As the Nationals open the 2023 season, the team is universally expected to be in the continuation of a full rebuild, very likely to finish near the bottom of an otherwise competitive NL East division.
As Washington collects prospects and extends some of its young core, like Keibert Ruiz, fans wonder when they can expect their team to contend again, and get closer to the franchise’s peak level of success that it celebrated in 2019. Many point to 2025, but BMitch isn’t settling for that outlook.
“As long as [Mike] Rizzo is involved, I’m gonna buy anything,” BMitch said, putting his full confidence in the Nationals GM. “I believe the man works magic sometimes. As long as he’s involved and they give him some leeway, I think it’ll be quicker than 2025. I think they’ll be competing very soon, like 2024.”
Finlay wasn’t nearly as convinced, not sure if even 2025 was a likely target point, noting that the team is projected to win 59 games this season.
But BMitch says that can turn around in a hurry.
“You can get somebody in free agency that comes in, that 59 [wins] turns into 75-80 real quick,” BMitch said. “Then you’re going right for it.”
Another obstacle would be the team’s commitment to signing free agents to bolster its young core, but BMitch believes the front office will be up to the task.
“They have to invest, or else they’re shooting a bunch of BS to us,” BMitch said. “The last thing you want to do is have fans believing that you’re BS.”
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