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5 Biggest Questions Facing Washington Nationals Going Into Opening Day 2016

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals were rocked to their core last year when they didn’t win the NL East and failed to make the postseason. The talent on the roster undoubtedly gives the Nationals a chance to redeem themselves in 2016 and return to the playoffs. However, questions still linger about the team as opening day approaches, and these are five biggest ones they must answer in 2016.

5. Will Defense Be An Issue?

Will Defense Be An Issue? Getty Images
Ian Desmond won't be missed defensively, but the addition of Daniel Murphy at second base isn't exactly a defensive upgrade at that position. The age the Nationals have at certain positions is also a potential concern, so there has to be some question as to whether the Nats will be a solid defensive club this year or if they might struggle in that department.

Ian Desmond won't be missed defensively, but the addition of Daniel Murphy at second base isn't exactly a defensive upgrade at that position. The age the Nationals have at certain positions is also a potential concern, so there has to be some question as to whether the Nats will be a solid defensive club this year or if they might struggle in that department.

4. How Long Until Trea Turner Comes Up?

How Long Until Trea Turner Comes Up? Andy Marlin - USATODAY Sports
Turner saw some time in the majors late last season, but he will clearly benefit from more seasoning in the minors. The question is how long Washington waits to bring him up, as he certainly appears to be the team's shortstop of the future and may be their best option in 2016. How Danny Espinosa plays will also have an impact on how soon Turner returns to Washington.

Turner saw some time in the majors late last season, but he will clearly benefit from more seasoning in the minors. The question is how long Washington waits to bring him up, as he certainly appears to be the team's shortstop of the future and may be their best option in 2016. How Danny Espinosa plays will also have an impact on how soon Turner returns to Washington.

3. Can Jayson Werth Still Play?

Can Jayson Werth Still Play? Tommy Gilligan - USATODAY Sports
With the injuries and poor production last season, combined with Werth's age, this question has to be asked. Was last year a sign of things to come or just a bump in the road? The Nationals need Werth to rebound in 2016, especially considering his salary. If he has another poor year, the Nats will be in a tough spot.

With the injuries and poor production last season, combined with Werth's age, this question has to be asked. Was last year a sign of things to come or just a bump in the road? The Nationals need Werth to rebound in 2016, especially considering his salary. If he has another poor year, the Nats will be in a tough spot.

2. Will Bullpen Be An Issue?

Will Bullpen Be An Issue? Getty Images
Craig Stammen and Drew Storen are gone, leaving the Nationals without as much depth in their bullpen as past years. There's a lot of pressure on Jonathan Papelbon this year, and he didn't exactly have a great introduction in Washington a year ago. On top of that, can Shawn Kelley and Matt Belisle repeat the seasons they had last year and be competent setup men?

Craig Stammen and Drew Storen are gone, leaving the Nationals without as much depth in their bullpen as past years. There's a lot of pressure on Jonathan Papelbon this year, and he didn't exactly have a great introduction in Washington a year ago. On top of that, can Shawn Kelley and Matt Belisle repeat the seasons they had last year and be competent setup men?

1. Can Rotation Match Up With The Mets?

Can Rotation Match Up With The Mets? Brad Mills - USATODAY Sports
There should be little concern about Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg at the top of Washington's rotation, but if the Nationals are going to beat out the Mets in the NL East, their rotation has to match up with New York's. The Mets have a deep rotation, and it's questionable whether the Nats can keep up with New York's five starters over the course of the season.

There should be little concern about Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg at the top of Washington's rotation, but if the Nationals are going to beat out the Mets in the NL East, their rotation has to match up with New York's. The Mets have a deep rotation, and it's questionable whether the Nats can keep up with New York's five starters over the course of the season.

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