– Last Updated on November 21, 2022 4:48 pm
Nationals 2017 Season Preview
Ready to check out our 2017 Washington Nationals predictions? The Washington Nationals come into this season fresh off winning the National League East last season. But their season ended in disappointment again getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs. So can this be the year they finally take that next step and win a playoff series?
MLB Nationals Predictions & Handicapping Insight
For that to happen they are going to need to get a little better pitching from the back end of their rotation and they need Bryce Harper to get back to his MVP type numbers.
If they can get those things we might be talking about this Washington Nationals team contending for a World Series title.
2017 MLB Team Previews – Washington Nationals
- National League East -150
- National League +500
- World Series +1100
Key Additions:
- Adam Eaton
- Matt Wieters
- Adam Lind
The Washington Nationals proved they are ready to win now, with their off season additions. They got three more big bats in Adam Eaton, Matt Wieters, and Adam Lind.
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The one thing you don’t see here is any pitching additions which is surprising. They have a good pitching staff but I am suprised they didn’t go after one more big arm to bolster their rotation.
Key Losses:
- Wilson Ramos
- Mark Melancon
- Lucas Giolito
The biggest loss for this team in the off season was Wilson Ramos, which would have been a big loss in most seasons. But the Nationals signed Matt Wieters which is a very good replacement. Although Ramos does have a little higher WAR then Wieters, it is not much of a downgrade.
Nationals Predictions: Projected Lineup:
- OF Adam Eaton
- SS Trea Turner
- 2B Daniel Murphy
- OF Bryce Harper
- 3B Anthony Rendon
- OF Jayson Wearth
- 1B Ryan Zimmerman
- C Matt Wieters
When looking at this lineup one thing is evident. It’s a line up that not many pitchers are going to want to face. There is power all over this line up and anyone from 1-9 can hit the ball out of the ballpark at anytime.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Nationals to lead the league in runs scored, that’s how good it is.
But for that to happen it all starts with Bryce Harper. If he can lead this team in offensive production the rest of the team can feed off him.
Nationals Predictions: Projected Rotation:
- Stephen Strasburg
- Tanner Roark
- Gio Gonzalez
- Max Scherzer
- Joe Ross
This starting rotation has two legit candidates for the Cy Young in Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer.
The biggest thing for the this rotation is they need to stay healthy.
Strasburg has had a lot of injury issues through his career and it has cost him a lot of time on the mound. If he and the rest of the staff is able to stay healthy this is one of the best rotations in the National league.
Nationals Predictions: Projected Closer:
- Blake Treinen
The Washington Nationals just named Blake Treinen as the closer, but if he struggles don’t be surprised if they were to try someone else there.
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Blake Treinen was mostly a setup man for the Nationals last year. He appeared in 73 games and pitched 67 innings. In those innings he only gave up 17 runs.
I think it’s really important he doesn’t blow any of his first couple saves. If he does that he might lose a lot of confidence and his closer role could be short.
2017 Washington Nationals Prediction:
It’s now or never for the Washington Nationals, and judging by their off season signings they are all in. Many expect Bryce Harper to leave after next season so the Nationals need to win now before they lose their best player to free agency.
What do I expect from this team? I expect them to have one of the best rotations and one of the best offenses in all of baseball.
Their MLB over/under is 91.5.
I expect that they will be over that number and have the second best record in the National League only behind the Cubs.
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I think this is the year that the Nationals finally get over that playoff hump and win a series. I think they will win the NL East and then make it all the way to the NL championship series before losing to the Cubs.
All and all this season will be looked upon as a very good season.
What do you think of our 2017 Washington Nationals predictions? Comments are welcome below.
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