In right now’s mailbag, we get into the Nationals’ wants, the Cardinals’ conditions with Nolans Arenado and Gorman, how the Cubs may method the offseason, whether or not Robbie Ray will decide out, and rather more.
Kevin asks:
The Nats have plenty of proficient children prepared to hitch the workforce however opening the window would require some veterans. Ought to they: Make us complete and attempt to signal Juan Soto, use that cash to rent two or three strong veterans, or strive 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 concept. Loads of the most effective 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 gives to Soto inside a yr, and none of them have been countered. Since then, the Lerners determined to not promote the Nationals, so you might 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 nearly 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 effective use of sources. A Corridor of Fame expertise like Soto could be a fantastic addition to any workforce, but when James Wooden, Dylan Crews, and Robert Hassell III all grow to be productive Main League outfielders because the Nationals count on, one thing must give.
Here is a glance across the diamond to evaluate what the Nats may want:
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