CJ Abrams. And I do think that the nationals will likely trade Abrams. Now will it just be because of Eli Willett? It will not be. I think it will be a lot of financial reasons as well. But that is where this organization I think stands on the Abrams deal. And I think having Eli Willett's rise up through the minors, it makes them more and more confident in what that 18 year old star will bring to the table down the road. So let me know what you think about it. I know fans will be upset about it. But still that is where things sit today. Next speaking in prospects, what prospects are being overlooked? I've got three for you and you're overlooking them. Let's talk about that after this.

12:17A big thank you to our friends at Amazon for this limited break. This back to school season spend less on your kids with Amazon. We all know how crazy the back to school shopping experience can be. And it starts with a few items on the list. And then suddenly you're shopping for supplies, clothes, lunch gear, tech and about 10 other things that you didn't see coming. It adds up fast. And we all know those long back to school shopping lines and stores. Well you can bypass that with Amazon number one. They give you the best prices possible and you get to miss all those long lines. You get to line up your kids shop back to school shopping with a checklist and everything that is included in there. You can find it. Make sure that it's in stock. And of course it gets shipped right to your door and it's the definition of easy going and easy living. So of course, so remember with Amazon's low back to school prices, just spend less on your kids because every dollar you don't spend on them is a dollar you haven't spent on them. Shop back to school at Amazon and spend less on your kids.

13:25You are overlooking some nationals top prospects and let's start off with the number one guy in my opinion, Gavin Feene, we just talked a little bit about the nationals, you know, and just kind of where they stand overall with that Mackenzie Gordel. But let's talk about one of the premier guys of that return and that is Gavin Feene. I think with the rise of Eli Willitz has kind of made it a little bit difficult to keep your eye on Gavin Feene. Now both 2025 first round picks, he was the 12th overall pick by the Rangers back in 2025. And I think where Gavin Feene stands is a very interesting spot because number one, he was a middle in fielder at first technically drapped as a shortstop, probably would have been moved over to third base, but the nationals decided to move him in the outfield. He's got good arm, he's got a good arm, he's got pretty good athleticism there and will likely kind of be a right fielder, maybe a left fielder down the road, but a big frame, six foot three, 200 pounds and just at 19 years old has shown the ability to really hit for

14:29power. And I really like that from someone like Gavin Feene. Again, 10 home runs on the season, 52 RBI's, a really impressive first season down in the minors. And you look at what Eli Willitz has done and we've talked about all the success that he has had and it's easy to overlook a first round pick in 2025 in that same draft class and say, well, he just hasn't done enough. He did a pretty good job in 76 games this season. Again, 10 home runs, 13 doubles, a 401 slug. I like that slugging number from someone who's supposed to be a power hitter and he's had a good season down in Fred expert. I've really liked what I've seen from him and really just ultimately right now. He's one of the prospects I think is probably the most overlooked in this system has dealt with some injuries first two years in his minor league career and then also went through a position change. That's a lot on a teenager's plate, which he still is at just 19 years old.

15:29He's the number eight prospect in the organization and obviously with how this team has been able to develop talent and get talent in this building and elevate themselves to a top 10 farm system in the sport. It's easy to overlook a guy who's not like having these superstar stretches the way that Ronnie Cruz had earlier this year, the way that Devon Fitzgerald had earlier this season. Of course, guys like Seever King and Eli Willitz as well. It's easy to overlook a guy that has been a consistent, pretty steady guy and he did start off a little bit slow and June, he actually had his best month or he hit 294th, 909 OPS in the season or in that month, I'm sorry, and just look good and has been relatively consistent for the most part here. So I've liked what I've seen from Gavin Feene. I think he's one of the most overlooked prospects in the system and the my number two guy that I think a lot of people are overlooking is again in that same grass draft class,

16:30Landon Harmon. Landon Harmon was a third round pick by the nationals in 2025 and Miguel Sime Jr. He's a guy that was selected right after him in that draft class by the nationals in the fourth round and he has been ultra impressive, but Landon Harmon is a guy at 20 years old who's also been extremely impressive for the nationals. I think he's got an above average fastball that can sit up in the upper 90s. This is someone who I think right now, just his frame, he's scream starting pitcher, six foot 590 pounds and has a really good slider and I change up that he's really worked on down in the minors as well and just finished the year really solid for the Frednats. And 13 appearances in 12 starts, he pitched 41 innings pitch, only allowed two home runs in that stretch, 39 strikeouts to 16 walks with a 095 whip. Limited action, a young pitcher, a blossoming pitcher in my opinion, it's easy to overlook

17:32him when you're 19, 20 years old down in the minors, but what he has brought this season has been, it's been really impressive. In watching him in person, which I got to see earlier this year, I thought that Landon Harmon is a guy that will continue to rise in the system and don't be surprised if he is one of those quick risers. That's the kind of vibe I get from him. And I think that he's kind of overshadowed by guys like Miguel Sime Jr. who obviously when you're throwing 101, it just pops. And when he has a nasty slider that Sime does, it's easy to just kind of forget about the other guys like same story here Eli Will, it's kind of overshadows Gavin Feene and Sime obviously overshadows Landon Harmon as well, both physically and just popping on paper, but do not sleep on Landon Harmon and what he has brought for the nationals this season. Number two guy to really watch, moving forward. And my number three is a guy that I think will help you next season and that is Ben Grable.

