Washington Nationals look to 2019 after disappointing season
By Drew Douglas
In what was supposed to be their year, the Washington Nationals were MLB’s most disappointing team. After two consecutive division titles, the Nats watched from home in October.
2018 was supposed to be the year that the Washington Nationals finally got over the hump. DC was set to host the All-Star Game, Bryce Harper was in his final year under contract, and Joe Maddon‘s longtime right-hand man, Dave Martinez, was at the helm. Martinez even brought camels to Spring Training to signify getting over the hump.
After years of October heartbreak, 2018 was finally going to be the Nats’ year.
The Nats got off to a hot start, sweeping the Cincinnati Reds to begin the season. Things quickly began crashing down during the Nats’ home opener, though, as they were embarrassed by the New York Mets. The home opener appeared to be an aberration at the time, but it was frustratingly similar to the remainder of the season.
In a completely unforeseen series of events, the Nats ended up selling at the trade deadline. Instead of gearing up for the postseason at the trade deadline, as the Nats typically do, Gio Gonzalez, Daniel Murphy, Brandon Kintzler, Ryan Madson, Matt Adams, and Shawn Kelley were all dealt.
When all was said and done, the Nats finished 82-80, eight games behind the division-champion Atlanta Braves. After two consecutive division titles under the leadership of Dusty Baker, the Nats watched from home in October.
Now, the Nats are entering perhaps their most uncertain offseason in franchise history. They are tasked with determining how to return to the postseason, while Harper is also set to hit free agency for the first time in his career. For better or worse, the Nats’ 2019 season will likely be vastly different from 2018.