WASHINGTON -- From building their 2022 roster to addressing prospects in their Minor League system, the Nationals have a busy offseason full of planning ahead. Here are key factors to address and important deadlines to note.

Nationals entering free agency
Eligible players become free agents the day after the conclusion of the World Series. The Nationals have a handful of veterans on the 40-man roster in that category: first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, utility player Jordy Mercer, outfielder Gerardo Parra and left-hander Luis Avilán. (Catcher Alex Avila would have been included on the list, but he already announced his retirement.)

The biggest question mark of this group is Zimmerman. The 37-year-old plans to wait until at least December to decide if he will return for a 17th season; spending time with his family will be a factor. Zimmerman, who has spent his entire career in Washington, thrived in a backup first base role this season and said he feels good enough to play another year. If he chooses to return, general manager Mike Rizzo stated that "Ryan Zimmerman has a place on this roster as a player as long as Mike Rizzo is the GM.”

Mercer is another free agent to watch. The 35-year-old missed over 60 games because of injuries in his first season with the Nats, but his ability to play every infield position and provide a veteran presence could be an asset to the young team next year.

2022 roster needs
Starting pitching: Washington has to assess health and talent as it builds its starting rotation for 2022. Patrick Corbin and Josiah Gray are set to return, while Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross are working their way back from season-ending injuries and are expected to be ready for Spring Training. Look for Joan Adon, Paolo Espino, Erick Fedde and Josh Rogers -- all of whom made starts this season -- to compete for spots in the spring. The Nationals' top prospect, Cade Cavalli, is also poised to make his Major League debut next season; the question is if he will be in the rotation on Opening Day. Free-agent starting pitchers around the league include: Max Scherzer, Robbie Ray and Eduardo Rodriguez.

Closer: The Nationals traded Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson at the Deadline this season, leaving the role open for 2022. While Tanner Rainey, Kyle Finnegan and Will Harris -- who is working toward being ready for Spring Training -- can fill late innings, the team would benefit from having a dedicated closer. Free-agent closers around the league include: Kenley Jansen, Ian Kennedy and Greg Holland.

Outfield: Right field is set with Juan Soto, but the Nats will have to determine if center field will be manned by Victor Robles or Lane Thomas. From there, there are several options in left field. If Robles gets the nod at center, Thomas could shift to left. Yadiel Hernandez and Andrew Stevenson also are candidates on the roster to vie for the role. Free-agent left fielders include: Corey Dickerson, Eddie Rosario and Kyle Schwarber.

Third base: Carter Kieboom will compete for the starting third base job in Spring Training, though he is not a lock as the Nationals will watch for his offseason adjustments and improvements. Washington could either turn to Kieboom in 2022, platoon the role like it has done in the past, or go for a free-agent acquisition that fits within the parameters of maintaining salary cap flexibility for a future Soto contract. Free-agent third basemen include: Kris Bryant, Eduardo Escobar, Kyle Seager.

Non-tender candidates
By definition, when a team decides to non-tender a player, “it declines to give that player a contract for the upcoming season, thereby immediately making him a free agent.” This is done for several reasons, including 40-man roster space and upcoming arbitration. Of the arbitration-eligible players, non-tender candidates could include relievers Ryne Harper and Wander Suero, both of whom struggled in the second half but could bounce back in the ‘pen next season. The tender deadline is Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. ET.

Rule 5 Draft
The Major League Rule 5 Draft is scheduled to be held on Dec. 8. Players who signed at 18 years old or younger and were not added to the 40-man roster within five seasons, and players who signed at 19 years old and were not added within four seasons can be selected by another club on that day.

Dec. 1 is the deadline to request outright waivers to assign a player ahead of the Rule 5 Draft (as long as the player doesn’t need to be tendered), and Dec. 5 is the final day to outright a player prior to the Rule 5 Draft. Among the Nationals’ top 30 prospects, per MLB Pipeline, those who will need to be added to the 40-man roster to avoid the Rule 5 Draft include: left-hander Tim Cate (No. 13), outfielder Donovan Casey (No. 18), left-hander Evan Lee (No. 21), shortstop Jordy Barley (No. 25), right-hander Richard Guasch (No. 26) and catcher Israel Pineda (No. 27).

This year’s Rule 5 Draft protection is different than in previous years, as the Nats have shifted in a new direction and are building out their roster with younger developing players. Two players who jump out are Casey (Washington's Minor League Defensive Player of the Year) and Pineda, who the Nats have been getting a closer look at in the Arizona Fall League.