WASHINGTON -- The Nationals are heading to San Diego next week for the 2022 Winter Meetings to address their roster needs for the season ahead.

Unlike past meetings during which the Nats reached head-turning deals, like with Stephen Strasburg and Jayson Werth, they are entering this year’s event in the midst of building a young foundation for their future. That includes being tied for the best chance to earn the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.

The 40-man roster is full after the team signed veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario and outfielder Stone Garrett on Tuesday. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t moves to be made. Let’s take a look at some key factors to keep in mind for the Winter Meetings.

Key Events

• Sunday, Dec. 4: HOF Contemporary Era ballot results released (Albert Belle, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, Fred McGriff, Dale Murphy, Rafael Palmeiro, Curt Schilling)
• Monday, Dec. 5: All-MLB Team announced
• Tuesday, Dec. 6: Inaugural Draft Lottery, AL/NL Relievers of Year announced
• Wednesday, Dec. 7: Rule 5 Draft

Club Needs

The Nationals are in need of offensive power for their 2023 lineup. This past season, they hit the least home runs and produced the third-fewest runs scored in the National League. There is a vacancy in the designated hitter role after the team declined its mutual option on Nelson Cruz and non-tendered Luke Voit.

Additionally, the Nats need to round out their starting rotation. They non-tendered Erick Fedde, who made 27 starts this past season. Adding a starter who can pitch deep into games would benefit their taxed bullpen.

Potential Trade Candidates

The Nationals overhauled their roster at the last two Trade Deadlines and non-tendered Luke Voit, who was a trade candidate entering this offseason. Left-hander Patrick Corbin and center fielder Victor Robles potentially could benefit from a change of scenery. Corbin, however, has two years remaining on a $140 million contract.

Prospects to Know

LHP Matt Cronin (No. 25): The Nationals protected Cronin, whom they selected in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft, from the Rule 5 Draft this month. Cronin, 25, made 48 relief appearances (52 innings) this past season between Double-A and Triple-A. He went 4-1 with a 2.42 ERA and 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings. The Nationals’ bullpen does not have any southpaws, and Cronin could receive consideration during camp.

INF Jake Alu (unranked): Alu turned heads this past season while he advanced to Triple-A. In 132 games between Harrisburg and Rochester, he batted .299, the highest average among all Nationals Minor Leaguers. The 25-year-old lefty hitter also posted a .506 slugging percentage, .871 OPS and 40 doubles. After earning Washington’s Minor League Nationals Way Award in September, he was protected from the Rule 5 Draft earlier this month. Alu could contend for time at third base (he also has experience at second base) during Spring Training.

Rule 5 Draft

The Nationals, who already have Keibert Ruiz, Riley Adams and Israel Pineda (No. 26) on their 40-man roster, did not protect catcher Drew Millas (No. 30) from the Rule 5 Draft. Millas, 24, could garner interest from other clubs following a solid Arizona Fall League performance. The switch-hitter batted .305 with an .825 OPS and 13 RBIs in 15 games.

Washington has the first pick in the Rule 5 Draft after finishing the season with the worst record. There will be a lot of talented options available, including several top-15 ranked pitching prospects.

Burning Question

The Nationals did major roster work this past season when they traded Juan Soto and Josh Bell to the Padres at the Trade Deadline and bolstered their farm system and young core in return. As the Nats continue to build towards their future with developing talent and with the possibility of a sale of the team ongoing, it remains to be seen how big of a splash they will make in offseason moves.