WASHINGTON NATIONALS (95-67), 1ST, NL EAST
uSeason snapshot: The Nationals erased the disappointment of 2015 by spending virtually the entire 2016 season atop the National League East. They trailed the Mets for only five days in early May — never by more than a half-game — and held the lead outright from May 29 on. Replacing Matt Williams with as manager had the desired effect, even as Baker had to deal with a surprisingly underwhelming season by 2015 NL MVP
and injuries to the pitching staff. Center field and the leadoff spot also were issues until the Nationals took top shortstop and made him their center fielder and leadoff man. Second base was no problem at all because newly signed was the most consistent player in the lineup. The Nationals also got an All-Star performance out of catcher which only made it hurt more when he was lost for the season because of a torn ligament in his right knee. And while they dealt with injuries on the pitching staff, they got a Cy Young-level season from ace
uWhat now: The Nationals made it to the playoffs for the third time since 2012, and they’ll try to win a postseason series for the first time since moving to Washington in 2005 (and for the first time since the 1981 Montreal Expos won a series between first- and second-half winners in that strike-affected season). They’ll have to do it without Ramos and possibly right-hander
out since Sept. 7 because of a right forearm strain.
uFree agent focus: Before he hurt his knee, Ramos turned down the Nationals’ offer of a new contract, and his free agency will be a big focus once their season ends. Depending on how people view his postsurgery health, Ramos could well beat the Nationals’ reported offer of three years for about $30 million. The only other significant free agent is closer acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a midseason trade. uProspects to watch: Right-hander
was regarded by some as the best pitching prospect in the game when 2016 began, and it seemed a given that he would help the Nationals at some point this season. Giolito did make four major league starts, but he finished five innings in only one of them. The Nationals have a strong farm system with plenty of prospects beyond Giolito and Turner. Outfielder and right-hander
are well regarded. Danny Knobler