The Washington Nationals showed some signs of promise in 2024 but ultimately finished the year 71-91 and in fourth place in the National League East.
Fortunately, they have a strong young core in place, but the time has come to add some pieces and build around it. Slugger Anthony Santander is a free agent after a breakout year with the Baltimore Orioles, and Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report listed Washington as a possible fit.
"There's at least one good reason for the Nationals to be interested in Santander, and it has to do with the number 135.
That's how many home runs they hit this season. It was pitiful. So pitiful, in fact, that Santander's Orioles were one of two teams that cleared that total by 100," Rymer wrote.
"As for whether the Nationals could get involved with Santander, let's just say it's plausible."
Santander hit just .235 during the regular season, but he certainly made up for it with his power. The switch-hitting outfielder went deep 44 times, drove in 102 runs and posted an .814 OPS.
The veteran slugger also reached base at a .308 clip, had a .506 slugging percentage and a 134 OPS+.
Santander wouldn't have to go very far if signed by the Nationals, due to the close proximity of Baltimore and the Nation's Capital. But he could be the piece they need to finally put an end to their rebuild and bounce back into contention for the first time since winning the World Series in 2019.
He won't come cheap, but he could give Washington a major boost offensively, especially with his power from both sides of the plate.
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