Grisham opened the day with a leadoff homer into the short porch as the Yankees overwhelmed Washington in a rout, six homers allowed and a third inning that spiraled into a nine-run nightmare with 15 Yankees reaching. Nationals pitchers totaled 77 pitches in that half-inning, the most in a half-inning since 2003, a hollow marker of the night.

Washington’s minus-171 run differential highlights how far they are from contending and fuels talk of a full rebuild: new manager, new GM, and a payroll focused on drafting and development over splashy free agents. The piece argues the path back lies in organizational change and patient, data-driven reconstruction rather than quick fixes.

Drew Millas showcased his impressive talent as the Rochester Red Wings achieved a decisive 10-1 victory over the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in their home opener. The 27-year-old catcher not only demonstrated his claimed speed by hitting triples in his first two at-bats, but also belted a two-run homer, ultimately racking up five RBIs. Despite a rough start to the season and spring training, Millas attributed his success to extensive offseason training, which set him apart from other catchers. His performance not only marked a significant personal achievement but also reflected the Wings' powerful offense against Iron Pigs starter Nabil Crismatt.

The Washington Nationals are looking to bolster their roster this offseason, with a clear focus on acquiring a middle-of-the-order bat, particularly at first or third base. Free agency presents several options, including Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez for third base, while Pete Alonso and Christian Walker are potential fits at first base.

Additionally, the team is eyeing improvements at the catcher position, as Keibert Ruiz's performance has not met expectations. General Manager Mike Rizzo emphasized the need for better defensive skills, particularly in pitch framing and managing base runners. Despite having a trio of catchers, Rizzo acknowledged the potential for upgrades, possibly through free agency or trades, with Willson Contreras being a notable target.