"The Nationals are beginning their offseason with a vision fully ahead on the future. The team may be relying on their young prospects to carry the load but no team is complete without a couple veterans. With a relatively flexible payroll, they could look to make a splash or two in free agency. Rumors run thin for now, but they will ramp up. Given team needs, these are some longshot signings that the team could at least explore completing in the coming months."
"Pete Alonso (1B) Alonso opted out of his contract, and we know what the true goal is. Scott Boras is looking to get him his well-earned long-term haul from the Mets. However, we know that Boras can be a gambler and that could have Alonso end up somewhere unexpected. The Nationals are not big spenders but they could at least take a peak at Alonso."
"JT Realmuto (C) The biggest weakness, outside of pitching, has been with catching. Keibert Ruiz has not been playing anywhere near standard to begin the season and then he went down with injury. Riley Adams filled in but a -14.9 offensive rating is not what this team is looking for. The team only has one catcher in the Top 20 of the pipeline (Caleb Lomavita), but he is not due up until 2027."
Nationals begin the offseason focused on a future led by young prospects while recognizing the need for veteran additions. The club has payroll flexibility to pursue big free agents or targeted veterans. Potential longshot targets include Pete Alonso to upgrade first base, JT Realmuto to solve catching concerns caused by Keibert Ruiz’s struggles and injuries, Dylan Cease to bolster the starting rotation with a high-ceiling 29-year-old, and Alex Bregman as an unlikely, expensive third-base option. Catcher depth in the pipeline is limited until 2027, increasing urgency for a veteran acquisition.
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