While Wednesday marked the first official pitchers and catchers workout of 2026 Spring Training, the amount of position players already at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches would make onlookers think full camp had already begun.
"Seeing how many position players we have here for pitchers and catchers camp. The amount of people that have made comments just about how much of the team's already here, right. Just exciting," said Nationals Manager Blake Butera.
This day, however was about the start of a season-long journey for a group of pitchers, catchers, coaches and support staff who are coming together as a group for the first time.
The day began with Pitching Coach Simon Mathews holding his first meeting with the group on culture and expectations before continuing outside to get the work started.
Butera continued: "Having Simon talk to the group today for the first time, getting everybody in the same room together, just everyone's fired up to get started."
The pitchers who threw bullpens on Wednesday were broken down into the following groups:
Group 1 - Jake Irvin, Cade Cavalli, Mitchell Parker and Brad Lord
Group 2 - Paxton Schultz, P.J. Poulin, Richard Lovelady and Ken Waldichuk
Group 3 - Jake Eder, Gus Varland, Bryce Montes De Oca and Zach Penrod
Group 4 - Riley Cornelio, Andrew Alvarez, Eddy Yean and Tyler Baum
"I couldn't be more impressed with Cade...He's been here for several weeks now. I think just the confidence that he exudes, there's a real presence on the mound," said Butera.
Pitchers who did not throw bullpens today took part in pitchers fielding practice (PFPs) led by Bench Coach Michael Johns, Field Coordinator Tyler Smarslok, Triple-A Manager Matt LeCroy and Double-A Manager Delino DeShields.
While the pitchers and catchers got their work in, the position players in West Palm Beach went through defensive drills, cage work and batting practice. In the interest of teamwork and wanting to give his staff a break, Blake Butera even stepped up and threw a round of batting practice.
"I enjoy being out there," Butera said. "I enjoy giving our hitting coaches a break. These guys like to hit, so there's a lot of throwing, so anytime i can give some a rest, I'm happy to."
The work continues on Thursday.