Ranking the Nationals' Moves From This Offseason

The Nationals have had a relatively active offseason, which is exactly what they needed to do. What is even more impressive is the fact that most of, if not all of, the additions have been smart signings by Mike Rizzo. The Nationals' general manager has received some criticism over the past few years, but with being given a tight budget this offseason, one has to give credit where credit is due. So, with spring training approaching soon, let's take a look and rank at the major additions made by the Nationals this offseason.

The main criteria I used when analyzing and ranking each of the moves was how much can they help the team. Whether it's through them breaking out and becoming a part of the future, or they simply put together a strong 2023 and are traded away at the deadline to strengthen the farm system, how much they could be a help to the organization was the main criteria used. With that being said, I took a look at only the 'major' moves from the offseason, aka the signings involving players with some level of name recognition. Now let's get to the fun part and take a look at the rankings.

12. Michael Chavis

Michael Chavis has a negative career WAR. He provides decent depth and can play a multitude of positions, but isn't anything special offensively or defensively. This deal was only a minor league signing, so it still isn't an awful move by Rizzo, but there just isn't much upside here so I have to put it last.

11. Corey Dickerson

Before anyone jumps to any conclusions, I have no problems with Corey Dickerson. I think he is a fine player and would make a good fourth outfielder on any roster. However, I critique and take some points away from this move solely because he's projected to be the starting left fielder, a job I believe should go to Stone Garrett. Furthermore, what the Nationals lack in the outfield, and lineup as a whole, is power. Dickerson isn't the answer to that issue, as he slugged .399 last season with 6 home runs, two numbers that aren't awfully impressive. While it was cheap and not a terrible move by any means, the fact that it could lead to playing time being taken away from some of the younger guys with more upside makes me put this deal towards the bottom.

10. Sean Doolittle

Doolittle will always be a fan favorite in DC, and for good reason. The "Doo" chant in playoff games will always be one of my favorite memories as a fan. While it's hard to hate Sean as a player and a person, and it sucks to have to put him this low, he most likely won't be a major contributor to the major league roster this year. He still provides good depth, especially being a left handed reliever, and was only a minor league addition. I obviously hope for the best for Sean and hope the injuries aren't a major factor this year, but being realistic puts him lower on the list.

9. Wily Peralta

There is a never enough pitching depth, and Wily Peralta adds to the Nationals depth in that area. Peralta was another deal that was only a minor league contract, helping it in terms of being even more low risk. Peralta threw 38.1 innings last year for Detroit, quietly pitching to a 2.58 ERA, despite a worrisome 1.513 WHIP. I don't expect much from Peralta this year, which is why I have him down at 9, but he could end up being a valuable piece to a pitching staff that needs help eating innings.

7. Dom Smith

Dom Smith hasn't been the same since the shortened 2020 season, but that doesn't eliminate the possibility of him finding some level of success with the Nationals. Will he hit the tune of a .993 OPS like he did in 2020? Of course not, but he can improve from the .560 OPS he had last year. Any progress would be a welcome sight here regardless. His potential upside combined with his lackluster offense the past few years puts him right in the middle of the rankings.

6. Erasmo Ramirez

You can't talk about an underrated reliever and not mention Erasmo Ramirez. He threw quality innings after quality innings last season for Washington, a trend he hopes to continue in 2023. I thought it was essential for the Nats to bring him back this year, and they did just that. His potential most likely isn't anything better than what we saw from him last year, but that performance alone would prove to be an excellent re-signing by the Nats.

5. Jeter Downs

Notoriously known for being in the Mookie Betts to Los Angeles deal, Jeter Downs could never figure it out in Boston. Combining the cancelled minor league season in 2020 with him being rushed to the majors in 2022, many Boston fans criticized the front office for rushing him in his development process. With former top prospect status, I am excited to watch Jeter Downs in spring training and beyond with the Nats. He should start in the minors, but if he is able to show off the skills that made him a top prospect in the first place, he could end up becoming one amazing addition by Mike Rizzo.

4. Thad Ward

Thad Ward was the first overall selection by the Nats in the recent Rule 5 draft, and he can prove why he deserves that kind of prestige. Ward has an extremely slick slider with a plus sinker, a combo that could cement him as a piece of the bullpen heading forward. It will definitely be interesting to see how he performs in spring training, but the hype is there and his upside within the organization is huge.

3. Jeimer Candelario

Huge Candelario guy here. Many people forget Candelario finished 2021 with 42 doubles, good enough for the major league lead. Some small adjustments combined with him being able to leave Comerica Park should help him be able to improve back to an above league average hitter. He also isn't really taking away at bats from any young guys, as his main competitor will be Carter Kieboom, someone who should start in the minor leagues to see if he can build his confidence back up. While he most likely won't become a core piece of the Nationals future, his upside is towards the top of the additions made by the Nats offseason, leading him to this placement within the rankings.

2. Stone Garrett

Garrett only had 76 ABs last season, but was still able to reach an extremely impressive .848 OPS with a 136 OPS+. Whether or not he can do that over a full season is obviously yet to be seen, but the potential is definitely there. I'm really hoping he impresses enough in spring training to make the starting outfield on opening day, as he could help fill the power hole within the Nats lineup. The sheer potential presented by Garrett aids him to the second spot in my rankings.

1. Trevor Williams

While this may come as a suprise to many, I think Trevor Williams was the best addition by the Nats offseason. He was a perfect fit for what the Nationals needed, so signing him helped them accomplished a much needed goal this offseason. That goal was increased starting pitching depth. Williams will ease back into a starter role from the long relief role he held with the Mets and will make quality start after quality start for the Nationals, not only eating innings, but keeping the team in reach in many winnable games. His value will be unmatched compared to the rest of the guys in this ranking, boosting him to the number one spot of my list.