3 Moves the Nationals Can Make to Catch the Dodgers in the NL Pennant Race

The Washington Nationals ended the 2019 MLB campaign by hoisting the World Series trophy for the first time in franchise history. Despite their championship campaign just last season they are still not quite as good as the Los Angeles Dodgers entering 2020. If the Nationals want to make the World Series for the second consecutive season, they should consider making these three moves.

3. Trade for Kirby Yates

Kirby Yates is coming off the best season of his career where he recorded an MLB best 41 saves / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Last season the Nationals had one weakness throughout just about the entirety of their campaign. Their bullpen was among the worst in baseball and yet they were still able to sneak into the playoffs with a wild card spot. While they stepped up their performance in October, it would be insane to rely on them to keep up the same production for next season. After signing former Astro Will Harris, adding Kirby Yates, who led the entire MLB in saves last year, would make this one of the better bullpens in baseball.

2. Trade for Kris Bryant

Many teams have been pursuing Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant / Denis Poroy/Getty Images

The Nationals did a very good job in keeping their championship roster in tact for next season as they secured Stephen Strasburg, Daniel Hudson and Howie Kendrick in the offseason. However, they lost their All-Star third baseman in Anthony Rendon to the Los Angeles Angels. Kris Bryant has been linked to the Nationals via trade rumors, and he'd be an excellent addition at this juncture of the offseason.

1. Trade for Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado has been linked with trade rumors all offseason / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Nolan Arenado is one of the best all-around third basemen in the league. As tensions between Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich and Arenado continue into Spring Training, a trade for the third baseman may be in their best interest, and the Nationals should pursue the five-time All-Star. While it's impossible to replace a player the caliber of Rendon in one offseason, adding Arenado is as close as Washington can get to doing so.