After five straight losing seasons, the Washington Nationals need to add another impact bat (or two) this winter and these free agents could be the answer. For the first time since winning the 2019 World Series, Washington will not end the year at the bottom of the division. Even though their rebuild is far from over, the Nationals are expected to build on this year’s improvement in free agency.
On Thursday, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo spoke to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson about the future of the franchise. One thing Rizzo made clear is that the Nationals “need some offense” and a middle-of-the-order bat. Washington has had a middle-of-the-pack offense ever since they traded Juan Soto to San Diego two years ago. The Nationals have their outfield of the future with rookies James Wood, Jacob Young, and Dylan Crews already in the majors. Shortstop CJ Abrams followed his breakout season by making his first All-Star Game, while second baseman Luis García Jr. is having his own breakout season. Keibert Ruiz, acquired in the Max Scherzer/Trea Turner trade, has solidified his spot in the Nationals lineup both at the plate and behind it. But the Nationals lack production from their corner infield, something they plan to change this offseason.
Nationals Plan on Adding Middle-of-the-Order Bats in Free Agency
While Rizzo did not identify any specific targets, Washington has the payroll flexibility to sign a top free agent bat. Despite not wanting to “keyhole” the Nationals at first base, that is the most obvious position for an upgrade. Washington’s first basemen have hit just .240/.310/.378 this season, landing them in the bottom third of the majors. Juan Yepez can hit for average at first base but lacks the power that will be available in free agency.
The Nationals could spend big on a power-hitting first baseman like Pete Alonso or Christian Walker this winter. But they still have options even if they are not ready to hand out massive free agent contracts. One option would be reuniting with Josh Bell, who slashed .278/.363/.483 during his time in Washington. The 32-year-old first baseman owns a .249/.320/.401 slash line over 140 games between the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks this year. Another interesting option is two-time All-Star Justin Turner. The soon-to-be 40-year-old has primarily been a designated hitter in recent years, but has 119 career starts at first base, including 39 in 2024. If the Nationals front office decides to add a veteran middle-of-the-order bat, the 16-year veteran fits the bill.
Justin Turner makes this a brand new ballgame in the 8th with one swing 💪 pic.twitter.com/3d3lL6ZgXC
— MLB (@MLB) September 19, 2024
José Tena has flashed potential at third base but is on borrowed time until No. 2 prospect Brady House arrives. Even though Rizzo expects House to be an impact player for the Nationals next year, Eugenio Suárez could provide the middle-of-the-order presence Washington is looking for. The 33-year-old third baseman has had a dominant second half for Arizona, slashing .312/.345/.628/.973 through 56 games. Suárez, batting .254/.319/.471 with 28 homers and 97 RBI this season, would give Washington a significant offensive boost. That is, of course, if the Diamondbacks decline his $15 million club option for 2025.
Washington’s Outlook for 2025
Now that Washington’s rebuild has turned a corner, their goal for 2025 should be achieving their first winning record in five years. Even if they avoid pursuing top-tier free agents like the Kansas City Royals did last offseason, the Nationals need more impact bats in their lineup. With Patrick Corbin coming off the books this winter, Washington has more financial room to upgrade their offense and supplement the young stars.
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