The Washington Nationals are back at it again, scouring the offseason market for a power hitter to inject some much-needed firepower into their lineup. This hunt for a slugger is nothing new—over the past few years, they’ve taken chances on veteran bats with short-term deals. But as the 2024 winter meetings unfold in Dallas, the Nationals remain on the prowl, still searching for that elusive middle-of-the-order hitter to lift their offense out of the doldrums.
In 2024, the Nationals finished ahead of only the Chicago White Sox in home runs, an unflattering stat they’re desperate to change. For Manager Dave Martinez, the wish list is simple yet ambitious: “A 40-home-run guy,” he joked during a media session, his laughter underscoring the challenge of finding such a player in today’s market. General Manager Mike Rizzo, sharing Martinez’s vision, put it bluntly: “When you come in 29th in home runs and toward the bottom in slug, that’s a point of emphasis for us this offseason.”
A Flexible Approach to Filling Big Needs
The Nationals aren’t locking themselves into any single position to find their power hitter, but first base and designated hitter stand out as glaring needs. Over the past two seasons, the revolving door at first base has yielded disappointing results. A collective .707 OPS from their first basemen ranks 22nd in the majors and falls below the MLB average of .755 for the position.
While Juan Yepez and Andrés Chaparro showed flashes of potential last season, their profiles as right-handed hitters with limited power at the major league level don’t inspire confidence for the long haul. Chaparro managed just four home runs in 33 games after his call-up, while Yepez has 20 career big-league homers.
“They’ll be guys that are usable on our roster,” Rizzo acknowledged. “But I think that, beyond those two, we could improve ourselves in several of those positions.”
A Market Full of Options
This offseason’s free-agent class is ripe with intriguing possibilities, especially at first base. Among the top targets is Christian Walker, a 33-year-old slugger from the Arizona Diamondbacks. With at least 26 home runs in each of the past three seasons and three consecutive Gold Gloves, Walker offers a tantalizing mix of power and defensive prowess. The Nationals have expressed interest, though it’s unclear if he’ll fit within their budget, especially with high-spending teams potentially driving up his market value.
Pete Alonso, the Mets’ 30-year-old free-agent powerhouse, also looms large in the market. However, his expected price tag might place him out of reach for Washington. Other veterans like Paul Goldschmidt or Carlos Santana could serve as stopgap solutions, providing solid production without the long-term financial commitment.
Exploring Trade Opportunities
If free agency doesn’t yield the desired results, the Nationals could pivot to the trade market. One intriguing name is Jake Burger of the Miami Marlins. At just 28 years old, Burger has smashed 63 home runs over the past two seasons and remains under team control until 2029, making him a potentially affordable yet impactful addition.
Third base is another area the Nationals could address, though the situation is more complex. Alex Bregman is the top free agent available at the position, but the presence of Brady House—one of Washington’s top hitting prospects—complicates the picture. House is viewed as the team’s third baseman of the future and is steadily climbing through the minor league ranks, finishing last season in Class AAA. For now, Jose Tena or Trey Lipscomb could step in as temporary solutions at third base if needed.
Financial Flexibility and Clubhouse Presence
The departures of pitchers Patrick Corbin and Kyle Finnegan have opened up some payroll flexibility for the Nationals, but don’t expect them to chase after the offseason’s biggest prizes. With former National Juan Soto signing a jaw-dropping $765 million deal with the division-rival New York Mets, Washington is likely steering clear of similarly eye-popping contracts.
That said, Rizzo insists the team has the resources to compete aggressively in both the free-agent and trade markets. A veteran slugger wouldn’t just bring power to the lineup; they’d also provide invaluable leadership for a young roster still finding its footing in the majors.
The Path Forward
Manager Martinez and GM Rizzo are leaving no stone unturned this offseason. Whether it’s through free agency, trades, or internal options, the Nationals are determined to boost their offense and climb out of the basement in power stats. Martinez summed it up: “We’re working diligently. We’re looking at the free-agent market. We’re actually looking at some trade opportunities as well. We’ll see what we can come up with.”
For Nationals fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The team’s commitment to finding a middle-of-the-order bat signals a desire to return to relevance. Whether it’s a Gold Glove slugger like Walker, a trade-market gem like Burger, or an affordable veteran stopgap, the Nationals know they need to make a move.
This winter is about more than just filling a lineup spot—it’s about setting the stage for a brighter future. With the team’s young core developing and financial flexibility on the horizon, the Nationals have a chance to make meaningful strides. Will they land the power hitter they need to spark their offense? Time—and some savvy decision-making—will tell.
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