18:37Call him up right now as far as I'm concerned. He is a just perfect bullpen piece. I think a lot of Yankee Spans, one of my good buddies is a diehard Yankee Span as trusted their prospects forever. He always said back earlier this spring, he's like, this guy is going to be a closer someday. Well, for the nationals, he's already risen up to trip life for them and honestly, call him up for all I'm concerned. Like he is ready right now. And this is a draft pick last year, an 11th round pick for the New York Yankees and what they've been able to do with right handed relief pitching. They have been able to develop those guys like you know what and identify that talent. And the nationals got him in the deal and for the Wiescar, see a junior and in 44 appearances out of the bullpen as a 240 ERA 48 and two thirds innings pitch, 74 strikeouts to 19 walks and catch this out. Only one home run allowed all season long.

19:38He could get into your bullpen today and immediately immediately improve the back end of this bullpen. I think Yovani Cruz is a guy that's going to elevate this bullpen next season. I think he'll probably elevate it these X few weeks as well. And I think Ben Grable is a guy that could probably impact this bullpen tomorrow. Truly that's kind of the way that I view Ben Grable at this point. Those are my three guys that I feel as if are overlooked in this organization. And I think these three guys, while they're not you know massive big time prospects, top 100 guys, these are going to be impactful prospects. I think you will see it nationals park. Hopefully with them, I think Ben Grable is going to happen maybe soon here, but most definitely by 2027 and land in the harming and Gavin Fiend both in low A this year. And I think you probably see harming elevated to high A on opening day and then Gavin Fiend probably gets down low A again and sees what happens to begin next season.

20:39But those are three guys that will definitely impact the future of this organization and immediately once they get up to the majors, I will be thrilled to watch them be major leaders. But next I want to get into this because we did just mention the bullpen. And for those who missed it last week, don't worry, I got you covered. The nationals need bullpen help. I think they've got bullpen help coming. Hopefully, let's talk about that after this. Running a business shouldn't feel like you're trying to connect a bunch of systems that were never designed to work together. One app for accounting, another for inventory and another for sales and somehow none of them talk to each other. That's where Odo comes in Odo is an all in one business management software that brings every part of your business together in one powerful platform from sales and accounting to inventory and marketing. Everything works in one place. Odo is one platform to manage, grow and scale your business.

21:39And the best organizations know that success isn't just about talent. It's about having everyone work toward the same goal and that's true in sports just like it is in business. And the nationals, there are business and there are sports. You've seen it with Paul Tbony, that one higher that we have made with getting Paul Tbony in the building has changed everything for the Washington nationals and it stands out how this organization has totally turned things around with their player development and their prospects. And hopefully, they're bullpen as well. So great organizations win because operations matter and that's why you should get Odo. Odo is one platform to manage, grow and scale your business. Try for free today at Odo.com slash locked on. That's Odo.com slash locked on. And now let me tell you about our friends over at Fandall and of course, you've waited all off season for this and now it's time to make every NFL week count because Fandall is making this your most rewarding season ever, ever. Whether it's backing a favorite team, building a same game, Parlay, betting player props are

22:42making picks on the biggest matchups. Fandall gives fans more ways to play throughout the season and for anyone who's new to Fandall, there's an even bigger reason to make this NFL season count and for new customers, it gets even better. Get $350 in bonus bets guaranteed when you bet $5 every day for seven days. That's right. Bet $5 each day and get $50 in bonus bets every day for seven days. Visit Fandall.com to get started. Make this your most rewarding season ever. With our friends over at Fandall.com, we'll be back with a new game. We'll be back with a new game. I'll be back with a new game. I'll be back with a new game. I'll be back with a new game. To get started, make this your most rewarding season ever with our friends over at Fandall. I hate to be that guy, but the bullpen is bad.

23:43I think the nationals actually have a bullpen pipeline. I know that what you're saying, but we just talked about Ben Grable and someone who I think could absolutely help the Washington nationals, but it really doesn't end there. Joe Glassy, when the nationals traded Christian Franklin to the Baltimore Orioles for Joe Glassy, I think this might be one of the more intriguing guys in the nationals organization. This was an undrafted guy coming out of college in 2024 and he made a pretty significant impact immediately down on the Orioles farm system and what he has done this season. Well, he's been a strikeout machine and has not walked anybody right now. He's got a whip that's sitting at a 0-857 while walking just 1.8 batters per nine and allowing 0.2 home runs per nine, but also striking out 14 batters per nine innings across a couple different levels, three different levels with the Orioles and of course with the nationals as well.

