Within the realm of possibilities, Washington Nationals President of Baseball Operations, Paul Toboni, could decide to be very conservative in his spending this offseason. The ownership group should be instructing him, at the very least, to sign a veteran leader on a longer-term deal.
When Ryan Zimmerman talked recently on his 11th Inning Podcast, Zimmerman said the team needs a veteran team leader on a 2-to-4 year deal, and added, “I’m not saying to go crazy to get the top of the [free agent] list — that would be cool too.”
Yes, getting a Jayson Werth would be great like the Nationals accomplished after the 2010 season. But a good veteran player at a position of need on a 2-to-4 year deal like Zimmerman suggested might make more sense in the near-term.
Toboni has already mentioned both first base and catcher as positions of need. He would be correct. He also mentioned the need for more pitching. Yes, and as they say, you can never have enough pitching. But generally you want a position player as your clubhouse leader.
At some point you might have to overpay a good veteran player to come to the Washington Nationals. At this point, the Nats have not been tied in any credible rumors to free agents.
Whenever Toboni is asked about his plan on spending and payroll, he quickly sidesteps the question like the matador attempting to avoid a bull.
❝But to us, … I think the cleanest path to winning — and creating a sustainable winner is identifying, acquiring, and developing talent. Regardless of what our payroll situation is, you have to dominate [all] of that to be a contender in the playoffs.❞
— Toboni said when asked about spending on player payroll
Ownership should be asking Toboni to spend to get a veteran leader. The young players on this roster need that player in their clubhouse.
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