WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have been in this difficult situation before, with the task of taking a dominant division winner that came up short during the postseason and finding ways to improve it.
One of the biggest changes will come in the dugout after Washington made the decision to hire Dave Martinez as its manager to replace Dusty Baker after two years and consecutive National League East titles.
Other than their new manager, the Nats should be prepared to return nearly all of their major pieces in 2018 for a team without any glaring weaknesses. But general manager Mike Rizzo is always prepared to make a deal he believes will make his team better, even when there is no obvious need.