The Washington Nationals have once again fallen out of contention and have little to no hope of reaching the postseason in 2024. But that doesn't mean that all is lost for 2025.
In fact, the Nationals could be closer to contention than originally anticipated. They even showed signs of improvement this year before their slump began in July.
Third baseman Matt Chapman is likely to opt out of his three-year, $54 million contract with the San Francisco Giants and Jeff Passan of ESPN listed the Nationals as a team that should "at least be making calls this winter."
Chapman would be an interesting fit in Washington. They are a team that is going to be in need of some help at the third base position. Chapman could give them a boost in their lineup, as well as a solid veteran presence in a young clubhouse.
The Nationals have plenty of young stars such as Luis Garcia Jr. CJ Abrams, Dylan Crews, James Wood, and McKenzie Gore that will lead the team forward in the years to come as they try to bounce back into postseason contention.
The Nationals have not reached October since their World Series run in 2019, and adding a veteran presence next to some of their young stars could help them accelerate the process of returning to contention.
While 2024 is a lost cause, adding Chapman for 2025 and beyond would signal a desire to win by the front office.
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