Source: sportsrants.com --- Sunday, December 03, 2017
Miami Slugger Giancarlo Stanton RICH VON BIBERSTEIN/ICON SPORTSWIRE Since moving to Washington, D.C. the Nationals have been one of Baseball’s more aggressive franchises. Under the ownership of Ted Lerner they have never been shy about making the bold moves necessary to bring a winning team to the nation’s capital. They have signed Max Scherzer to what was then the largest free agent contract ever given to a pitcher. The handed Stephen Strasburg a $175 million extensions to avoid the open market and stay in D.C. Along with everyone else they had on the books in 2017 the Nationals exceeded the luxury tax for the first time. And yet, NOW is the time for the franchise to go ALL-IN! The upcoming season represents a make or break year for the franchise—or at least a transition year. They have won 95+ games in four of the last six seasons, yet haven’t made it passed the division series. The 2019 team could be vastly different. They stand to lose several veterans including franchise player Bryce Harper, offensive standout Daniel Murphy, starter Gio Gonzalez, and shutdown setup reliever Ryan Madson to free agency. While the Nationals’ farm system is well-prepared to restock the major league team, prospects, no matter how highly touted, are never sure things. Washington needs to operate as if 2018 is their best (and only) chance to win a World Championship. They need to cash in their chips, go all-in, and make the Marlins an offer they c ...
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