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MLB • 5 months ago

5 Players the Washington Nationals Should Target In MLB Free Agency

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5 Players the Washington Nationals Should Target In MLB Free Agency

Ian Desmond, Washington Nationals, MLB Rumors, Minnesota Twins — There’s no sugar coating the fact that it was a disappointing season for the Washington Nationals. They were the favorites of many for the World Series, only to end up missing the postseason altogether. They are now looking up at the NL champion New York Mets in their own division, leaving them with some work to do this offseason. To improve in 2016, here are five players the Nationals should target in free agency.

There’s no sugar coating the fact that it was a disappointing season for the Washington Nationals. They were the favorites of many for the World Series, only to end up missing the postseason altogether. They are now looking up at the NL champion New York Mets in their own division, leaving them with some work to do this offseason. To improve in 2016, here are five players the Nationals should target in free agency.

5. Brayan Pena

5. Brayan Pena

Catcher was not exactly a strength for Washington in 2015, and Pena would represent at least a modest upgrade at that position. Jose Lobaton hit under .200 this year, so Pena in a backup role would be a set up. He could also challenge Wilson Ramos for playing time as the starter and perhaps light a fire under him after disappointing offensive seasons the past two years. It's not much, but a veteran like Pena would be an asset for the Nats.

4. Alejandro De Aza

4. Alejandro De Aza

Washington is counting on Michael Taylor in center field next season, but it wouldn't hurt to have a safety net in place. De Aza would be a great candidate for that job. He's been around a long time and had a productive career, so he could step into center field if Taylor struggles. Otherwise, he'd make a great fourth outfielder for the Nats and could even step into left field if Jayson Werth continues to struggle with injuries.

3. Darren O'Day

3. Darren O'Day

Jonathan Papelbon is back, but his 2015 didn't exactly end on a high note. Craig Stammen doesn't appear particularly happy with how things unfolded late in the season either. One or both of those guys could be shipped out of town, but even if they're not, the Washington bullpen could still use a helping hand. O'Day figures to be one of the best relievers on the market this winter, so the Nationals should at least be interested in him.

2. JA Happ

J.A. Happ MLB Trade Deadline Treasure for Pittsburgh Pirates

2. JA Happ

The Nats have an opening in their rotation, and while prospect A.J. Cole has a chance to claim it in spring, signing Happ wouldn't be a bad move. He would give Washington a second lefty in the rotation to go along with Gio Gonzalez, and if Cole does prove to be ready for the big leagues, having Happ gives Washington the flexibility to move Tanner Roark to the bullpen. Plus, Happ is still a quality big league starter.

1. Matt Wieters

1. Matt Wieters

Wilson Ramos has seen his offensive production decline significantly over the past two seasons, so the Nationals may want to ponder a big change behind the plate. Wieters could be the best available option in free agency this offseason. He may cost the Nationals a draft pick, but signing Wieters and making Ramos the primary backup would definitely solidify things behind the plate and strengthen the roster for 2016.

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Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

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