After a devastating playoff-ending loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Washington Nationals are left asking themselves “what if’. What if Stephen Strasburg never re-injured his elbow? What if Wilson Ramos never suffered his season-ending knee injury? What if manager Dusty Baker left Max Scherzer in the game after just one bad pitch? However, they cannot feel sorry for themselves. The Nationals offseason focus needs to be about making themselves a powerhouse team to be reckoned with.
Nationals Offseason Focus: Fortifying Powerhouse Reputation
Espinosa Must Go
Despite the fact that he’s a stellar defensive player, the Nationals cannot go into next season with Danny Espinosa as their starting shortstop. His defensive abilities simply don’t make up for his inconsistent offensive production. While a power hitter, Espinosa tends to over-swing at times, resulting in his lack luster batting average; he hit .209 last season.
His replacement needs to be the young Trea Turner. While Turner played center field for most of last season, he struggled due to poor judgment of balls hit to the wall. The reality is, he’s not a center fielder; Turner’s natural position is shortstop. He’s a very good fielder, and the potential departure of Espinosa could lead to Turner becoming more of a complete player. Espinosa’s absence would also pave the way for the Nationals to address two of their most glaring issues.
Matt Wieters
Ramos recently underwent season-ending knee surgery, and the all Star catcher’s availability for next season remains in the air. While it is likely that Ramos will return sometime during the course of next season, the Nationals cannot sit around and wait for his return. They need to find a replacement, and one very intriguing option could be Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters.
Wieters is a lefty bat with power who also plays solid defense, but he comes with some baggage; he hasn’t played a full season since 2013, due to injuries. However, despite his recent inability to stay on the field, Wieters may be worth the risk for Washington if they can get him to sign a one-year deal, rather than a long-term one. However, if they find Wieters to be too big of a risk, the Nationals could opt to pursue New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann via trade.
Brian McCann can be a Fallback Option
Veteran catcher Brian McCann is heading into year four of a five-year deal with the New York Yankees; however, his departure seems inevitable. With young phenom catcher Gary Sanchez taking the baseball world by storm with his power bat, Brian McCann’s role with the Yankees has become unclear. That could make him a bargain get on the trade market.
The Potential McCann Trade
In a potential McCann trade, the Nationals could offer young arm Erick Fedde. Fedde is a good pitcher who the Nationals can afford to let go, due to their bevy of pitching prospects. He could find a place with the Yankees at the back-end of their rotation, or potentially in a late-inning role out of the bullpen. On the flipside, the Nationals would be getting a player with power from the left side, a veteran catcher who could help young arms such as Joe Ross or Reynaldo Lopez develop. By putting McCann in the order, the Nationals lineup becomes more balanced.
Dexter Fowler
In addition to getting a starting catcher with pop, the Nationals must bring in a center fielder who can produce at a consistent level, and Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler fits the bill. He’s a guy who can get on base, moves well, and is a solid fielder. He would be a great get for this team; however, getting his services won’t be easy. Fowler and the Cubs have something very special brewing in the Windy City. They’re hands down the most talented team from top to bottom in all of baseball, and Fowler is a part of that.
If the Nationals want to steal Fowler from the Cubs, they’re going to have to come in with a hefty offer. A three-year, $51 million deal should be enough to get Fowler to come to the nation’s capital.
Mark Melancon
The Nats also need to keep their bullpen together. After years of it being a liability, the Washington Nationals ‘pen was its biggest asset this season. With the signing of set up man Shawn Kelley, along with the growth of lefty Sammy Solis and righty Blake Treinen, the Nationals bullpen became lethal. They added to their arsenal at the trade deadline last season by acquiring All-Star closer Mark Melancon, one of the best in baseball. He is a ground ball pitcher, but he also has the ability to blow his fastball by opposing hitters. His presence propelled the Nationals bullpen to become one of the best units in all of baseball.
Retaining Melancon in free agency is a necessity. The fee agent market will be closer-heavy this offseason, featuring flamethrower Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen. Melancon may fall under teams’ radars. The Nationals will benefit from that, but they will still have to pay up. Both parties should be able to agree on a four-year, $54 million deal.
The Washington Nationals need to prioritize finding a two-way catcher, a reliable center fielder, and also keeping their bullpen in tact. It’s imperative that this team improves itself this offseason to remain a powerhouse in the National League.
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