As we near the end of the 2024 season, it's time to predict how the Washington Nationals will approach the offseason. With lots of financial flexibility, the Nats could go in multiple directions this winter. Washington is plentiful among the youth but lacks a true veteran presence in the clubhouse. General Manager Mike Rizzo has built a championship contender before, but can he do it again?
The brand of baseball in Washington, D.C., is nothing short of atrocious. From inept base-running, porous defensive tendencies, and poor hitting approaches, it all stems from the coaching staff. Davey Martinez, Jim Hickey, and Darnell Coles are largely responsible for the Nationals' results (or lack-thereof) in the past few seasons. Since the famous trade deadline sell-off in 2021, the Nats have been among the worst in baseball in almost every statistical category. Here's a hypothetical plan to fix the brand of baseball in D.C.
Overhaul Coaching Staff
At this point, Davey Martinez has outstayed his welcome in Washington. His managerial practices in 2019 were second to none, but since then, there hasn't been anything to write home about. The Nationals play sloppy baseball consistently and have shown little signs of improvement over the last three seasons. His assistant coaches, Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey, must be relieved of their duties. Sean Doolittle, the current assistant pitching coach, should be promoted to the full-time pitching coach. Pitchers like Jake Irvin and Mitchell Parker have raved about Doolittle as a coach, and his former playing experience has benefitted the young pitchers.
Free Agent Additions
The Nationals' roster is lacking in various areas: power, power, and more power. Simply put, Mike Rizzo needs to target power hitters this offseason. A starting pitcher wouldn't hurt either, although the Nats' power numbers versus their starting pitching statistics tell me they need a power hitter first and foremost. Someone like Juan Soto clearly fits the bill, as Nats fans have raved at the idea of signing Soto again, but would it limit the Nats' flexibility in free agency? As previously mentioned, there are many holes in the Nats' roster. Signing Soto to a mega-deal could mean he's the only major free agent signed.
As much as I'd love to see Soto back in a Nats uniform, a big name starting pitcher is going to be needed on the roster. A top-of-the-line starting pitcher, perhaps someone like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or Walker Buehler, would be a great addition. Signing one of those three would give Rizzo the additional money to sign a power hitter like Anthony Santander, who would slot right into the designated hitter position and thrive for the Nats. A potential first four in the lineup of Dylan Crews, CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Anthony Santander would be awesome, and truly strike some legitimate fear into opposing teams
What are your thoughts? What route should Mike Rizzo take the Nationals on this Winter? Let us know what you think!