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Washington Nationals Need To Keep It Simple At The Winter Meetings

By Robbie Stratakos

Jun 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (R) talks to general manager Mike Rizzo before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (R) talks to general manager Mike Rizzo before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agency Is The Way To Upgrade The Outfield

While it’s classified as a weak free agent class, the outfield market offers the Nationals same intriguing options. One option is the Cubs’ Dexter Fowler. The switch hitting Fowler hit .276 last year, and proved to be a power bat late in the postseason. Fowler would be a great get for the Nationals. He could hit leadoff, or platoon with Trea Turner in the leadoff or number two spot in the order.

Fowler and Turner would be a formidable duo at the top of the order for the Nationals. He is reportedly seeking a deal worth around 18 million a year. While the price may seem high, signing Fowler would be safe and better move than trading for McCutchen. Why?

If the Nationals traded for McCutchen, they’d have to deal away at least two of their top prospects, but signing Fowler allows Washington to keep their young prospects, while getting a guy in Fowler who will provide the same spark as McCutchen; however, if they decide that they want to sign someone who they’re more familiar with, they could pursue Ian Desmond.

The former Nats shortstop had a bounce back year with the Rangers. Hitting .285 and driving in 88 runs, Desmond was an asset for Texas last year, but he was also valuable in that he was versatile.

Throughout his entire career, Desmond was a shortstop for the Nationals, but when the Rangers signed him he became an outfielder, playing both left and center field. It was a surprise at first, but then Desmond really came into his own as the year went on, and he became a very good outfielder both offensively and defensively.

Will he return to Texas? That remains unclear at the moment, but regardless, Desmond may be a great fit back in the Nation’s Capital, where it all began for him.

If he retuned to D.C, Desmond would be their starting center fielder, but he could also be very valuable in that he can play shortstop as well. While the Washington Nationals have aspirations of moving Trea Turner back to his natural position at short, there is always the scenario that he doesn’t play well there. If that were to happen, Turner could go back to center field, where he played the majority of last year, and Desmond could move back to shortstop.

While upgrading the outfield is a necessity this offseason, inking a closer is just as crucial.

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