MLB free agency has officially begun. Teams have already declined or accepted player options, while also handing out qualifying offers. This winter will be slow, but there is plenty of talent on the open market, especially for the Washington Nationals.
After winning the World Series in 2019, the Washington Nationals had a very disappointing 2020 season. The front office decided to let superstar Anthony Rendon walk and left the hot corner to veteran Asdrubal Cabrera and top prospect Carter Kieboom. This decision backfired and Washington received next to little production from third base. Third base wasn’t the team’s only weakness.
Ace Stephen Strasburg missed most of the season due to injury and the backend of the rotation fell apart. Joe Ross will be back next season after opting out of 2020, but Washington will still need a fifth starter. The bullpen is still a mess, but a few players namely Tanner Rainey and Kyle Finnegan, stepped up.
On Thursday, the front office declined the team 2021 options for Adam Eaton and Anibal Sanchez, making both free agents. Eaton’s defense deteriorated quickly last season and he became a liability at times in the field. Juan Soto needs protection in the lineup and there will be a few power bats on the open market that can play left. With plenty of holes and only just over $47 million to work with, Washington is facing an upwards battle back to contention. However, my free agent plan will get the job done. First up, position players.