Washington Nationals: Mike Rizzo quick to fill needs this offseason
By Tobi Altizer
The Washington Nationals have been quick to fill their needs this offseason. Mike Rizzo has prepared them to succeed even if Bryce Harper doesn’t return.
The Washington Nationals and all of Major League Baseball came into this offseason with one major question. Where will Bryce Harper play in 2019? While this major question hasn’t yet been answered, Mike Rizzo has quickly filled some of the biggest holes in the Nationals’ roster.
Rizzo began making moves in mid-October. He began by acquiring Kyle Barraclough from the Marlins. He followed by signing players such as Trevor Rosenthal, Kurt Suzuki, Patrick Corbin and recently, Anibal Sanchez.
Mike Rizzo was very quick in filling the needs of the Nationals this offseason. This was a great way for the Nationals to take the focus off of Bryce Harper and put it back on the team. Rizzo has set his team up to succeed, whether that be with or without Harper.
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The Nationals needed to improve the bullpen and also needed to drastically improve at catcher. Both of those holes were filled quickly in the offseason.
With the vital needs of the team filled, Rizzo has been able to go out and target players that could improve other parts of the team. The Corbin signing may not have been a priority had he not filled the other holes on the roster.
It was important for Rizzo to show the organization and the fanbase that there wasn’t reason to lose hope. Even after a disappointing season and the possibility of Harper leaving, Rizzo has given the Nationals fans a reason to believe that this team can make a deep postseason run this season.
The Nationals still have more spots that could use an upgrade. Second base would be the most obvious position that could use an upgrade, but with the major holes in the roster filled, Rizzo still has plenty of time to address this need.
Each of these moves that Rizzo has made has filled a hole the Nationals have while still leaving the door open for Harper to return home to DC. While this may be unlikely, the possibility is still real. Ultimately, this offseason will be defined by whether Harper stays in DC, but even if he doesn’t, Rizzo has set this team to continue to win without him.
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The Washington Nationals aggressive approach this offseason has been a pleasant surprise for everyone. It should set them up perfectly for the 2019 season where they hope to reclaim the NL East crown.