Washington Nationals: 5 things they must do in 2018

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A tough year lies ahead for the Washington Nationals. Here are five things they must do to be successful in 2018 and beyond.

The Washington Nationals start the 2018 season under tremendous pressure.

From Bryce Harper’s possible impending free agency to getting over the playoff hump, this is a defining year for the franchise. How Washington navigates this perfect storm will get talked about for years to come.

Hyperbole? No, not really. Rarely has such a talented team found themselves under the gun. Long gone are the days when the Nats were happy simply making the playoffs. Just getting back is not enough.

But, aside from the obvious, what must Washington do this year? How do they balance the need to win now with keeping their championship window open into the next decade?

2018 is like a senior year in high school. All those storylines left unresolved for years wrap up before final exams followed by, hopefully, a massive celebration. Sure, the story continues but, something is not the same.

A rather anxious scenario for Washington, no?

Go back to the question, how do they balance the present and the future? What the Nats are good at is trying to find that balance. Although the short-term goal of playoff success remains unsolved, the seeds are there for continued success past this year.

Now, as the trucks in Florida are packed for their return to DC, the time for planning is over. The season is here and expectations are through the roof. Here are five things the Nats must do to win this year and protect their future.

As easy as making a three-bean salad with only a can of kidney beans.

STAY HEALTHY

Injuries have hurt the Nats going into October the last two years.

Wilson Ramos, Stephen Strasburg and Adam Eaton were missed during their postseason runs while Harper’s knee was never right last year. In a one-run Game 5, those players healthy might have topped the Los Angeles Dodgers or Chicago Cubs. Remember, Daniel Murphy played with bad hamstrings two years ago and a busted knee in 2017.

Although Murphy and Koda Glover will not be on the Opening Day roster, October is the key. Washington must have all the big players raring to go when the playoff bell rings.

A challenge for the new manager Dave Martinez is balancing his starting pitchers need to go all out from the start with keeping them fresh for the postseason. The first time Max Scherzer glares at him when removed will draw chuckles. Yet, Scherzer and Strasburg are going to need 30 starts and 200 innings each to feel normal.

As with Spring Training, expect older players to get regular rest over the year. Washington has the depth to rotate when needed, especially in the outfield. For Eaton coming off the torn ACL and playing left that is a big deal.

Expect Howie Kendrick to be the reliable super-utility player they need.

FILL THOSE HOLES

Washington has puzzled fans by not spending money on either a free agent starter or catcher. Although the late move signing Jeremy Hellickson added depth to the rotation, pitchers such as Jake Arrieta and Lance Lynn signed elsewhere without a peep from DC.

Unlike last off-season when the Nats promised to be aggressive, the conservative approach this year is correct. With a payroll already over the competitive balance tax, the money was not there to spend. Sure, Arrieta would make the rotation historic, but not at $30 million plus.

Although A.J. Cole is not an ideal playoff starter, he fits the back of the rotation well. But, if we get into July with a tighter divisional race than expected or an injury, Rizzo will need to act.

Also, if Matt Wieters slows down as the summer moves along, they cannot rely on either Miguel Montero or Pedro Severino if they are hitting under .200. An automatic out at the tail of the lineup hurt Washington last fall.

Creative July deals solidified the bullpen last year and brought Kendrick to Washington. Expect the same this year.

With potentially $70 million coming off the 2019 payroll, the Nats can splurge at the deadline and avoid the penal taxes levied if they violate the tax a third straight season.

RE-SIGN ANTHONY RENDON LONG TERM

Although re-signing Harper is a bonus, and likely considering the state of how free agency went this year, keeping Anthony Rendon in DC for years to come is essential.

Rendon’s unassuming personality and leadership is what you build teams around. His defense is stellar. From his power to his ability to wear down pitchers and drive up pitch counts, you do not let that talent get away.

Rendon has one more year of arbitration left. He will play in Washington in 2019. But, as the Nats plan for a future possibly without Harper, locking down Rendon is crucial. Yes, the money is there to keep both.

As with Ryan Zimmerman, locking down Rendon before he gets a whiff of free agency makes sense. Gold Glove-caliber third baseman are hard to find. He finished sixth last year in the NL MVP vote and turns 28 in June. Driving in 100 runs while smashing 41 doubles and 25 dingers will do that.

Add his ability to steal bases, a huge part of the new Washington offense, and you have the complete package. He will not be cheap, but nowhere near as pricey as Harper. Rendon is too vital and popular to walk.

RE-SIGN MIKE RIZZO

Perhaps the biggest Nats free agent is the general manager.

The architect of the most successful era of Washington baseball history heads into 2018 on the last year of his contract. Since becoming the general manager in 2009, Rizzo’s teams captured four NL East crowns and are heavy favorites for a fifth.

His close working relationship with agent Scott Boras is vital if the Nats want Harper past this year. Rizzo’s ability to work trades and stuff deferral money into contracts makes him a legend.

As harsh as running through managers is, the Lerner’s are right to use Rizzo’s stability to run the front office. With either a huge transition coming next year, or building on major success, he is the guy you want in charge. Let him go and he builds a winner elsewhere.

One of the tougher adjustments a front office makes is changing philosophy mid-stream. As data analytics grabs a larger foothold in Major League Baseball, Rizzo has embraced it. The hire of Martinez and his coaching staff reflects the modern game.

If the Harper era ends when the season does, changing horses in the front office to make the transition is foolhardy. This is not the same as Dusty Baker’s departure. Regardless of how the year turns out, Rizzo deserves to stay.

WIN A PLAYOFF ROUND

We saved the obvious one for last.

More from District on Deck

Yes, for themselves and you, the Nats must get over the hump and play in the NL Championship Series. The talent is there, but the belief has not arrived yet.

Doubt is a cruel mistress. Those negative thoughts creep through at the wrong times. The team feels it as much as you. Although what the Washington Capitals do not do on the power play in May is not in their heads like yours, the pain of Game 5’s is.

With Martinez as manager, Washington hopes they have the missing piece. From daily “Circles of Trust” in West Palm Beach to camels in practice, his ability to change and frame the mindset is crucial. The power of positive thinking works.

As the dust cleared from last year’s disappointment, there were obvious signs of disconnect between Baker and the team. When you win a division as easy as Washington did last year, motivation becomes a factor. The Nats were not. Once the switch hits neutral, it is hard to turn it back on.

Next: Nats ready to win it all

Motivation is not an issue this year. Washington has the right balance of stars and role players to make something special happen. This is the year they do.

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