The Washington Nationals have had a quiet - and frankly, perplexing - offseason when it comes to adding major league bats. A handful of players have exited, but with Spring Training around the corner, the Nats still haven’t signed a single hitter to a major league deal. That’s not just unusual - it’s almost unheard of for a rebuilding team.
Now, it’s no secret that the Nationals aren’t positioning themselves as contenders in 2026. The front office has been transparent about the long-term rebuild.
But even in a down year, teams often bring in veteran hitters on short-term deals, hoping to flip them at the trade deadline for future assets. It’s a simple formula: sign a bat, boost his value with regular playing time, and move him for prospects.
Washington has already done something similar on the pitching side with Foster Griffin. So why haven’t they done the same on the offensive side?
With less than two weeks until full-squad workouts begin, let’s take a look at a few names still on the market who could fit that mold - potential short-term additions with upside, both on the field and at the trade deadline.
Paul Goldschmidt - 1B
Paul Goldschmidt says he’s ready to play in 2026, and if that’s the case, he could be a logical fit for Washington. The Nationals have depth at first base, sure - but what they don’t have is clarity. No one has locked down the everyday job, and Goldy could bring a stabilizing presence to the mix.
Last year with the Yankees, Goldschmidt logged over 500 plate appearances, showing he’s still capable of handling a regular role. His splits were dramatic: a 74 wRC+ against right-handed pitching, but a scorching 169 wRC+ against lefties. That kind of platoon profile could work well in a limited role, especially if paired with someone like Luis García Jr. at first base.
Beyond the numbers, Goldschmidt brings leadership. On a young team still finding its identity, having a respected veteran in the clubhouse matters. He wouldn’t just be a placeholder - he’d be a mentor, a steadying hand, and, if things go well, a trade chip come July.
Marcell Ozuna - DH
Strictly from a baseball standpoint, Marcell Ozuna is one of the most productive bats still available. He’s two years removed from a 39-homer season with the Braves and has consistently posted strong offensive numbers as a designated hitter.
In 2025, he hit a bit of a speed bump - his power dipped, but he still managed a 114 wRC+ across nearly 600 plate appearances. ZiPS projects a slight rebound: 25 homers, 121 wRC+.
That said, any conversation about Ozuna has to acknowledge the off-field baggage. His past legal issues - including a domestic violence arrest in 2021 and a DUI charge in 2022 - have understandably made him a controversial figure.
For many fans, those incidents overshadow his on-field production. And for a young, rebuilding team trying to build a new culture, that’s a factor that can’t be ignored.
Mike Tauchman - OF
Mike Tauchman might not be a household name, but he’s quietly been one of the more reliable on-base guys in the league over the past few seasons. The lefty outfielder has posted a .325 wOBA or better in each of the last three years - not elite, but solid. He gets on base, works counts, and plays competent corner outfield defense.
Health has been the big issue. Tauchman hasn’t played more than 110 games in any of the last three seasons, which limits his reliability. But when he’s on the field, he’s a league-average hitter with a patient approach - something the Nationals could use, especially in a lineup that’s still searching for consistent production.
At 35, he’s not a long-term piece, but he fits the mold of a veteran who could give you quality at-bats early in the season and potentially draw interest from contenders at the deadline.
Miguel Andújar - LF/3B
Miguel Andújar’s career has taken some twists and turns since his breakout rookie season with the Yankees, but he’s quietly rebuilt some of his value over the past two years with the A’s. He’s held his own against right-handers and crushed lefties in a limited sample, and at 31, he’s still young enough to have some upside left.
Projection models are split on him, but Andújar profiles similarly to how the Nationals used Amed Rosario last season - a versatile bat who can hold down a platoon role, build some value, and potentially get moved at the deadline. He’s not flashy, but he’s functional, and that’s exactly the kind of player Washington could use right now.
The Bottom Line
We’re in the late stages of the offseason, where most of the big names are off the board and teams are bargain-hunting. For the Nationals, that could be an opportunity. These aren’t headline-grabbing signings, but they’re the kind of low-risk, potentially high-reward moves that rebuilding clubs thrive on.
The front office has shown patience - maybe too much of it - but the clock is ticking. If the Nats want to add a veteran bat who can help the young core grow and maybe bring back some value in July, the time to act is now.
Who’s your pick? Should Washington take a flier on a veteran hitter or roll with the youth movement? Let us know on social - we’re listening.