Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in just over a month, but most of the top free agents are still searching for new homes. The Washington Nationals could take advantage of these unusual circumstances.
The Washington Nationals did not need much this off-season, so they were not expected to be very active throughout the winter. That is not the case for every team in the league, but you would think it was gauging by the collective inactivity.
Pitchers and catchers are due to report to Spring Training in just over a month, which typically means most free agents are getting familiar with their new team, not searching for it. However, 160 free agents currently remain unsigned, including many of the top players in this year’s free agent class.
Some of the remaining free agents may begin to feel a bit anxious, and look to sign for less than their original demands. Some free agents may even decide to sign a one-year pillow contract and give free agency another shot next winter. These are the free agents that the Nats should be in discussions with.
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Considering the Nats already have an aging and expensive core, they probably do not want to sign a veteran free agent to a lucrative long-term contract. This is perfectly understandable, but they should keep tabs on certain big-name free agents to see if they become affordable short-term.
A perfect example of a big-name free agent that could sign with the Nats on a pillow contract is J.D. Martinez. There are questions about how well he will hold up in the outfield long-term, which has scared teams off so far. However, at 30 years old, he is perfectly capable of playing a corner outfield position in 2018.
The Nats could sign Martinez to a one-year deal, which would be a marriage fit for both parties.
In Martinez, the Nats would be getting one of the premier bats in today’s game. Putting him in the middle of the lineup with Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy, and Anthony Rendon would give the Nats’ already-potent lineup the potential to become an all-time great.
Signing Martinez would also put the Nats in an even better position to win it all in 2018, which is potentially their last year with Harper in tow. If they truly are all-in to win the World Series this year, Martinez would be a great addition.
Martinez could also benefit from a pillow contract with the Nats, as he could prove that his incredible 2017 season was not a fluke and have a great chance to win a ring. Although it takes some creativity, the two parties could be a perfect match.
Another free agent that could make sense on a pillow contract is Jake Arrieta. There have been some questions regarding his long-term durability, but he could put those to rest with the Nats.
In Arrieta, the Nats would be getting a potentially great starting pitcher. He battled some leg injuries in 2017, which led to his worst season since 2014, but he still had a great year.
Arrieta pitched to a 3.53 ERA in the 2017 regular season, which proves that he is still capable of dominating, but he could make his biggest impact with the Nats in October. He has dominated in the postseason, pitching to a 3.08 ERA in nine starts, and his postseason experience could help the Nats exorcise their October demons.
Next: Payroll an obstacle in 2018
Although Martinez and Arrieta may appear to be out of the Nats’ price range, either deal could be worked out with a bit of creativity. They are also both represented by Scott Boras, who has an excellent rapport with the Nats’ executives. If the Nats want to go all-in for what may be their last season with Harper, Martinez and Arrieta are worth a shot.