Washington Nationals 2016 Season in Review

What Went Right?

This year’s biggest success story may have been Daniel Murphy. The Washington Nationals signed him over the offseason to a three-year, $37.5 million contact. The second baseman was a fairly coveted free agent last winter, but many debated whether his value was being unduly inflated by his herculean postseason with the New York Mets. In his previous seven years as a big leaguer, Murphy had been a rather average player.

He was anything but average in 2016. In fact, he was MVP caliber. The 31-year-old slashed a resounding .347/.390/.595 with 25 home runs and 104 RBI. He led the NL with 47 doubles, and his slugging percentage and OPS were also tops on the Senior Circuit. The only blemish on an otherwise exemplary year was the fact that Murphy missed 20 games, some of them late in September due to a strained glute. He did manage to return for the postseason, though.

If Murphy more or less maintains this level of production for two more years, his deal will be a downright bargain for the Nats.

Max Scherzer was Max Scherzer. In his second season in Washington, the 32-year-old right-hander continued to thrive as the team’s ace. He won 20 games to go along with a 2.96 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 5.07 K/BB ratio. His win total and K/BB led the NL, as did his 228.1 innings pitched. He paced both leagues with 284 strikeouts. The highlight of his year came on May 11, when he tied the record held by Roger Clemens, Kerry Wood and Randy Johnson by striking out 20 batters in a game.

Aiding Scherzer in the rotation was a breakout season from Tanner Roark. After a forgettable 2015, the 29-year-old turned heads by posting a 2.83 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 210 innings on the way to 16 wins. Given the continued uncertainties surrounding Stephen Strasburg, Roark’s emergence was great to see.

Another welcome sight to the Nationals’ eyes was rookie Trea Turner. The top prospect was called up for good in early July and did not look overmatched at all. In 73 games, he slashed .342/.370/.567 with 13 homers and 40 RBI. Known for his speed, Turner also imposed his will on the base paths, racking up 33 steals. Still just 23, it’s looking like the Nats have another good one for years to come.

Overall, Washington was a fairly well-rounded team, ranking eighth in runs scored (763) and second in ERA (3.51). They were more middle-of-the-pack defensively, however, ranking 14th by Fangraphs’ Defensive Rating (-0.9). This group had the ingredients for success, and it showed during the regular season.

Next: The Bad