WASH: 3 players Nationals should sign to round out spring roster

Keone Kela #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Keone Kela #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Keone Kela could be a great late addition for the Washington Nationals.
Keone Kela #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

With the offseason winding down and the key pieces already in place, the Washington Nationals can comb the bargain bin and find a couple veterans to bring in on minor league contracts. Having minor league depth is necessary as injuries and ineffectiveness rear their head over the course of a long baseball season.

At the moment, the Nationals have one open spot on the 40-man roster, which will likely be filled with a non-roster invitee who performs well at camp. Right now, my money is on Gerardo Parra claiming that spot, earned or not. However, other players could force the Nationals’ hand to remove someone from the roster to clear way if said player has a great showing in Spring Training.

In early December we looked at three players the Nationals should sign to minor league contracts, and they did bring in one of them. There are still several players in the free agent pool who can work their way onto a roster and produce.

Three players the Washington Nationals should sign to minor league contracts before Spring Training.

With the additions of Alex Avila, Blake Swihart and Welington Castillo, the catching unit seems to have the reinforcements they need. The outfield is also in good shape. The ongoing questions revolving around Carter Kieboom at third base are concerning and a team can never have enough pitching depth. We’ll begin there.

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