Defending Champs Turn the Page to 2020

Coming off their first ever World Series Title, the Washington Nationals come into to 2020 optimistic about their chances to repeat. Playoff hero Stephen Strasburg, was resigned to seven year $245 million contract. A huge move by Mike Rizzo and staff, which felt like a no brainer. The move keeps that star studded three headed monster of starting rotation with Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin. The trio alone should keep the Nats in contention for a division title next season. However if the Nationals are serious about returning to the World Series, a few questions need answering. The first and most pressing question is how and with whom they are going replace the departed production of star third baseman Anthony Rendon. Rendon who has spent the entirety of his seven-year career with the Nats, signed with the Los Angeles Angels for seven years and $245 million. This past season Rendon led the Nationals with 126 RBI’s, a .316 batting average, along with 34 home runs. He finished third in MVP voting, and was even better in playoffs. Including a clutch two run homer to put the Nats in front in a season saving win in game six of the World series. How do you replace a guy like that? The Nats seem to be taking the approach of replacing Rendon’s production by committee. The signed Starlin Castro in free agency. He has primarily been a middle infielder but is capable of playing 3B. Playoff sensation Howie Kendrick is back. He has played mostly first and second base as a Nat, but does have some experience at third. Asdroubal Cabrera is back and he can fill in some time at third. The biggest unknown is what the role of up and coming prospect Carter Kieboom will be. Kieboom has been a short stop for most of his professional career. Last season, with Trea Turner out with a broken finger, Kieboom got a chance to play in the big leagues. Kieboom showed an ability to hit big league pitching but struggled mightily with his glove. However, the Nats are still high on his potential and it will be interesting to see if they are grooming him to eventually be the everyday third baseman. Another question coming into this off season was the Nationals bullpen, which was a dumpster fire early last season but was sure up with late addtions at the trade deadline. Specifically with shut down man Daniel Hudson, who was lights out in their playoff run. Firtunately, Rizzo and company found a way to bring Hudson back on a two year deal. In addition, the Nats signed Will Harris to a three-year deal after a fantastic season for the Astros. Those two additions along with Sean Doolittle make for a pretty formidable back end of your bullpen. Overall, the Nationals should feel good about the roster going into the 202 season. The National League east will be a gauntlet once again. Can Juan Soto continue his ascend as one of the great players in baseball? Will the Nats go back to back? We will have our answer soon enough.