Although the World Series is presently in full swing, it feels like an appropriate time to begin looking ahead to the offseason and rebuilding Washington’s roster for 2019.  Certainly the biggest question surrounding the Nationals involves whether or not Bryce Harper re-signs with the team, yet the team still has pressing needs at other positions.

Aside from Harper, the biggest weaknesses on the present roster are a need for a #3 starting pitcher, a starting catcher and late-inning bullpen help.  It can be argued the order of priority of these needs, but all three must be addressed this winter.

Therefore, in an effort to identify potential solutions to address these weaknesses, today’s article, and the following two, will highlight potential players Washington should target this winter.  First we shall look at the starting rotation, with three trade targets and three free agents who should appeal to Washington this offseason.

Free Agents

Patrick Corbin     LHP        Arizona Diamondbacks

Assuming Clayton Kershaw does not opt out of his contract this winter, Patrick Corbin likely holds the honor of “Top Free Agent Starting Pitcher” available this offseason.  A two-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Corbin posted a 3.15 ERA and 246 strikeouts this season in exactly 200 innings pitched.  The competition for his services will be steep, but General Manager Mike Rizzo has shown a fondness for former Diamondback players and Corbin would be an ideal fit behind Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg in Washington’s rotation.

Dallas Keuchel    LHP        Houston Astros

If Corbin is not the top starting pitcher available, then Keuchel is, as he is a former two-time All-Star and the 2015 AL CY Young award winner.  The 30-year-old had another solid season in 2018, posting a 3.74 ERA and 211 strikeouts over 204.2 innings pitched.  Houston will be aggressive to retain his services, but if he leaves the Astros, Keuchel would be an ideal replacement for Gio Gonzalez as a left-handed #3 starter in the rotation.

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After scuffling early in his career, the 34-year-old Morton found himself as a pitcher in his late twenties and has developed into a solid mid-rotation starter in his thirties.  Quietly the past two seasons, Morton made 55 starts for the Astros and provided Houston with a 3.36 ERA, a 10.4 K/9 ratio verses a 3.3 BB/9 rate and a 49.6 ground-ball percentage.  He has never thrown more than 172 innings in a season and is reaching his mid-thirties, which should help suppress his salary demands this winter.  If Washington is looking for a more economical option, Morton could be a nice option to bolster Washington’s rotation.

Trade Targets

Madison Bumgarner        LHP        San Francisco Giants

Much like the entire San Francisco roster, 2018 was a difficult year for Bumgarner, who battled injuries while posting a 3.26 ERA over only 129.2 innings pitched.  Initial gut reaction, it is difficult to see Bumgarner in another uniform, but he is only signed through 2019 and next season looks like a rebuilding year for the Giants.  It would be difficult for San Francisco to part with their co-Franchise player, but the prudent move will be trading Bumgarner this winter to jumpstart their rebuilding efforts.

Sonny Gray          RHP        New York Yankees

Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman stated in a recent interview he would look to shop Gray this winter, after he struggled mightily in New York last season with a 4.90 ERA.  However, a closer look at his numbers shows he posted a 6.98 ERA over 59.1 innings at home verses a 3.17 ERA in 71 innings on the road, giving credence that Gray is yet another player who struggled playing for New York.  He has one year left on his contract and is projected to earn around $9 million next season.  Gray would be a logical fit in the middle of Washington’s rotation, as he would be for probably 20+ teams, as a rebound candidate in 2019.

Marcus Stroman               RHP        Toronto Blue Jays

Originally drafted by Washington in 2009, Stroman could quietly be a trade candidate this winter following a subpar season for the rebuilding Blue Jays.  After establishing himself as one of the top young starting pitchers in the American League, Stroman struggled to a 5.54 ERA in 102.1 innings last season while spending time on the disabled list.  Stroman is under contract for two more seasons and is projected to earn around $7 million next season.  Toronto might be wise to shop him this winter in hopes of improving their farm system and cutting future payroll.