Are The Nationals Going To Contend?

Two years ago, the Washington Nationals went from 19-31 to winning the World Series and beating a team that ABSOLUELY PLAYED FAIR AND HAD NO CHEATING SCANDAL. NOPE NONE AT ALL. But that's besides the point. Last season in Nationals terms was awful (even though it was through a pandemic). While most of the championship team is gone since then, the Nats are still looking to push through and have another magical run. Did they do enough? That's what we will be discussing in this article.

What happened this offseason?

The Nats this offseason have made a lot of moves. Some have been good, sad, and interesting. The first one that I noticed was trading for Josh Bell. Bell a power hitter will also help protecting Juan Soto in the lineup. I like the move because it helps the first base depth and since Ryan Zimmerman is also coming back the Nats look to be set at first base. Bell will provide the offense and Zimmerman will come in for defense in later innings.

Also, I hope the Nats owners have a lot of money. Fernando Tatis Jr.'s contact with the Padres that was worth $340 million for 14 years means that next offseason Juan Soto is getting paid!

Anyway with Adam Eaton, and Michael A. Taylor gone the Nats signed Kyle Schwarber to help in the outfield. Schwarber can hit well with people on base but his defense in the outfield... well hopefully Victor Robles can cover a lot of ground in center. The Nats also lost "Mr. Clutch" in Howie Kendrick who retired last season. Pitching has improved with former champion and veteran Jon Lester to be the fourth starter and closer Brad Hand to anchor the bulpen. Kurt Suzuki joined Anthony Rendon with the Angels but the Nats signed Welington Castillo to be the starter and hopefully hit homeruns. But there are also other losses in Sean Doolittle, Eric Thames and Asdrubal Cabrera who will be missed.

Finally, the Nats brought back a fan favorite in "Baby Shark" Gerado Parra to a minor league deal so Nats fans get excited and get ready to have that song stuck in your head again all summer.

Will they be contenders?

My honest opinion… Yes they will. The Nats will always be contenders with their pitching core, and young talent. Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer can carry the pitching for long stretches, and Juan Soto and Trea Turner are two of the best players in the league. The question that's asked is it enough?

The Nats may need more things to go their way then their talent can provide. They will be contenders for the playoffs but they may not have enough to get to the World Series. But I do think they will make the playoffs and once the Nats get there it could be like 2019 where everything goes their way and they win it all. Hopefully they won't again have their celebration ruined by a pandemic before the start of the next season!

Do you agree with me? Write me if you disagree. See you next time.