Washington Nationals: Do they have another bargain signing left in them?
By Tim Boyle
The Washington Nationals don’t need much else to complete their roster. If they market themselves correctly, they could land at least one more bargain in free agency.
What else do the Washington Nationals need? Aside from an upgrade at catcher, a fifth starter, and maybe one more relief pitcher, there isn’t much else fans can ask for.
Already, the Nationals have been lucky with bargain contracts. Howie Kendrick willingly took a two-year deal worth only $7 million. Although this may have been a result of correctly reading the slow market, it’s still a terrific deal for Washington.
Similarly, slugger Matt Adams signed with the Nationals for a reasonably-priced $4 million. His contract calls for a one-year deal, which works perfectly before the inevitable significant changes coming for the 2019 campaign.
The Nationals are a destination team for many reasons. The biggest is the fact that they play in a division without much competition. Among all 30 MLB teams, they look like the most apparent playoff-bound organization. Knowing this, free agents should see them as the easiest train to the postseason.
Bargain Free Agents to Consider
As mentioned, the Washington Nationals don’t have much room for other players. Even the bench and bullpen is beginning to overflow with options. However, if someone were willing to take less money to play in D.C., I imagine the Nationals could make room.
Catcher Jonathan Lucroy should be at the top of the Nationals’ list when it comes to bargain hunting. Lucroy’s options are extremely limited. A one-year guaranteed deal with an incentive for a second season would inevitably become a temptation. If not the Nationals, Lucroy may have to wait until after Spring Training begins. Current Nationals catcher Matt Wieters did the same thing last year. This time around, I imagine Washington paying a little less.
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A starting pitcher is the other big consideration for the Nationals. Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish probably won’t drop low enough for the amount the Nationals are willing to pay. When it comes to Alex Cobb and Lance Lynn, it’s a different situation.
Cobb and Lynn each have their noted shortcomings. Viewed as the second-tier free agent pitchers this winter, they may need to wait until Arrieta and Darvish sign until they get a favorable deal. If impatience wins, either could become a more affordable choice for the Nationals.
Rather than let Edwin Jackson, A.J. Cole, Erick Fedde, and others fight for the interim job in Spring Training, inking Cobb or Lynn fills the void. Not only would this allow Joe Ross to return slowly, but it also gives the Nationals a viable replacement for Gio Gonzalez when he hits the free agent market next winter.
Next: Who signs Bryce Harper next winter?
The Washington Nationals surely have at least one more seat left on their team bus for a talented veteran prepared to take less money. Will it happen or are the Nationals finished adding?