Washington Nationals' Drama Attracting Ire of National Baseball Insider

The Washington Nationals, who have developed nicely on the field in 2023, are turning into a drama-filled organization, per a tweet from MLB Insider Jon Heyman.

Drama in DC: 1) Nats canceled Strasburg retirement presser, now saying they don’t want to pay full $110M left (after Stras family came for event), 2) Battling fine GM Mike Rizzo for weeks over contract term 3) Let go 14 respected scouts 4) Top Int’l exec Johnny DiPuglia resigned

Drama in DC: 1) Nats canceled Strasburg retirement presser, now saying they don’t want to pay full $110M left (after Stras family came for event), 2) Battling fine GM Mike Rizzo for weeks over contract term 3) Let go 14 respected scouts 4) Top Int’l exec Johnny DiPuglia resigned
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 8, 2023

We wrote on Thursday about the drama involving the Strasburg scenario. The longtime ace of the staff was supposed to announce and celebrate his retirement this weekend but the celebration was canceled over money issues revolving around his contract status.

As for Rizzo, we had heard weeks ago that the team was close to extending both Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez. Thus far, only Martinez's new deal has been finalized.

This is all too bad, really, because it leaves a dark cloud over an organization that has done a nice job on the field this year. With the development of young players like CJ Abrams, Josiah Gray, MacKenzie Gore and others like Lane Thomas, the Nationals have put up a very solid second half of the season.

Overall, Washington is 63-77 on the year. They are starting a new series on Friday night with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

First pitch from Nationals Park is set for 7:05 p.m. ET as Dodgers rookie Emmet Sheehan goes up against Gore.

Sheehan is 3-1 while Gore is 7-10.

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