MLB East Division Update: Nationals, Mets, and Rays

The 2023 season was a tough one for the Nationals, who finished with a 71-91 record, making them one of the worst teams in the National League. However, this was a significant improvement over their 107-loss 2022 campaign. As the club enters the offseason, there are indications that they may be aiming to upgrade their roster in several areas.

According to a report from TalkNats, the Nationals are looking to bolster their lineup at the infield corners and at DH. There has been talk of a potential reunion with third baseman Jeimer Candelario, who had been posting career-best numbers with the Nationals before being traded to the Cubs. In addition to Candelario, the club has shown interest in acquiring first baseman Rhys Hoskins and outfield/DH slugger Jorge Soler.

Regarding their starting pitching, the report suggests that the Nationals have been actively exploring their options in that area, although no specific names have been connected to the club at this point.

These potential acquisitions make sense for the Nationals as they look to address gaps in their roster. There is a significant need for an upgrade at third base, with former top prospect Carter Kieboom struggling to establish himself at the big league level. Additionally, the club is looking to improve their offense by adding a first baseman or DH, potentially targeting Joey Meneses. When it comes to the rotation, the Nationals have a mix of young and veteran arms but will be looking to shore up their pitching after a less-than-stellar performance last season.

Elsewhere in the MLB, the Mets are exploring potential impact additions to their roster, with a focus on rotation upgrades. They have been linked to various frontline starters, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Eduardo Rodriguez, as they seek to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming season.

In addition, the Rays are considering re-signing right-hander Cooper Criswell, despite non-tendering him last month. With his ability to pitch multiple innings and a strong career groundball rate, Criswell could be a valuable addition to the Rays’ pitching depth.