5 Free Agent Targets For The Washington Nationals This Winter

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Now that the schedule says November, it is time to focus toward the likely frenetic offseason ahead for the Washington Nationals front office. Without completely overhauling the roster, the team has obvious needs in the bullpen, a left-handed hitter with power to compliment Bryce Harper and depth for the bench.

While superstars such as Jason Heyward, Matt Wieters and Ben Zobrist have been casually linked to Washington, today I want to highlight five players with smaller contract demands who could be excellent additions to the 2016 Nationals.

Colby Rasmus OF

The 29-year-old Rasmus rebounded from a subpar 2014 with a strong season for the Astros, batting .238/.314/.475 with 25 home runs and 61 runs batted in. In addition he split time between all three outfield positions last season, with impressive statistics in center field and mediocre results in the corners. Houston is supposedly on the fence about giving a qualifying offer to the left-handed free swinger. If the Astros decline to offer a QO, Rasmus might be a solid addition for Washington in either center field or right field while batting 6th in the order.

Darren O’Day RHP

O’Day is coming off a near-dominant four year stretch for the Orioles, pitching 60+ innings per year with an ERA never above 2.28. Despite his lack of experience as a closer, the 33-year-old is likely the best reliever on the market this winter and will be expecting a 3-4 year contract worth $7-9 million per season. It would be a splurge, but the Nationals have the available payroll (and need) to sign O’Day.

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An underrated right-handed reliever, Kelley quietly provided San Diego with 51.1 innings of solid relief in 2015, with a 2.45 ERA, 2.57 FIP, 11.05 K/9 ratio and a 2.63 BB/9. The 31-year-old reliever enters free agency looking to convert last seasons’ success, and his career 10.22 K/9 verses 3.07 BB/9, into a lucrative multiyear pact. New manager Bud Black is familiar with Kelley from their time in San Diego – a reunion on a reasonable two year contract might be a solid move for both parties.

Dexter Fowler OF

Still only 29, Fowler enters free agency this winter as an interesting case – his prospect pedigree and obvious physical tools scream superstar, yet his statistics portray him as closer to an above-average regular. Fowler possesses a .267/.363/.418 career batting line and the reputation as a mediocre defender in center field.

The market for outfielders feels deep this year but Fowler will assuredly use Melky Cabrera’s (3yrs $42million) and Nick Markakis’s (4yrs $44million) contracts from last winter as the starting point in his negotiations. The switch-hitting Fowler, with a career .363 on-base percentage, would be an ideal fit atop the Nationals lineup.

Antonio Bastardo LHP

The now 30-year-old pitcher has spent his entire seven year career pitching in Pennsylvania, the first six years in Philadelphia before last season in Pittsburgh. A dominant left-handed reliever, Bastardo posted a 2.98 ERA, 3.33 FIP, and 10.05 K/9 ratio over 57.1 innings in 2015. After five consecutive seasons of 42+ innings pitched and a career 3.58 ERA, Bastardo will seek to match or exceed Zach Duke’s contract from last offseason (3yrs $15 million).

2 thoughts on “5 Free Agent Targets For The Washington Nationals This Winter

  1. Did the target lists !
    We could make a French revolution
    Comment about Bastardo. Former Nat or philly hand ??

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