The baseball hot stove season has officially begun and the early rumors surrounding the Washington Nationals has them connected to elite players such as Robinson Cano, Matt Garza, David Price, and Max Scherzer.  While superstars deserve the headlines, the 2013 Nationals suffered from a severe lack of depth in the bullpen and on the bench.

Expect general manager Mike Rizzo to rummage through free agency to find a few veterans to round out the roster prior to spring training.  After scouring the many available names, here are five potential free agent bargains the Nationals should consider signing this offseason.

5)                            John Buck            Catcher

Wilson Ramos is the Nationals starting catcher, but considering his injury history and the inexperience of backups Sandy Leon and Jhonatan Solano, the Nationals should sign a quality backup this winter.  Top names such as Brian McCann and Jarrod Saltamacchia will seek starting-caliber money, but Buck could be a cheaper alternative. 

Buck had a decent season in 2013, hitting .222/.288/.365 with 15 home runs in 110 games for the Mets and Pirates.  His defense still rates as slightly above-average, so Buck could land a starting job this winter, but facing a competitive market, he may settle for a high-paying backup role.  Other free agents that could adequately fill this role include Dioner Navarro, Brayan Pena, or Kurt Suzuki.

4)                            Kelly Johnson    2B, 3B, and OF

At the risk of beating a proverbial dead-horse, the Nationals’ bench was unacceptably bad this past season and desperately needs improvements before 2014.  Seeing as how Scott Hairston, Tyler Moore, and Steve Lombardozzi currently make up the bench, the Nationals could use a veteran left-handed hitter with home run power. 

Johnson, a career .253/.335/.427 hitter who has slugged 16 dingers each of the past two seasons, can adequately play second and third base or left field.  On a reasonable 1-year deal, Johnson could be a massive upgrade to the Nationals’ bench.  Other possible alternatives for this vital bench role include Raul Ibanez, Jason Kubel, or David Murphy.

3)                            J.P. Howell         Left-Handed Relief Pitcher

The Nationals had interest in Howell last winter, but instead he signed with the Dodgers and produced a strong season with a 2.18 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched.  As a lefty with two consecutive quality seasons and the ability to face both lefties and righties, Howell should better the 1-year $2.8 million contract he signed last offseason. 

Howell would fill a massive hole as a left-handed reliever in the Nationals bullpen and should be available for a 1-year contract in the $3-3.5 million dollar range.  Additional free agent lefties to consider this winter are Boone Logan, Javier Lopez, or Matt Thornton.

2)                            Jason Hammel Right-Handed Starting Pitcher

One of baseball’s more underrated pitchers, Hammel has quietly posted 12.2 Wins Above Replacement over the past five seasons.  After a terrific season in 2012 with a 3.43 ERA, 3.29 FIP, and 113 strikeouts in 118 innings pitched, Hammel struggled with injuries in 2013 and provided the Orioles with 4.97 ERA in 139.1 innings.  Coming off two consecutive injury-riddled seasons, Hammel should only seek a 1-year commitment before seeking a multiyear contract in twelve months. 

The Nationals could add another starter, and on a risk verses reward basis, Hammel could be one of the better gambles in this market.  Other free agent starters the Nationals will consider include Bronson Arroyo, Scott Feldman, and Dan Haren.

1)                            Jesse Crain         Right-Handed Relief Pitcher

Even with Tyler Clippard, Rafael Soriano, or Drew Storen still in Washington, the Nationals should look to sign another late-inning arm to lengthen their bullpen.  An ideal scenario would involve a reliever coming off a down season thereby limiting his salary demands. 

Crain spent the first half of last season as perhaps the best reliever in baseball, posting a 0.74 ERA with 46 strikeouts over 36.2 innings before succumbing to a season-ending shoulder injury in June.  Because of his injury, Crain will likely seek a 1-year contract with incentives to improve his value before re-entering free agency next winter.  Other intriguing comparable names include veteran relievers Joba Chamberlain, Joel Hanrahan, or Ryan Madson.  

**** Reminder, next week begins my 3^rd Annual Offseason Manifesto, in which I describe my hypothetical master plan if I was hired as Nationals’ general manager.  Look for Part-1 on Monday (11/11) and Part-2 on Wednesday (11/13). ****