Washington Nationals: What the Yu Darvish signing means to them
The Chicago Cubs have signed Yu Darvish. What does it mean to the Washington Nationals?
It’s official. Yu Darvish will play 2018 in a Chicago Cubs uniform. The de facto replacement for Jake Arrieta, some can say the Cubs upgraded over the 2015 Cy Young winner. Over in the nation’s capital, the Washington Nationals are prepared to enter the upcoming campaign with the same rotation as last year. Unless, of course, they see the addition of Darvish as a challenge.
The Nationals employ one of the best starting rotations in baseball. Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Gio Gonzalez were all amazing last year. Scherzer and Strasburg are regularly terrific, last year’s performance dominating all prior campaigns.
Hopeful Tanner Roark’s 2017 struggles were a fluke, Washington has a nice four-man group at the top of the rotation. It’s only the fifth spot where they have a few question marks.
A.J. Cole or Erick Fedde look like the favorites to open the year as the fifth starter in Washington. When Joe Ross returns from Tommy John Surgery, he could also play a role. Because of that uncertainty in the final spot, the Cubs have a clear advantage.
Washington Nationals rotation vs. Chicago Cubs rotation
How do Scherzer, Strasburg, Gonzalez, Roark, and a wild card compare to what the Cubs have?
Exclusively looking at last year’s numbers, the Washington Nationals have the advantage. That’s because Jon Lester struggled and Jose Quintana wasn’t special. The Chicago Cubs can still feel confident with what they have. From number one starter to the fifth man up, they can compete with any team.
While Scherzer is the best pitcher on either team, it’s the middle of each rotation when the tables turn. The Cubs’ starters are better overall. With an impressive offense to help secure victories, the Nationals will have a tough time competing with a dominant team like Chicago.
How the Washington Nationals can keep up
Obviously, making their own big splash in free agency is one way to accomplish this. Former Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta is still available, possibly even interested in letting spite get the best of him. Signing with two of the league’s most competitive teams, such as the Washington Nationals or Milwaukee Brewers, would help stick it to the Cubs.
Aside from Arrieta, the Nationals could seek out Alex Cobb or Lance Lynn. As I wrote recently, a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for Jake Odorizzi is also a consideration.
Any reaction the Nationals may have to the blockbuster deal the Cubs made with Darvish will come with competition. The Los Angeles Dodgers should now have their hands in the jars of every free agent starter. The Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins are two others who had interest in Darvish. With him off the board, they will need to turn elsewhere.
Next: Odorizzi to the Nationals?
Pitching is not a major need for the Washington Nationals like it is for the Brewers or Twins. To put themselves over the top, landing their own Darvish-type player is the next step.