Your District on Deck writers give their thoughts on four burning questions facing the Washington Nationals this offseason.
James Simmons:
Following the World Series run of 2019, the Washington Nationals endured an injury-riddled, disappointment of a season which was 2020. The oldest team in the league a year ago now sees double-digit vacant spots on the 40-man roster. The offseason is going to be active for the Nationals whether they spend big money or not.
MLB Trade Rumors listed the Nationals as a good fit for two free agents on their annual Top-50 list. The Nats have needs. A first baseman, a left fielder, a catcher, and a piece for the rotation for starters. Depending on how Carter Kieboom and Daniel Hudson begin the year, a third baseman and closer may be needed as well.
With Max Scherzer set to hit free agency in his own right, after this season, the Nationals find themselves at a bit of a crossroads entering the season. They either spend big and go all in, or patch together and sell off if the season implodes early.
Max Rayman:
Entering the off-season, Washington sits at a pivotal crossroads. A year after winning the World Series, the team is full of holes and only has a projected $47 million to work with. Mike Rizzo and company will have to be frugal if they want to be able to fix the roster and turn the Washington Nationals back into a contender.
Earlier in the month, I detailed my perfect free agency plan which you can read here and here. In this plan, I went over every hole the team has and how to fix it while trying to stay under the luxury tax threshold. While difficult, it is possible to keep Washington’s window open for the foreseeable future. They will just need to nail the off-season. Easier said than done.