Offseason Report: Washington Nationals

By Hannah McCaffrey

The Washington Nationals finished in first place in the NL East, but lost to the Cardinals in the NLDS.  The Nationals did well this season, but many people expected the team to go much further in the playoffs after their surprising regular season.  The Nats now has a chance to build its team to be even stronger, especially in the free agency market.

Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche received his first ever Golden Glove award this year.  LaRoche also just became a free agent, and this award certainly gives him some leverage in negotiations with the Nationals.  The Nationals offered LaRoche $13.3 million; he will have until Friday to accept the offer.

(AP Photo)

With 33 home runs and 100 RBIs in the 2012 season, LaRoche proved that he could be a leader and a force to be reckoned with on the Nationals.  While LaRoche may be able to get a better paycheck on a different team, the Nationals made him a decent offer with a chance to win. 

LaRoche is an integral part of the Nationals organization, and much of the rest of the team will be sticking around, including Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper.  If LaRoche sticks with the Nationals, he will be getting a decent paycheck and be coming back to a very strong team, both offensively and defensively.

It does not seem as important for the Nationals to resign right-handed pitcher Edwin Jackson.  Jackson had 2.24 ERA in the 2012 season.  However, this may not be enough to convince the Nationals to extend the offer he thinks he deserves.  Jackson has a good arm and if he stays it will only help the Nationals.  However, if Jackson leaves the Nats are still left with Jordan Zimmermann, Ross Detwiler, and Gio Gonzalez.

The Nationals also have yet to work out a contract with manager Davey Johnson.  Johnson is under contract with the Nationals through 2014, it is likely that he has committed to the Nats for the next season and his contract details are being worked out.

The Nationals were one of the strongest teams in the MLB in the 2012 season.  Their pitching staff has a solid base and so does their lineup.  Luckily they do not need to make any huge rearrangements.  The most crucial component for the Nationals is getting LaRoche back.  The 2012 season allowed for growth and experience for young talent including Harper and Zimmermann.  Their growth combined with LaRoche’s return could bring a lot of success for the Nationals in the coming 2013 season.