We don’t not know at this point what the offseason budget is for Washington Nationals President of Baseball Operations, Paul Toboni. Our hope is that he gets at least $50 million to match what his predecessor spent in the past offseason. Now keep in mind that if Toboni spends $50 million it would be an overall increase of $20 million from Opening Day of 2025 to put the CBT payroll at $160 million.

A fan site Nats Fanatics, asked who we would sign in free agency, and we compiled three names in quality over quantity while trying to stay near $50 million in a budget. Our criteria was a second tier starting pitcher, a middle of the order bat, and a top veteran reliever. Those three names are Zack Littell, Kyle Schwarber, and Robert Suarez. Of course Schwarber will be one of the most coveted names in free agency.

Nats Fanatics came up with percentages of signing any of them and of course the odds are low. These are players who will be in high demand. Their annual salaries would cost about $55 million to get all three. There probably isn’t enough money to acquire a good catcher or a great first baseman or even a T.o.R. starting pitcher.

What the Nats need more than anything is internal improvement from their young former top prospects. That is how the 2023 Baltimore Orioles improved with barely any spending in free agency. That was the stated goal a year ago in a Mike Rizzo speech that “the [prospect] stars must become your [MLB] stars” and besides an amazing first half from James Wood and MacKenzie Gore, and an unexpected second half from Daylen Lile, it was like the tale of two half seasons. Even shortstop CJ Abrams went hot first half and struggled in the second half.

Firing manager Dave Martinez didn’t change much. The new manager along with Toboni and his front office must improve this team internally. The team’s two top positional prospects a year ago, Dylan Crews and Brady House, were both disappointments with their bats. Can they improve for 2026?

While you want free agent improvements, this team won’t thrive until their core steps up to their original potential. And don’t expect a Phillies style spending spree to try to buy a playoff spot. Free agents are expensive and as the Mets and Phillies showed with their Top-5 spending, success in the postseason isn’t a guarantee. The Phillies won just one postseason game this year with another early exit, and the Mets failed to make the playoffs despite the largest payroll.

The Nats have to get back to basics and Toboni said he would do that by “building a strong foundation.” That means in the farm system. Rome wasn’t built in a day. The Nats won’t be magically transformed into their 2012 self until the former top prospects become stars. If they don’t, the rebuild will have failed, and there will have to be another dive backwards.

So will Toboni want to spend — even if he has the budget? That’s a million dollar question. He might make a decision to tank in 2026 to rebuild through the draft. While fans don’t want to hear that, Toboni’s own words talked about being “prudent” and not “forcing” the situation.

Fans don’t want to hear about that slow and steady wins the race. They want to spend ownership’s money. The reality is that Schwarber probably will not be signing with the Nats in a reunion. Of course Toboni will be making moves, and we will wait and see what he does in reality. Some say sports are the greatest reality show. Toboni is organized, and he will have a script. He’s a planner. He has a vision.