The Washington Nationals are expected to look a lot like they did in 2026 when they take the field next season, whenever that ultimately materializes.
Yet that applies to the coaching staff after reports surfaced on Thursday that the organization is expected to retain all 12 coaches who ended the 2026 regular season under Butera. There will be a handful of changes, though.
Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reported that the Nationals have opted against renewing the contracts of five strength and conditioning coaches: head athletic trainer Dale Gilbert, assistant athletic trainers Jonathan Kotredes and Eric Montague, head strength and conditioning coach Brett Henry and Harvey Sharman.
Sharman, who reportedly departed the organization last month, served as director of medical services since Dec. 2015, joining the organization after nearly 15 years as a physiotherapist with Leeds United Football Club in the English Premier League. Gilbert also wrapped up his 11th season with the organization after previously serving as the medical coordinator and rehabilitation coordinator with the Texas Rangers for the five seasons prior. Kotredes, meanwhile, was with the organization over the last 17 seasons and most recently served as the minor league medical coordinator.
Despite his first season with the Nationals, Montague is wrapping up his 14th year within the organization after most recently serving as the head athletic trainer in Triple A Rochester over the last eight years. Montague also spent time working with the Houston Astros and New York Mets as an athletic trainer over his career, while he also worked with Team Italy during the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
Henry spent nearly 17 years within the organization, including the last five as the head strength and conditioning coach. He previously served in a variety of roles throughout the Nationals' farm system dating back to Dec. 2009, while he was promoted to the majors after being named an assistant strength and conditioning coach in Nov. 2016.
While Butera and the front office will now have a chance to mold their own staff together, the decision to retain the entire coaching staff speaks volumes to an organization that surpassed expectations in 2026. While all eyes will now turn to evaluating whether hopeful improved talent across the roster, notably along the pitching staff, the Nationals are expected to deploy additional biomechanics resources in addition to the front office's renewed commitment to upgraded technology and data tracking through the offseason.