Two moves the Nationals can make to improve offense

My next move to improve the offense would be adding another big-bat and this one would cost more, despite being a rental. Kris Bryant will be the most sought after bat at the deadline, if you don’t count Trevor Story. Bryant is currently performing at his MVP-levels and with the Mets, Phillies (If Bohm cannot get going), and White Sox likely to be in the running, the Nats package will have to be strong. To have a big three offense of Turner, Soto, and Bryant, the Nationals would boast one of the best offenses in all of baseball overnight. Schwarber, Bell, Castro, Escobar, Zimmerman, and Robles will be a spot lower in the lineup and get more pitches to hit.

One of Bryant’s many gifts includes his versatility, and would allow the Nats to put up more of a righty-heavy lineup when facing a tough left-hander, as you could slide Bryant to left field while Escobar and Castro could move in at either second or third. While you may make the argument that the Nats should very much do the opposite of going all-in, I don’t think it’s in the M.O. of Mike Rizzo to give up on a season. Despite the poor play up to this point, the Nats have always shown a willingness to improve the club and with 2021 being Scherzer’s final year under contract, it makes much more sense for the club to give it another go. It will take in the range of three to four young players, and likely one big-league ready bat, and in this case, I part with Carter Kieboom.

Kieboom, who has yet to establish himself as a major-leaguer, could benefit from a change of scenery and will likely get the chance to fill in for another big-name at third base. Tim Cate, a lefty in Double-A is currently starting and features a plus-curveball, but if the rotation doesn’t work out for him, he  could very well make the transition to the bullpen if needed. Lara and Quintana, both 18-year olds are part of the 2019 International signing class both have high ceilings but still have yet to play. Both are high upside talents giving the Cubs something to dream on. Bryant gives the Nats a much needed big-bat who can slot after Turner and Soto.

With these two acquisitions to the offense, I am confident as ever that the Nats could go toe-to-toe with any offense in baseball. With the expected development of Victor Robles who has come on during the Arizona series, in addition to both Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber starting to find their footing at the plate, this Nats offense can go in many different directions. The additions of Bryant and Escobar can only help, and would give the club as strong of a chance to win their second World Series Championship in three seasons. Only time will tell, but Mike Rizzo and his staff will have their work cut out to fix the offense and give Davey Martinez as best of a chance to win.