We asked AI how the Washington Nationals could find success in 2025 with spending to league average in free agency. TalkNats suggests that the Washington Nationals have several key components and decisions to make that could lead to success in the 2025 season.
- Improving the Starting Pitching Rotation: The Nationals are expected to focus on upgrading their starting pitchers. Names like MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, Cade Cavalli, and DJ Herz are mentioned as part of the future rotation, indicating a reliance on young, developing talent with potential for growth. A key external acquisition to enhance this group further makes sense. Acquiring a veteran starting pitcher to add to the depth while serving as a mentor to a young pitching staff should be considered.
- Revamping the Bullpen: The Nationals non-tendered 25 percent of their 2024 bullpen on Friday as the team parted ways with closer Kyle Finnegan and reliever Tanner Rainey. While those moves lowered the team’s payroll, the team will need to make personnel decisions on a new closer either internally with José A. Ferrer or with an external candidate.
- Bolstering the Lineup: There’s an emphasis on having young stars like James Wood, CJ Abrams, Dylan Crews, and others who could make significant contributions. The lineup could potentially include players like Alex Bregman, Christian Walker, and Carlos Santana have been mentioned for their strengths on offense and defense. Anthony Santander as a designated hitter has also been mentioned. Any combination of these players are part of a potential front office strategy suggesting a mix of homegrown talent and free-agent acquisitions to add power, defense, and depth to the batting order.
- Defensive Improvements: The team needs to address their defense, particularly at positions like shortstop and third base. While Abrams has been noted for his offensive skills, his defense has room for improvement. Adding players with strong defensive capabilities, like Bregman for third base and a first base upgrade, could be beneficial.
- Veteran Leadership: The Nationals appear to be in need of veteran leadership to complement their young core. This could help in mentoring and guiding the team’s younger players through the ups and downs of a season.
- Payroll Flexibility and Strategic Spending: There’s an expectation that the Nationals will increase their payroll significantly, potentially by $50 million or more, to acquire players who could add around 10.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) to the team, aiming for a competitive edge in the National League.
These points collectively suggest a strategy centered around youth development, strategic free-agent signings, and enhancing team defense to leverage the pitching staff’s performance, aiming to push the Nationals into the mid-80s win range for the 2025 season.
