The Washington Nationals are capable of contending in Major League Baseball. The team's elite offense was left out to dry by the team's abysmal bullpen. Blowing 42 saves and still managing to win 75 games displays opportunity as much as it does failure. I believe that this team can contend for a World Series bid. But how?
The following emphasizes three aggressive moves Paul Toboni can make if ownership gives him the money. Washington often has a low-$100 million payroll. But if they want to win, they will raise that number closer to $150 million. Here's what the team can do if the Lerners decide it's time to compete.
Sign Two Elite Relievers
Washington needs a closer. That is not a knock on Eric Tolman, but he is not a prime arm. The ideal answer is Adrian Morejon.
The valuation of Morejon is variable. But it will likely average around $15 million annually, and that could rise to around $20 million. After all, Morejon posted a 2.25 ERA and 2.8 WAR, powered by his high-velocity, left-handed sinkerball skillset. If the Nationals could blow just 28 saves, they'd have made the postseason.
The answer is not just a closer. The Nationals also need a setup man. The entire bullpen combined for a 4.99 ERA and -3.3 WAR in 2026.
Alex Vesia is another lucrative name to consider. The Dodgers' late-inning reliever has a 2.64 ERA and 1.2 WAR in 2026. Over the last three seasons, Vesia has a combined ERA of 2.45.
Vesia will probably demand similar money to Morejon. If the Nationals want to win, they will spend money to ensure an elite duo is fielded, and 42 blown saves will be forgotten.
Sign a Sub-3.50 ERA Starter
The wallet must stay open to eye up a World Series. The team has enough young talent to stay well out of the Mets' and Yankees' spending range, but they have to ink some zeros to paper. Toboni needs one great starter next to the recently extended Cade Cavalli, and that can be enough.
How about Freddy Peralta? The deal does not have to be long-term. The franchise needs a holdover for <5 years until more youth develops. Peralta will command north of $20 million in average annual value, but that is the price of the playoffs.
Peralta's season began shakily in New York, but once the Mets sent him to the Tampa Bay Rays, he found his way. Peralta has a 3.25 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in ten starts with the team down south. That follows a 2020-2025 span where he worked the mark of consistency, posting a 3.33 ERA.
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Ink CJ Abrams to a Big Deal
Teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and beyond will be clawing to get Abrams on their team. Money talks, and the Lerners will once again have to pay up. But they cannot let Abrams walk; he is too good.
Abrams was the Nationals' only All-Star starter in 2026. James Wood earned his start as a reserve. Despite trade rumors flying around all summer, the team kept Abrams, and he delivered. The reluctance to trade Abrams sent a message that he is valued, and the team won't let him walk away easily.
Do not be surprised if Abrams commands over $30 million in average annual value. If these big-shot teams are in the market, they will drive the price up. As I will say again, this is the price of competing. Simply put, ensure Abrams is a cornerstone of this offense. Then, the Nationals can easily return to top-5 hitting status in 2026.
If the Nationals can ink good enough pitching and retain their hitting, who knows what the ceiling is?
The average MLB team blew fewer than 30 saves in 2026. If the Nationals reach league average, they will pace for wins in the high 80s. If they can surpass being average, the team can, dare I say, contend for the NL East. Why not? This is baseball, and anything is possible. Time for the front office to get to work.
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