24:45Similar to Ben Grable, this is someone that could probably help you today and be one of your best arms. I think Yovani Cruz is still in that conversation. I think Ben Grable is also in that conversation, but those are three guys just right there that will help you in 2027. I think Glassy will should make the opening day roster. I think Ben Grable should make the opening day roster and then once you get down to it as well, I think that there are a couple other different guys that should help you in 2027. Will Deon, I like what he brings. I think he's someone coming from the left side. He's got a weird arm slot, like really kind of coming over from the top with that left side. It is a weird sneaky thing that you know, you kind of need that from relievers, especially from the left side. I like what Will Deon brings. I like what he has done so far. He's not going to get too cute with it. He's not like some, he's not going to overpower you at the 100 miles per hour from the left side, but he is a good sneaky pitcher.

25:47That's kind of what you need out of the nationals bullpen right now. Let's be honest, they need talent and they need to overall this entire bullpen. But right now, and where they stand today, being the one of the worst bullpen of all time, I think that's fair to say. I'm sure you could probably pull up some metrics that would show other bullpen that are worse, but in late game situations when there is a save on the line, there has been no worse bullpen in baseball history than the Washington Nationals of 2026. That's just a matter of fact. They will likely blow 40 saves by the end of this season. They've got 14 games left. I could easily see them getting to 40 easily. They have actually got some talent though. That is my whole principle here. I'm not telling you that the bullpen is going to be great in 2027. I'm not telling you that you should be sitting there saying, oh, this bullpen is going to be something else. It is not. It's probably going to be a tick below average at best, at best, unless they go in this

26:51off season and complete just overall everything. But I'm not seeing that the Nationals will actually do that. But I do think they have got some talent that will absolutely help this bullpen out. It starts with those three key guys. Ben Grable, Joe Glassy, Will Dion, and Yomani Cruz is also in that picture as well. And who knows what the Nationals do with the guys like Andrew Alvarez. I think Andrew Alvarez can potentially come in and be an impactful guy. Maybe DJ Hurz. You've got some options. And I think the Nationals will absolutely explore that for 2027 and address their biggest need, which is bullpen help. But I will catch you guys on the flip side. And on tomorrow's show, we'll preview the Angels coming to town. And what else could be happening in Natsville? We'll talk more about that on tomorrow's show. But until then, have a good one. Go Nats. I just bought a new automobile the same way they did in the 1900s when movies were silent.

27:52Wow. Well, I just got this Jeep from Flexcar. All my smack of rules go to paying off the hefty value. This little gas buggy lost the second I chugged out of the dealership. Toot toot. Okay. Well, Flexcar includes maintenance and insurance. And I can switch to an F-150 or Mercedes anytime. What are you high on, giggle jizz? Buying a car supposed to be the bum deal. You pretend it's the bison's berries. I have no idea what you're saying. The first and only month to month, Carlyce. Flexcar, you drive everything. While the world was chasing trends, Fidelity figured out what blockchain technology actually means for investors. Over the past decade, we've built Fidelity crypto from within, so investors at Fidelity can trade crypto and stocks in one place, while being protected by industry leading security. Flexcar is crypto without compromise. Visit fidelity.com slash crypto to get started. Crypto is offered by Fidelity Digital Assets NA is not sure by FDIC or SIPC, and includes risk of significant loss. Securities are offered by Fidelity brokerage services LLC member NYSC SIPC. That's the sound of Lego Pikachu training for battle.

28:55That's the sound of Lego Pikachu enjoying a post-training snack. That's a reminder to not let Lego Pokémon in the recording studio. Lego Smart Brick brings Lego Pokémon Play to life. Lego Pokémon with Smart Play. You're the trainer now. Vehicle safety starts underneath. That's why the pros choose NAMPA for undercar solutions that stop safety issues before they become costly problems. Go further with complete repairs that restore stopping, steering and stability. Then grow your business through trust and repeat visits. With premium rotors, pads, struts and wheel hub assemblies, NAMPA has everything you need to keep under car, under control. That's NAPA NOHA. So if you've ever furnished a restaurant, hotel or an office, you know the trail. Five vendors, five invoices, five delivery windows. But there's a better way to do this.

29:56TitanBaryl Contract is a business to business program that covers three brands. CratenBaryl, CB2 and CratenKids with one account, one order, one delivery. They've got durable plates and glasses, contract grade furniture and lighting that looks custom that's built for the wear of busy space actually takes. And the best part is you're not doing it alone. A dedicated rep handles your project end to end, from volume orders to design curation. Plus members get 20% off, tax exempt checkout and flexible payment with no minimums. Learn more at CratenBaryl.com slash podcast. That's CratenBaryl.com slash podcast.