3 potential free agency signings to help the Nationals return to relevance

It's a familiar narrative: the Washington Nationals have struggled to be an entertaining team on the field for most of the past six seasons. This offseason, for the first time in a while, there is a buzz around our nation's capital baseball team. On the heels of the signing of brand new manager Blake Butera, the youngest big league skipper since 1972, let's take a look at some free agency signings the front office should strongly consider to keep momentum rolling and bring some non-prospect excitement. 

The three biggest non-pitching needs are pretty clear. A catcher, a middle infielder to pair with CJ Abrams, and a first base bat. Look no further than this off-season's free agency market to address these needs. 

Catcher: James McCann

Keibert Ruiz was expected to anchor the Nationals behind the plate after the Max Scherzer and Trea Turner trade, but has struggled both defensively and offensively since signing his 8-year, $50 million extension. His difficulties blocking, framing, and in DRS—as well as declining offensive output—make acquiring a veteran catcher crucial for this young team and pitching staff.

James McCann, though 36 and not an everyday option, offers strong defense and leadership. He finished last season productively at the plate and, being a less prominent free agent, could provide reliable support to Ruiz on an affordable contract. 

Middle Infield/UTL: Willi Castro

CJ Abrams is likely moving to second base this spring, which leaves a need to address shortstop. While Abrams performs well offensively, his below-average defense at shortstop, reflected by a negative OAA, signals the opportunity for improvement. Transitioning Abrams to second could help, but the underlying vacancy remains.

Willi Castro stands out as an ideal fit for this gap. If Butera and the front office still want Abrams to occasionally play short, Castro’s versatility is valuable—he’s capable at second and nearly every other position. As a 2024 All-Star, Castro brings switch-hitting ability, speed, and power, making him an excellent lineup addition between Abrams and Wood. With Castro still only 29, even a multi-year deal makes strategic sense. 

First Base: Ty France

With Yohandy Morales still a while away, and an experiment with Luis Garcia Jr. playing first that wasn't terrible but definitely not reassuring, the Nats should target a veteran first baseman with a high floor. With the top-tier bats of Pete Alonso and Josh Naylor being a bit unrealistic, Ty France, who is a Gold Glove nominee and has shown to be able to carry more than his fair share at the plate, would be an ideal candidate for a low-cost, low-risk signing that would still provide a boost for the Nats. Another reunion with Josh Bell doesn't seem too out of the question either, but would most likely be more of a designated hitter due to his weak defensive skillset. 

None of these signings would be the flashiest, hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars deals that we see breaking headlines all the time, but would put the Nats in a much better place from a defensive standpoint, one of their biggest weaknesses last year, not to mention the potential offensive capabilities of France and Castro on top of more of a veteran presence and leadership for a team that has one of the youngest rosters in Major League Baseball.