The Nationals Will Have To Pick Between Stephen Strasburg, Anthony Rendon

The Washington Nationals are defending World Series champs, but they can’t bring back that same team in 2020. Two of the team’s biggest stars (Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon) are free agents. It’s looking like an either or scenario. Washington can’t afford both.

Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington spoke to Nats owner Mark Lerner. This quote tells you everything you need to know:

“We really can only afford to have one of those two guys,” Lerner said. “They’re huge numbers. We already have a really large payroll to begin with….We’re pursuing them, we’re pursuing other free agents in case they decided to go elsewhere. Again, it’s not up to us. We can give them a great offer — which we’ve done to both of those players. They’re great people.  We’d be delighted if they stay.  But it’s not up to us, it’s up to them.  That’s why they call it free agency.”

If this is the case, who should the Nationals choose? I think Rendon should be the priority. He’s much harder to replace. There is no third base option on the market that can replace him. Josh Donaldson but how long can you count on him for? Didi Gregorius is the only other option but he’s more of a shortstop and you would be counting on a bounceback year that won’t match what Rendon gives you anyway. Rendon should be the guy they bring back and he’s worth paying.

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You could argue signing Stephen Strasburg over Anthony Rendon. Pitching wins. However, it’s not like the Nats don’t have arms. Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin would be a decent one-two punch. They could sign another starter on a cheaper deal as the 3rd option. Regardless, both guys are going to get their money this offseason.