What Can We Expect from the Nationals this Season? by Noah Kravitz

Washington Nationals Offseason Review: Have they done enough?

NOAH KRAVITZ

What many Nats fans were expecting to be an outstanding offseason, has turned out to be a quiet one at that. Players from the likes of Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander, and Christian Walker have all found their free agency destinations as they were all rumored to be potentially signing with the Nats this offseason. 

Although some fans have expressed disappointment over this offseason, there is plenty of reason to be excited about the new talent the Nationals front office has added to the roster this winter. 

To start, general manager Mike Rizzo addressed the team’s biggest need by dipping into the first baseman trade market by acquiring Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers. This marks the second time Lowe has been traded in his career. He was previously dealt from the Rays back in 2020 where he slashed .278/.359/.432 in 4 seasons with Texas, as well as 78 home runs among those years. Lowe will provide a significant veteran presence towards the Nationals young ins on their roster as they look to get over the hump in 2025. Lowe is under contract for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. 

One move that definitely intrigued some Nationals fans, was bringing back power hitter Josh Bell on a one-year contract. Bell was originally dealt to the Nationals in 2020 from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a deal that sent him to DC, in exchange for two minor league pitchers (Will Crowe, Eddy Yean). Played well above average in his 1 ½ year stint with the Nats before becoming involved in the infamous Juan Soto megadeal to the Padres. Bell in all likelihood will serve as the team’s primary DH, with some days acting as the backup to Nathaniel Lowe at first base. 

This offseason for the Nationals was highlighted by the overhaul of starting pitchers the team added this winter. Bringing in former rookie of the year candidate Michael Soroka was one thing, but signing back Trevor Williams did raise some eyebrows at first. Williams prior to landing on the IL for 3 months, was very reliable for the team as he notched an ERA in the low 2’s. He’s back with the Nats on a 2-year $14 million contract. A raise from his previous deal he signed before the 2023 season. 

In January, the Nationals signed left-hander Shinnosuke Ogasawara to a two-year, $3.5 million contract which marks the first ever given by the club to a player directly from Asia. 

All of a sudden, the Nationals went from not having enough starters, to not having enough open rotation spots. Although Mike Rizzo has always said, you cannot have enough pitching. 

GM Mike Rizzo is under pressure to move the rebuild along.

Infielder Amed Rosario and reliever Jorge Lopez were also among free agents signed to one-year deals, with Lopez likely to be assumed as an option for the team’s closer role. 

So, as we sit here more than a month away from baseball’s favorite day, most of us ponder the question: Have the Nationals done enough this offseason? The quick answer would be that something is missing. 

Could the Nats take another gander in free agency before the season begins? Sure. Last season they brought in outfielders Eddie Rosario and Jesse Winker on minor league deals, and both found themselves on the opening day roster. 

So yes, it is entirely possible the Nats bring in more players to help finish the puzzle. Will it be an Alex Bregman type player? Probably not. But it is safe to say that the Nationals still have pieces to fill on their roster.