After 1-6 start to the season, Washington could improve their roster through free agency.
A Struggling Start to the Season
After an abysmal 1-6 start, fans are kept wondering when the losing will end in the nation’s capital. With higher expectations heading into the season, this young, talented roster has shown a glimpse of what they could be in the future. Fortunately, it’s early in the season and the disappointment could turn into excitement in an instant with the right moves.
This early in the season is too early to write players off and deem acquisitions “bad”. However, Washington could look for available options to improve their roster.
Here are three current free agents the Washington Nationals could sign to improve off their horrendous start to the season.
1. RHP David Robertson
2024 Stats:
- 3.00 ERA
- 68 Games
- 132 ERA+
- 1.9 WAR
Robertson, one of the oldest remaining free agents, is soon to be 40 years old. Robertson has been in the MLB since 2008, enjoying a long, successful career. While a part of the Texas Rangers in 2024, Robertson was relied upon heavily, being used in 68 games.
Orlando Ribalta, Jose Ferrer, and Colin Poche have been relied on the most out of the bullpen by Washington so far, resulting in a 7.71 ERA, 7.71 ERA, and an astounding 32.40 ERA. A fresh, new face could serve this bullpen greatly.
Robertson could fill a high-leverage role for Washington and, if Washington continues to struggle, become a trade asset moving forward.
2. DH J.D. Martinez
2024 Stats:
- 120 Games
- .235/.320/.406
- 16 HR
- 24 2B
- 0.6 WAR
Martinez is just two years removed from being named to his sixth All-Star game. The 37-year-old has been a very productive journeyman his entire career and could make an immediate impact in Washington.
Josh Bell was brought in to fill the Designated Hitter role, but starting the season with a .115 batting average is making fans question if he can fill that role the entire season.
The former Silver Slugger could provide much-needed offense, as parts of the lineup have struggled and like Robertson, may be used as trade assets if Washington’s struggles continue.
3. RHP Adam Ottavino
2024 Stats:
- 4.34 ERA
- 60 Games
- 11 SO/9
- 0.5 WAR
Ottavino has two appearances in 2025 with the New York Yankees. With the return of Devin Williams, New York DFA’ed Ottavino and he could be a big addition to Washington’s bullpen.
In two appearances this season, Ottavino pitched a clean 1.1 innings with two strikeouts and no runs given up.
This would be a stellar pickup for the same reasons as David Robertson: Good arms that can give a team productive innings. Even at 39, Ottavino has a career 3.48 ERA and can still contribute to a bullpen in 2025.
What do the Nationals have to lose?
These free agents have two things in common: Experience and winning. Robertson and Martinez are former World Series Champions, knowing what it takes to be successful in the MLB. Washington is a very young, raw team that could benefit from having experienced veterans.
Washington has nothing to lose at this point. After struggling for the past five years, Washington needs to improve their roster in some capacity, whether through the free agent market, scanning the trade block, or looking towards the future with young prospects. Fans are growing tired and worried about the disappointing losses. With loads of young talent, Washington hopes players will pick up their production and still have productive seasons, but these free agents could help the team move forward.