Edit - Nats are revenue sharing payers, so I will guess that gets them out of the budget grievance pool.
High ticket and beer prices will do that.
But they're on the verge of becoming a negotiating chip for the MLBPA for something approaching an across-the-board salary floor next CBA. To barely outspend the Marlins, and to treat a potential 6th straight losing season with zero urgency and the same bargain bin and lottery ticket signings, is not good for the sport and is easy fodder for any union rep.