Spring training is well underway, and the Nationals have a roster with high-end talent, but poised to not bring the team anywhere close to the playoffs. The Nationals may not be competing for a playoff spot this year, but they should still consider supplementing their team with what is left of the free agent pool.
The Nationals younger players will benefit from veteran leadership of free agents that have past Major League success. Moreover, the Nationals can flip these free agents at the trade deadline if they are successful with the club. Since it is so late in the offseason, these players will also be cheaper to sign. Overall, the Nationals should look to add some of the following names:
Lucas Giolito
The former top prospect who made his Major League debut with Washington is still looking to sign a free agent contract. As I mentioned in a previous article at the beginning of the offseason, a reunion with Giolito makes sense for the Nationals. The veteran right hander pitched to a 3.41 ERA in 24 starts with Boston last season. At the very least, the Nationals need a pitcher who will cover innings. Giolito will go further than this. He is one of the best available arms left on the market, and he will immediately become the best pitcher in the Nationals rotation. Many years ago, people fantasized about Giolito starting opening day in D.C. While it would not be in a way that people had hoped, the Nationals can make this a reality at a cheap price.
Rhys Hoskins
The veteran slugger should be a familiar face for Nationals fans after he spent most of his career with the Phillies. The Nationals do not have a clear first baseman, and Hoskins would provide middle of the order power and veteran leadership for this young team. Hoskins missed lots of time last season with injuries on the Brewers, but he still had a .748 OPS when he did play. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber are all former Nationals fan favorites who torment the team while playing in Philadelphia. The Nationals should sign a former Philadelphia fan favorite and flip the script.
Patrick Corbin
This will be a controversial opinion. Patrick Corbin was one of the worst pitchers in baseball when he pitched on the team. Last season in Texas, he was marginally better, pitching to a 4.40 ERA in 30 starts. Corbin, though, provides a very valuable service to rebuilding baseball teams: he is an innings eater. He has made 30 starts in a season every year, excluding the COVID shortened 2020 season, since 2017. He is arguably the most durable pitcher in the sport. Rebuilding baseball teams need players to cover innings. Patrick Corbin will provide this service.