Washington Nationals news Friday, November 6, 2026

Juan Soto's younger brother homered in a Nationals uniform in the Fall League, per MLB.com.

Source: MLB.com

No. 2 in the 30-second version

CJ Abrams and James Wood are Silver Slugger finalists, and the Nationals are nominated for top NL offense.

According to SB Nation and Federal Baseball, the Nationals finished tied for third in OPS and third in runs and slugging percentage this season. Abrams led all NL shortstops in home runs, RBI and stolen bases. MLB said the Silver Slugger winners will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Source: Federal Baseball

Baseball America ranks Eli Willits as the Nationals' top prospect in its updated 2027 top 10 list.

According to Federal Baseball, the 18-year-old hit 14 homers, 27 doubles and 8 triples in 114 games this year. Baseball America considers his hitting ability and speed elite, and the fan blog notes his 89.2 MPH average exit velocity is slightly above big league average. Samil Serrano is listed as a notable riser.

Source: Federal Baseball

No. 3 in the 30-second version

Mets hiring Johnny Washington as co-hitting coach.

Joel Sherman reported this afternoon that, according to sources, the Mets are hiring Johnny Washington to be a co-hitting coach. Presumably, by hiring Washington, the Mets are replacing Jeff Albert’s previous role as director of hitting. Washington played minor-league and independent-league ball for several years before moving into coaching.

Sources: SNY · MLB.com · NY Post Sports · Amazin' Avenue

Mariners introduce Jason Kanzler, a 36-year-old first-time manager, after firing Dan Wilson.

According to SB Nation's fan blog, Kanzler previously coached with the Astros and most recently served as the Cubs' farm director. Per Lookout Landing, a fan blog, Jerry Dipoto called Kanzler far and away the most impressive candidate the team interviewed. ESPN describes Kanzler as coming from an analytics and data-friendly background.

Sources: ESPN · CBS Sports · Lookout Landing

Yankees' Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger are named American League Silver Slugger finalists; winners announced November 17.

Rice is a finalist at DH after hitting 41 homers with a .534 slugging percentage, and SNY reports Yordan Alvarez is the other AL DH finalist. Bellinger, a finalist in the outfield, already has a Gold Glove this offseason, and a Silver Slugger would be his third. Per SB Nation, the awards are voted on by coaches and managers, not the BBWAA.

Sources: SNY · Pinstripe Alley

Blue Jays distance themselves from Anthony Santander's anti-Islam Instagram story posts.

USA Today reports Santander reportedly shared two videos to his Instagram story on Wednesday, Nov. 4, one captioned 'America voted for Sharia (law) last night!' and another reading 'Islam is not peaceful,' both after the midterm elections. The posts followed Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate win, which NY Post reports will make him the first Muslim U.S. senator once he takes office in January. Santander, 32, was limited to 54 games in 2025 by shoulder injuries and is on a five-year, $92.5 million contract. Toronto's statement said 'Individual comments do not represent our organization's values and beliefs.'

Sources: USA TODAY Sports · Yahoo Sports · NY Post Sports

Athletics hire Brewers executive Cam Castro as general manager under new president Taylor Smith.

Castro spent seven years in Milwaukee's organization and was most recently the Brewers' senior vice president of player development and performance, according to ESPN. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported the hire, which Castro would be taking from the World Series champion Brewers. Castro will be Smith's second-in-command in the front office.

Sources: ESPN · Athletics Nation