Washington Nationals: Three free agents to target this offseason
By Nick Stevens
The Washington Nationals can make a big splash by signing DJ LeMahieu.
After listing out all of their needs, let’s go in a different direction to upgrade the infield by having the Washington Nationals bring in second baseman DJ LeMahieu.
With Soto and Turner set to earn big contracts, the Nationals will have to be careful in how they hand out money to free agents this offseason, but one big-ticket signing certainly isn’t out of the question.
Marcell Ozuna would give the Nationals their corner outfielder and middle-of-the-order power-hitter, but he could end up sticking with the Braves after a fantastic season at the plate in Atlanta last season. Washington will likely be major players in the Ozuna sweepstakes, but the market could end up pointing to LeMahieu being the better option.
The 32-year-old is coming off back-to-back superb seasons with the Yankees, slashing .364/.421/.590 with 10 home runs and a 177 wRC+ in 50 games this season. He also walked almost as many times (18) as he struck out (21), providing a consistent force in the lineup for New York.
By signing LeMahieu, the Nationals can slide Starlin Castro over to third base and he gives the team a bit of flexibility. LeMahieu can play third base if you need him and has logged nearly 300 innings at first base over the last two seasons with the Yankees. A little versatility never hurt anyone.
This would also mean a Nationals lineup of LeMahieu, Soto, and Turner at the top, a nightmare for any pitcher in baseball. It still leaves the lineup without a home run threat behind this trio, but that may come via trade or first base free agent with some thump.