Washington faces a decisive offseason choice between continuing a multi-year rebuild or shifting toward attempting to win immediately. The organization hired Mike DeBartolo as interim GM, with a possibility he becomes permanent, and leadership decisions will shape roster direction. The Nationals have been trading major-league talent since July 2021, acquiring prospects and reducing payroll. The rebuild has lasted over four years and produced many prospects who are now in the majors. If ownership elects to pursue winning soon, the club would need to add complementary pieces and commit resources, following models used successfully by teams like the Astros, Cubs, Orioles, Tigers, and Royals.
There are two general strategies Washington could employ. The first is to continue the process of rebuilding; the second would be to make a concerted effort to start winning again for the first time in years. They don't necessarily have to sell out for one strategy or the other, but they should at least have an idea of what the general direction of their organization is.
The Nationals have been in tear-down mode since the July 2021 trade deadline, when they parted ways with stars Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. Since then, they've been getting rid of big-league talent in exchange for prospects, and cutting costs during a period when contending has not been very possible. Their rebuild is already over four years underway. That's a pretty long rebuild, and all rebuilds have to come to an end eventually.
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