In at this time’s mailbag, we get into the Nationals’ wants, the Cardinals’ conditions with Nolans Arenado and Gorman, how the Cubs may strategy the offseason, whether or not Robbie Ray will choose out, and far more.
Kevin asks:
The Nats have a whole lot of proficient children prepared to affix the group however opening the window would require some veterans. Ought to they: Make us entire and attempt to signal Juan Soto, use that cash to rent two or three strong veterans, or attempt a number of shorter time period contracts as a result of the window will actually first open in 2026?
Soto returning to the Nats is an intriguing thought. Loads of the very best free agent signings have been for younger superstars, although it is unclear whether or not the Nationals would provide much more than the $440MM Soto turned down two years in the past. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo has stated he made three presents to Soto inside a yr, and none of them had been countered. Since then, the Lerners determined to not promote the Nationals, so you can say there’s extra certainty with possession.
One query is whether or not the Lerners will return to the times of a top-ten payroll. I do not know the reply to that, however they’ve virtually nothing on the books after this yr except for the Stephen Strasburg contract.
Because it pertains to Soto, it is value asking whether or not the Nationals committing to an outfielder is an efficient use of assets. A Corridor of Fame expertise like Soto can be an incredible addition to any group, but when James Wooden, Dylan Crews, and Robert Hassell III all change into productive Main League outfielders because the Nationals anticipate, one thing must give.
This is a glance across the diamond to evaluate what the Nats may want:
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