The Washington Nationals are making significant strides in addressing roster weaknesses as they approach the upcoming season. The team's first base now appears fortified with the acquisition of Nathaniel Lowe via trade with the Texas Rangers and the re-signing of veteran Josh Bell. However, the third-base position still poses challenges that require attention. Heading into Spring Training, catcher Keibert Ruiz's ability to maintain his second-half performance will also be critical for the lineup's overall strength.
On the pitching front, the Nationals secured veteran Mike Soroka, who is expected to bolster either the starting rotation or the bullpen. Trevor Williams has also been retained for the starting lineup, which previously lacked experience. Although MacKenzie Gore leads the team in Major League experience, the bullpen remains a pressing concern, especially following the trade that sent Robert Garcia to Texas.
One of the more surprising offseason moves was non-tendering closer Kyle Finnegan, who had enjoyed a standout season with 38 saves and an All-Star selection. This decision came after failed arbitration talks and has left the late-game situation precarious. However, the slow-moving relief pitching market may allow the Nationals to re-sign Finnegan at a reduced cost, providing an opportunity to enhance his value while addressing a key roster gap. Additionally, Jacob Burnes, who had a modest performance last year, could also return on a Minor League deal if he doesn't receive a better offer from other teams.
