District On Deck
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Washington Nationals: Ranking the team’s remaining needs this offseason

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: General manager Mike Rizzo looks on during batting practice before a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on April 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: General manager Mike Rizzo looks on during batting practice before a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on April 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

5th – Bench Bats

The return of Matt Adams to D.C. essentially converted this from backup first baseman to bench and bumped it down a spot. The Washington Nationals current bench is solid, but it’s an area that could still be due for small improvement before next season.

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As things stand, the Nats bench will look something like this next year:

Matt Adams and the backup catcher spot are about as locked in as they come and are considered strong options for each role. The other three spots could all, in theory, be improved upon this offseason, should the Nats have the funds to do so.

For example, if the Nationals were to find a new starting second baseman, they could option Difo to the minor leagues, allow Kendrick to fill a 2B/OF bench role and then either trade Taylor or option Stevenson to the minors to open up a spot for a big infield bench bat.

The Nats could also try and flip Taylor or Stevenson in a trade to upgrade the bench, especially with the former’s struggles as a pinch hitter. There are a few different avenues to go in improving the bench, but it’s hardly a top priority given that the bench is probably decent already after the Adams signing.

One way, in particular, they may look to upgrade their bench is to add another left-handed bat. If a tough right-hander is on the mound, Adams will likely draw the start at first base, which then leaves the bench starved of southpaws. Therefore, adding another lefty makes sense.

Names to watch: Gerardo Parra, Neil Walker, Jose Bautista, Curtis Granderson

Next. Seven Nats who could be traded away. dark

In about two months time, the Washington Nationals will report to Spring Training ahead of the 2019 season. We’ll have to wait and see what other moves they make in that span, but their work is far from done this winter.

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