The Washington Nationals lost 91 games this season but also took some steps towards relevance.
Their promising young core provided them a look into the future and what could prove to be an enjoyable era of Nationals baseball.
This offseason, they may choose to supplement their young core with some veterans that can lead them into contention. Josh Jacobs of FanSided listed them as a potential fit for St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras.
"Teams like the Mariners, Giants, Tigers, Rangers, Nationals, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and even the Rays stick out as teams who could use a big bat added to their lineup," Jacobs wrote.
Contreras does have a no-trade clause, but it is important to note that the Cardinals are likely about to enter a rebuild, which means they could shed payroll by dumping some veterans.
The Nationals have plenty of young prospects that they could give St. Louis in order to acquire Contreras. St. Louis will likely want Major League ready talent in return for their star catcher.
Despite making two trips to the injured list this season, Contreras was one of their most productive hitters. He hit .262 with 15 home runs, 36 RBI, and an .848 OPS.
He certainly would put the Nationals in a position to improve for 2025. They may be ready to contend again, and adding somebody like Contreras would give them a veteran voice in a young clubhouse, as well as a middle-of-the-order bat.
It will be interesting to see how the offseason plays out and if the Nationals decide to make moves that would put them in contention.
More MLB: Cardinals offseason will "look a lot different," per executive
