The Washington Nationals won the NL East for the second-straight year, but fell to the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS. Their starters just didn’t have a very good series and they were rocked.
The Nationals didn’t make many moves this offseason as they are most likely saving their money to re-sign star outfielder Bryce Harper. Will that hurt them this season? I don’t see it being a huge issue, but if they do trade for a starter this season, they may look to only acquire a rental with no salary obligation next season.
Washington dealt with injuries to Adam Eaton early last season and both Trea Turner and Bryce Harper missed 50+ games each. They still won 97 games. As long as they stay healthy, they should be one of the best teams in the National League.
Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Washington Nationals.
2017 Win/Loss Record: 97-65
Key Additions: C Miguel Montero, RP Joaquin Benoit, 1B Matt Adams, SS Matt Reynolds, SS Reid Brignac, SP Jeremy Hellickson, SP Tommy Milone & 3B Chris Dominguez
Key Losses: OF Jayson Werth, OF Adam Lind, RP Matt Albers, C Jose Lobaton, SS Stephen Drew & RP Oliver Perez
Interleague Schedule: AL East
Projected Starters: Matt Wieters, Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy, Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, Michael Taylor, Adam Eaton & Bryce Harper
Projected Starting Rotation: Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Tanner Roark & A.J. Cole
Closer: Sean Doolittle
Fantasy Sleeper: OF Michael Taylor – After Adam Eaton went down with an ACL injury, Taylor found himself with a starting role. He fared quite well in that role and hit 19 homers and stole 14 bases in 399 at-bats. His strikeout numbers will be shocking, but as long as he keeps hitting the ball hard and stealing some bases, he should be very solid in mixed leagues.
Prospect To Keep Your Eye On: OF Victor Robles – The Nationals outfield is pretty loaded, so Robles could have trouble getting consistent at-bats. Nearly every team in the Majors have inquired about Robles in trade talks, but the Nationals have turned them all down. Two years ago, I guess they almost pulled the trigger on a trade that would have sent him to Pittsburgh for Andrew McCutchen. I believe if the Nationals have a need at the trade deadline, Robles could be moved.
Team Analysis: That Nationals are one of the best teams in the Majors. They have a great lineup and the top of their starting rotation is top-notch. Washington just keeps getting better as their young players gain experience and become even better. Shortstop Trea Turner is making the Nationals look like geniuses since they acquired him in a three-team trade three years ago. He is now an All-Star level hitter with power and speed.
I don’t know what else to say about the Nationals. Their lineup is stacked and the front-end of their rotation is among the league’s best. The one improvement I could see happening this season is possibly trading for another starter. There is a large drop-off by the time they get to their fifth starter.
The Nationals will be neck-and-neck with the Dodgers for home-field advantage in the National League. If both teams can stay healthy, I’d love to see them face off in the NLCS.
2018 Wins Over/Under Betting Line: 93.5 (Prediction: OVER)
2018 Projected Win/Loss Record: 98-63 (1st in AL East)
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About the Author…
Bobby Roberts (otherwise known as Sweetbob) is the creator of ‘America’s White Boy’ and contributor at Project Shanks. His writing has been featured on ESPN’s ‘SportsNation’, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks, Guyspeed, and various other sites. You can follow him on Twitter at @Sweetbob.