Remember those days when Washington Nationals fans were spoiled in 2015 with a rotation of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, and Gio Gonzalez? That was the ❝Where’s my ring?!?❞ team. The 2015 rotation was so good that Tanner Roark got moved to the bullpen for Doug Fister who was named the 5ᵗʰ starter on that team. Even that 2019 World Series team had an incredible starting rotation. We yearn for those days.

As the Washington Nationals turn their focus towards the 2027 season, the organization finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Under President of Baseball Operations, Paul Toboni, the Nationals have just watched right-hander Cade Cavalli emerge as a potential frontline anchor. Toboni was so sure on Cavalli that he extended his contract in September.

Besides Cavalli, we could pencil in Andrew Alvarez as a starter. We have seen Jackson Kent and we know what Jake Irvin has. DJ Herz and Connelly Early could also compete.

However, if Washington truly intends to transition from a 77-win team into a legitimate National League contender, ownership must expand the payroll budget enough to give Toboni the leeway to address their most glaring weakness: PITCHING!

While the sweepstakes for elite southpaw Tarik Skubal will command historical dollar amounts from big-market behemoths, the Nationals are better positioned to target pitchers under Skubal’s level.

Here are some of our thoughts on free agent starting pitcher fits for the Nationals this offseason:

The Premier Fit: Michael King RHP

If Washington wants to make a major splash without crossing into the astronomical territory of a Skubal contract, right-hander Michael King represents the ideal target. There is a relationship that already exists between King and manager Blake Butera as they were college teammates and friends at Boston College.

At 31 years old, King fits into the timeline of Washington’s young core. He misses bats at an elite rate and provides top-of-the-rotation upside that can slot in right alongside Cavalli, giving the Nationals a legitimate one-two punch at the top of the card. King brings playoff experience on his résumé, and that is a plus for a team that needs someone who can with the experience of seen it and done it.

The Realistic Anchor: Tyler Mahle RHP and Foster Griffin LHP

For a front office looking to balance high-upside performance with financial flexibility, veteran right-hander Tyler Mahle is a logical target. Mahle has proven throughout his career that he can handle a heavy workload and look highly effective as a reliable middle-of-the-rotation stabilizer.

Adding Mahle would take immense pressure off younger depth pieces like Andrew Alvarez. A short-to-medium-term contract for Mahle would give the Nationals a durable arm to log competitive innings while the next wave of pitching prospects—such as Travis Sykora—finish their development in the minor leagues.

We mention Foster Griffin alongside Mahle in this tranche of pitchers who are in the middle tier. Obviously the Nats know Griffin and tried to extend his contract before they traded him. Both Mahle and Griffin come with postseason experience and like we said with King, that is a plus on their résumés.

The High-Upside Gamble: Jack Flaherty

Another name that aligns with Washington’s historical preferences for bounce-back arms is right-hander Jack Flaherty. He has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, and though he has dealt with inconsistencies and injuries, he possesses the raw stuff of a frontline starter when healthy.

While Flaherty is a risk, his dollars should be commensurate with taking a risk on a pitcher like him. The Nationals have the luxury of offering a guaranteed rotation spot and a fair pitcher’s home park environment where someone like Flaherty could anchor a young staff. If Toboni can secure him on a creative deal, he represents the type of calculated risk that might be worth it.

The Verdict

The Nationals do not need five starters making $20 million per year, but they can no longer rely solely on inexpensive, unproven options. There is depth forming in Triple-A and Double-A with pitchers like Jack Cebert and Josh Hartle.

Targeting a frontline weapon like Michael King or a dependable anchor like Tyler Mahle and/or Foster Griffin would instantly legitimize Washington’s postseason aspirations for 2027 if Toboni also fixes the bullpen and gets Toboni another good lefty bat.

With financial flexibility on their side, the time has come for the Nationals’ front office to execute and fortify the mound.