Entering the 2019 off-season, the Nationals were on top of the MLB world, having just won the World Series. While the fans and team celebrated, the front office was facing a crossroads. Stars Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg were both free agents and in line for massive paydays. The Nats decided to re-sign Strasburg and let Rendon walk, despite having the money to bring back both. Rendon went on to sign with the Los Angelos Angels, leaving the Nats with a huge void at third.
Despite this, the Nationals were not fazed due to the number of options at third, be it free agency, in house talent, or the trade market.