In a recent article from Tim Kelly over on Bleacher Report last week where he predicted that the Washington Nationals will sign a pair of veteran free agents to bolster both their lineup and starting rotation. But who were the names that Kelly tied to the Nats? Let's take a look.
Nathan Eovaldi
This will be a free agent target that I will cover in further detail at a later point, as I would love for the Nationals to target Nathan Eovaldi in free agency. The righty, who will be 35-years-old on Opening Day, will likely be able to be had at a fraction of the price that you'd have to pay for a younger big-time arm like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, or Max Fried, but the value he could provide for the club would be immense. Kelly predicted the Nationals would bring in Eovaldi on a 2-year, $39M deal, and if this was the price for him, I would be all over it.
He comes with a fantastic track record of postseason success, with a 3.05 ERA in 17 career playoff appearances with 12 starts, and a solid 9-3 record overall. I would have the utmost confidence in the Nationals handing him the ball for Game 1 of a playoff series, and he would be the veteran ace that coule help to stabilize the Nationals' young rotation.
Christian Walker
This would be a signing that makes so much sense for the Nationals, and is probably the most likely signing for the club in free agency due to recent rumors and speculation. The Nats need a first baseman with some pop that can also provide some great defense, and Christian Walker provides exactly that. He has averaged 33 homers per season over the last 3 years, and he would be some much-needed protection for the Nats' young bats in their lineup currently.
Kelly predicted the Nationals will land Walker on a 3-year, $60M deal, and this is a signing that I would compare to when the club signed Adam LaRoche in 2011. Both are similar players, in that they are veteran first baseman from the Arizona Diamondbacks with a lot of pop and a great glove. LaRoche came to DC and provided a ton of veteran leadership that helped propel the club to consistent contention, and Walker would have the opportunity to do the same thing. With a 3-year deal, he would be the perfect signing to help bridge the gap until a guy on the farm like Yohandy Morales is ready to come to the bigs and take the reigns at the position.
Do you think the Nationals should sign Nathan Eovaldi or Christian Walker? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.