Washington Nationals: The Window is Closing

The Washington Nationals window to a title is closing and their off-season plans acknowledge that.

After another postseason failure for the Washington Nationals, they are trying to find their way back by adding another All-Star caliber player in Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen.

The Nationals would have to give up some propsects in that deal. Maybe its outfielder Victor Robles. Maybe it’s pitchers Joe Ross and/or Reynaldo Lopez.

The Nationals have had all sorts of issues with their television contract and MASN. Because of this, the team has had to creative when it comes to payroll. Those deferrals are about to rear their ugly heads. All totals are per Spotrac unless otherwise noted.

On the plus side, Jayson Werth and his $21.5 million salary will be off the books after this year. Daniel Murphy‘s salary will go up $5 million after 2017 which won’t hurt too much. Bryce Harper‘s arbitration number will probably reach record highs.

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Here comes the negative. Max Scherzer in his age 35-37 seasons will make $37.4 million, $35.9 million and $34.5 million. Stephen Strasburg in 2019 will make $38.3 million. Players like Trea Turner and Joe Ross will hit arbitration.

Oh yeah, after 2018, Murphy and Harper will be free agents. If they trade for McCutchen, he will be too.

Let’s take a look at the division.

The New York Mets aren’t going away with their young pitching, plus keeping Yoenis Cespedes. The Atlanta Braves will be in a new ballpark with one of the best farm systems in the game. Per Cot’s Contracts, the Phillies literally have no money on the books after next year and a good farm system themselves.

The Washington Nationals have no choice but to go for it. McCutchen to play center? Sure. Wanna add another starter via trade or free agency? Heck yeah. Re-sign Mark Melancon? Get it done.

Next: Braves Use Prospect Depth to Add to Rotation

The Nationals are a perfect storm of backloading contracts and other players hitting the free agent market. Even Bobby Bonilla thinks those deferrals are a lot. Given how punitive it is to go over the luxury tax in the new CBA, this roster may get torn to shreds in the next couple of seasons because of it. It’s now or never for the Nationals. For Mike Rizzo and ownership hopefully it’s more now than never.