MLB 30 in 30: Time for stacked Nationals to break through in playoffs

Down a run in the 8th inning, the USA pulls off a dramatic comeback to win their initial Pool F game, plus Japan advances to the semi-finals.

The Washington Nationals are once again a World Series contender. But last year’s regular season success didn’t translate beyond an appearance in the NLDS. This season with a few roster tweaks and some hope for good health, the Nationals will set out to prove that they’re as good as everyone thinks they should be.

As we get closer to the 2017 season, we’re taking a look at each of the 30 MLB teams. The Washington Nationals are next:

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Up-and-coming player to watch

After splitting time between the outfield and second base, 23-year-old Trea Turner will move to his natural position at shortstop this season. Washington traded shortstop Danny Espinosa to Angels, handing the full-time job to their rising star.

Turner was a runner-up for NL rookie-of-the-year honours in 2016, with .342 average and a .937 OPS in 307 at bats. He also hit 13 home runs and stole 33 bases. While some regression is likely, Turner will lead off the Nationals’ potent lineup and use that speed to wreak havoc on the basepaths.

What a successful 2017 season would look like

Once again the Nationals have enough talent to be considered a World Series threat. Washington had a great regular season in 2016, finishing atop the NL East. But once again, they fell in the Division Series. Another appearance in the NLDS is the baseline for success, but the Nats will be left disappointed if this isn’t the year they compete for the National League Championship.

To fix a hole in centre field, the Nationals traded for veteran Adam Eaton in the off-season. They had to give up two of their top pitching prospects in Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez to get him from the White Sox. If Giolito turns into the pitcher many believe he can become, the deal could look ugly for the Nationals down the road. But if the gamble pays off, Eaton will give Washington the edge it needs.

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Biggest remaining question

On paper, the Nationals are stacked. They have a great pitching staff, anchored by Cy Young-winner Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. They’re strong defensively and scary at the plate, with guys like Daniel Murphy, Anthony Rendon and the ridiculously talented Bryce Harper.

So, aside from the aforementioned ‘but-can-they-win-in-the-playoffs’ problem, the other major concern is whether the Nationals can avoid injuries and keep this is frightening roster intact. Strasburg missed the end of last season with a torn elbow tendon. Scherzer, 32, sat out much of spring training to recover stress fracture in his finger.

Meanwhile, the oft-injured Ryan Zimmerman is a question mark at first base, particularly with his struggles at the plate. Washington brought in Adam Lind to offer some support, but he poses just as many problems. It’s not a perfect team, but it’s a very good one — and if this roster can stay healthy it’s a good bet that you’ll still be watching the Nationals in the fall.

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