Nationals flounder as NL East rivals load up

The Washington Nationals finished the 2022 season with the worst record in the majors, due in large part to the competitiveness of the NL East. But as free agents fly off the shelves during the MLB winter meetings, the Nationals are no closer to competing in their division. 

The Nationals went 55-107 in 2022, 46 games behind the division winner Atlanta Braves, who held a tiebreaker over the dominant New York Mets. The reigning NL champion Philadelphia Phillies also finished 32 games ahead of the Nationals. 

Though only three seasons removed from a World Series, the Nationals feel like an entirely different team. 

The franchise has struggled to retain talent. Superstar Juan Soto turned down a $400 million contract from Washington, forcing the team to trade him to the San Diego Padres along with power hitter Josh Bell. 

Given the team's dearth of talent, the Nationals should be on the lookout for free agents who could anchor this floundering roster. Instead, Washington's division rivals are the ones loading up. 

The Phillies, fresh off of a dream run to the World Series, are especially active. Philadelphia signed shortstop Trea Turner for 11 years and $300 million and RHP Taijuan Walker to a four-year, $72 million deal. Instead of resting on their laurels, the Phillies aimed to recapture their 2022 magic in 2023. 

The New York Mets are also retooling their roster, hoping to make another title run. The Mets lost Jacob deGrom to the Texas Rangers but replaced him with the reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander (two years, $86 million). 

On the back nine of his career, Verlander is coming off one of his best seasons and is looking for one last title run with an organization desperate to get back to the World Series. 

The Nationals have made several minor moves, all peanuts by comparison to their rivals. 

Part of the problem for Washington is the pending sale of the team. 

With ownership in flux, it's challenging for the Nationals to make major financial commitments. For Washington fans, 2023 may look a lot like 2022.