Washington Nationals: Ranking the Positions of Need

The Nationals were a surprise to many last season, but now are a surprise for their relatively quiet offseason. Of all of their areas of need, what positions are most important?

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1. First Base/Designated Hitter

The position everyone had circled as soon as Dominic Smith was signed last offseason and subsequently released early this offseason - the Nationals need a legitimate answer at First Base.

The Nationals do not have anyone on their roster or even in the Minor Leagues that they can point to as even a candidate to fill that position for years to come. Joey Meneses is slotted in as the starting First Baseman just due to the sheer lack of options within the organization. They could move one of their higher touted prospects to First Base, but they might not want to do that until they have to.

The good news for the Nationals is that there are still options available in this respect. If they truly feel confident in Meneses' ability to fill the void at First Base, then they should take advantage and sign a legitimate DH option to provide the pop the lineup desperatly needs without having to worry about any possible defensive shortcomings. A player like Jorge Soler, a perennial 30 Home Run hitter, would make a lot of sense. But of course, he costs money.

Rhys Hoskins also makes a lot of sense for reasons I am sure everyone knows at this point. He's a younger, proven player, looking for a short term deal to prove he is healthy in hopes of securing a long term deal next offseason. He can be had for essentially a qualifying offer rate (1 year, ~$18M). That is a rate the Nationals should be all over.

Hoskins remains unsigned and the Nationals void at First Base remains unfilled. It would be great if they can make it happen, but they seem committed to punting on spending this offseason. Hopefully I am wrong.

Possible Fits: Rhys Hoskins, Joey Gallo, Brandon Belt, CJ Cron, Carlos Santana, Garrett Cooper, Joey Votto

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