LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Like a number of teams so far this offseason, the Nationals have mostly been dormant. But this past weekend has seen two major pieces move, perhaps setting the stage for a flurry of activity when the Winter Meetings begin Monday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
With all 30 general managers and a number of agents in a single location moves tend to happen quickly at the Winter Meetings, which will run through Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. This year should be no different.
Washington was at the center of action during the 2016 Winter Meetings, which resulted in it acquiring Adam Eaton in a trade from the White Sox. The Nationals' roster is all but set heading into next season, so they are not expected to make any major moves this offseason that would rival that trade. The club is likely only to make tweaks to its roster as it tries to reload a team coming off back-to-back National League East Division titles.
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"I do foresee going after some depth in the starting rotation," general manager Mike Rizzo said at the GM Meetings last month. "Going after some depth in the bullpen and some strategic bench pieces that could fit what were trying to do."
• Nats seek depth at Winter Meetings
The major moves the Nationals have made this offseason were to overhaul their entire coaching staff and hire Dave Martinez as manager. Martinez will address the news media on Monday at 11.30 a.m. ET, in his first press conference since he was introduced as Nationals manager last month.
And the Nats hope to begin checking some of their needs off their list, which include starting pitching at the back end of the rotation, bullpen depth and building a bench. However, Rizzo has made a name for himself by making a deal even when there is not a clear need, if he feels he can improve his team. MLB.com will be on the scene, so stay tuned to Nationals.com and follow along on Twitter for all the latest news and action.