What would it cost for the Nationals to join MLB’s extension frenzy with Daylen Lile?

As he will be during the first game of every Nationals series this season, Nationals beat writer Spencer Nusbaum will watch the game alongside fans starting around first pitch at 6:45 p.m. ET on Monday. The Washington Nationals are as clear-eyed about their philosophy as they are about their budget. To build a scouting and player development monster, they invested in new tech and more coaches. To save money elsewhere, they trimmed payroll to $97 million. To create a sustainable winner and give ownership the best bang for their buck, they are thinking long term.Advertisement