THE Washington Nationals may not be as far out of contention as it seems, even though they are coming off back-to-back 71-win, last-four-place seasons since winning the World Series in 2019.

Despite the difficulties encountered in the five years since that championship triumph, the Nationals have one of the best farm systems in baseball and have several players poised to become full-time big league players and start to have a serious impact.

In this case, some believe it’s time for Washington to take a big step forward in free agency and spend money to bring in veteran executives for a term. young ball club.

Few are better suited than Houston Astros superstar third baseman Alex Bregman.

The two-time All-Star, represented by the game’s top agent, Scott Boras, is expected to receive a lucrative long-term contract. But as a player who has been a key cog in a run of absolutely dominant success in Houston, he would also bring a championship mentality to the Nationals.

There may be position fit issues at third base due to the prospects already in the organization. But, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com writes that Bregman’s willingness to change positions could lead him to become a candidate in Washington.

The Nats’ current production at the position is a big reason to play for Bregman. But it is also the future that Washington must think about, according to Feinsand.

“Washington’s .589 OPS at third base ranked 29th in the Majors last season, ahead of only the White Sox (.533). Four different players started at least 30 games at the Nationals’ hot corner last season , but none were able to produce at the plate Brady House, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Nats. Hope #3plays third base, but Bregman’s willingness to change positions could keep him in play for Washington. »

Whether House is ready for the Major League remains a question. But Bregman could hold him down until House was ready. this point, then migrate to a different position. Notably, the Astros had him working at first base last season due to injury, and the Nationals need power at that corner as well.

The Nationals have the assets to become a force in the National League, but they have also been one of the youngest teams in baseball in 2024 and this team will take time to establish itself.

That’s where a player like Bregman comes in. He’s a steady veteran who has produced at a high level on the biggest stages the sport has to offer for nearly a decade.

He wouldn’t be cheap, but Bregman is absolutely a player Washington should play.