5 Washington Nationals Free Agent Targets

This week Major League Baseball held their General Manager’s meetings, which is the unofficial start to the offseason and free agency.  Washington enters this offseason with much of their roster settled, yet with obvious issues at closer, catcher and depth throughout the roster, there is plenty of work to be done by the Nationals’ front office.

While big name free agents such as Yoenis Cespedes, Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen have been linked with Washington, I wanted to highlight five cheaper options that could also bolster Washington’s roster next season.

Jon Jay                                 OF                          San Diego Padres

A steady left-handed hitting outfielder, Jay has quietly produced a solid 7-year major league career, hitting .287/.352/.384 while playing all three outfield positions.  The almost 32-year-old was hitting .296/.345/.407 for the Padres last season before injuring himself in June.  Primarily a center fielder, Jay profiles best as a 4th outfielder at this point in his career due to his declining foot speed, range and lack of home run power.  That said Jay is a consistent, productive player and would fit well in Ben Revere’s role for Washington next year.  He might command a multiyear contract in this market, but could serve as a nice fallback option if Washington fails to acquire a long-term solution in center field this winter.

Steve Pearce                      1B/2B/LF              Baltimore Orioles

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This 10-year veteran had another productive major league season in 2016, hitting .288/.374/.492 with 13 home runs in 85 games for Tampa Bay and Baltimore.  Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an injury to his forearm, an injury that should be healed before spring training.  The 33-year-old Pearce has a career .852 OPS against left-handed pitching, which when coupled with his defensive versatility makes him an ideal bench player.  His injury last season should keep his salary demands reasonable and Washington would be wise to sign him.

Jason Castro                      Catcher                                Houston Astros

The 29-year-old Castro finds himself in a unique position this winter, as he is probably the best free agent catcher behind the pricey Matt Wieters and the injured Wilson Ramos.  In addition, many teams, including the Nationals, need catchers this winter, making this a potentially expensive market with limited supply and high demand.

Sex will become less pleasurable but you will best viagra in uk get absolutely complete recovery. There are very little chances buying that purchase generic cialis to cure the erectile dysfunction of men. It has the viagra price signature Pfizer name that is impressed on one side. As they say, educate a teacher and thereby, you educate viagra samples an entire community. A former all-star, Castro has the reputation as a solid defensive catcher with strong framing skills.  Offensively Castro hit .210/.307/.377 in 113 games for Houston last year, in line with his career .232/.309/.390 batting line.  He struggles mightily against left-handed pitching with a career .536 OPS, making him an ideal platoon candidate.  If he can be had on a 2-year contract for $6-$7 million annually he could be a nice value, but odds are his numerous suitors drive that price significantly higher.

Greg Holland                    RHP                        Kansas City Royals

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Certainly Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon are the top closers on the market this winter and will receive consideration, but their potential salaries could have Washington seeking alternate options.  The almost 31-year-old Holland was one of the top relievers in baseball from 2011-2015, saving 145 games and making two all-star appearances before having Tommy John surgery in October 2015.  Holland spent all of last season recovering from surgery before performing earlier this week for scouts.

Assuming he is healthy, there should be enough interest for him to sign a multiyear deal, likely filled with contract incentives.  Holland is one of the more intriguing risk verses reward options in free agency this year and could be a nice option for Washington in the late innings.

Brad Ziegler                       RHP                        Boston Red Sox / Arizona Diamondbacks

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Although the primary bullpen need is at closer, do not be surprised if the Nationals also look for additional help for right-handed setup men Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen.  Somewhat quietly the 37-year-old Ziegler has been one of the better relievers in baseball, posting a 2.44 ERA, 1.228 WHIP and 3.38 FIP over his 9-year career.  In addition he has notched 85 career saves, giving him experience as a closer.

Due to his age and unique side-arm throwing motion, most teams will view him as a right-handed specialist and set-up man, likely putting a ceiling on his salary demands.  However, as one of the better relievers on the market, he should have 10+ teams seeking his services, giving him a chance to sign a multiyear contract at $7 million or more per year.  If Washington does not bust their bullpen budget signing a closer, Ziegler could be a tremendous addition to the Nationals’ relief corps.

1 thought on “5 Washington Nationals Free Agent Targets

  1. Depending on how nats play the
    Prized prospect placement with
    Ward and Marmelos
    Why not a return of Zach WAlters
    For 4A sage depth for gardner Chiefs ??
    Pierce is a well coveted bench guy for sure

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