Call to the pen
Fansided

Washington Nationals could turn trash into treasure

By David Hill

Sep 11, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A Washington Nationals logo is seen in front of cutouts of fans in the seats during the third inning of the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A Washington Nationals logo is seen in front of cutouts of fans in the seats during the third inning of the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Nationals are not in the most enviable of positions. They finished in the basement in the NL East, a second consecutive disappointing year after their championship in 2019. However, despite their fire sale at the trade deadline last year, the Nationals insist that they are retooling as opposed to rebuilding.

Even though the Nationals have not exactly been busy in free agency, there is an avenue for them to not only improve the roster but rebuild their farm system at the same time. With teams looking to unload onerous contracts, while potentially attaching prospects to those players to sweeten the pot, the Nationals could drastically improve their roster.

Washington Nationals could take on significant money

As noted on MLB Trade Rumors, the Nationals are significantly below their previous payroll levels. They could easily afford to take on several seemingly bad contracts to improve the overall depth of their roster, especially if it means setting themselves up for a better future.

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There are several players that would fall under the bad contract category who could improve the Nationals. The Reds would love to part ways with Eugenio Suarez and/or Mike Moustakas, either of which could be an improvement over the disappointing Carter Kieboom. Dallas Keuchel could improve the rotation while Craig Kimbrel could make a major difference in the bullpen. Hunter Dozier could slot in several plays around the diamond.

Maybe this is not a traditional way to build a roster. Teams do not target bad contracts with the express idea of making the current roster better unless they are sending out a bad contract of their own.

But the Nationals need to do what it takes to improve. Not only are they looking to return to the postseason, but they are also looking to send a message to young star Juan Soto. The Nationals want to lock him in with an extension, but Soto has been adamant that he wants to see the team show a commitment to winning. Adding a few of those seemingly undesirable veterans could make a difference.

Next. The Nationals 2022 dream lineup. dark

The Washington Nationals are looking for a way to improve their roster for 2022. Adding some bad contracts could actually be the answer.

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