Will Nationals bring Voit back in 2023?
Jessica Camerato
@jessicacameratoThis story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato's Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
As the postseason nears its conclusion, it is time to look ahead to pertinent topics facing the Nationals this offseason with this FAQ.
Which players are free agents?
RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Sean Doolittle, RHP Will Harris, 2B César Hernández, RHP Erasmo Ramírez, RHP Joe Ross and RHP Aníbal Sánchez. None of them are likely to receive a qualifying offer, which can be made by a team until 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the conclusion of the World Series.
Who might be likely to re-sign with the Nationals?
Sánchez finished the season strong and has expressed a desire to return to the Nats’ starting rotation. Ramírez established himself as one of Washington’s most reliable relievers, and he provided flexibility to make spot starts when needed, too. Doolittle and Ross also could rejoin the Nationals as they continue their rehabs from injury.
Which players have options, and what's the impact on payroll?
Designated hitter Nelson Cruz has a $16 million mutual option for 2023. He is unlikely to return to the Nationals. Looking ahead to next season, Cruz said in early October, “Hopefully, I can go to a place where I can accomplish the goals that I’m looking for -- win the World Series.”
Who might be a non-tender candidate, and when does the club have to make that decision?
The non-tender deadline is Nov. 18. Designated hitter/first baseman Luke Voit, who earned $5.45 million in 2022, is arbitration-eligible. He could be a non-tender candidate if the Nationals utilize Joey Meneses at first base and opt for a different DH this offseason.
Who might the Nationals be willing to trade?
Insert Voit’s name here, too. Voit, 31, emerged as a leader in the Nats' clubhouse after he was acquired from the Padres. He could garner interest from a club looking for a veteran presence who can bring a bat to the lineup. (See more on Voit’s offense below.)
What kind of help do the Nats need, and will they be active in free agency?
Washington needs to fill out its pitching staff, and free agency could be a path to do so. Unlike past years, when the Nats offered big contracts to mega arms, look for smaller deals to starters as they continue to grow their young talents in Cade Cavalli, MacKenzie Gore and Josiah Gray. In a bullpen that is without closer Tanner Rainey while he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery, two free-agents-to-be led the way -- Cishek topped the team in appearances, and Ramírez led all NL relievers in innings pitched this season.
Who needs to be added to the 40-man roster this winter to avoid the Rule 5 Draft?
The Nationals have key prospects to address ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, slated for Dec. 7. Eligible players are those who signed with a team 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.
Other notable prospects include right-hander Mason Denaburg (2018 first-round pick) and right-hander Jake Irvin (‘18 fourth-round pick). Shortstop Jordy Barley, right-hander Richard Guasch and southpaw Tim Cate also were not protected when they became eligible last year.
Do they have a crunch for roster spots?
The Nationals' 40-man roster is currently full, with seven players mentioned above set to become free agents. On the 40-man roster, pitchers Joan Adon, Gerardo Carrillo (No. 14 prospect), Francisco Perez, Tommy Romero and Seth Romero; infielder Lucius Fox and outfielder Yasel Antuna (No. 19) finished the season in the Minors, with Antuna and Carrillo pursuing their big league debuts.