The Washington Nationals are coming off a 96 win season that saw them flame out in the National League playoffs. The fan base is itching for greater success with a team that appears stacked and ready to go in 2015 but don’t jump too soon.

The Nationals are actually looking, with an eye to the future, into the possibility of trading players like Jordan Zimmerman, Tyler Clippard and Doug Fister. Why? Free agency is where all three can end up after next season. If that is the case then there could be real logic to the move and a prudent decision by management. Of course, there will attempts at extensions but don’t expect the Nationals to pass up a great deal. The boys from the nation’s capital could very well be the most active team this off-season.

Consider that the Nationals are in need of a second baseman with the expected departure of Asdrubal Cabrera. In the long run the Nationals still have a love for Danny Espinosa but he needs plate maturity before assuming the full time role. He is a solid defender but he will either find a platoon role or a trip back to AAA in order to hone his offensive skillset.

The bench in Washington has been less than impressive over the last couple of seasons and that is clearly a point where Rizzo, the General Manager, will look to affect change. The bench in Washington hit an abysmal .144 in pinch hitting situations last season. A lack of pop existed from their bench and bolstering this scenario will be a hot button issue.

The Nationals have also parted ways with Rafael Soriano, who admittedly never quite lived up to expectations in the closer role in Washington. While it is true that the Nationals could turn to Drew Storen who was impressive at the end of last year, there is nothing that jumps off the page and screams they love Storen long term.

Let’s look at some possible trade and free agency moves that could come to the nation’s capital before Spring Training begins. Some are more likely than others but all are fun to imagine.

Possible Trades

Doug Fister to Angels for Howie Kendrick

Probability: Not Going To Happen | Not Likely | 50/50 | Likely | Going To Happen

The Angels have floated the name of Howie Kendrick already this off-season. A team like the Angels could be interested in a deal that brought them either Zimmerman or Fister in exchange for Kendrick. I believe that the Nationals will be looking for a hefty payday to give up Zimmerman so a player like Fister makes more sense in this scenario. While it is true that Kendrick will be a free-agent after next year, this would give them time to develop Espinosa and free up some salary towards a big free agent signing.

Probability: Not Going To Happen | Not Likely | 50/50 | Likely | Going To Happen

Expect the Nationals to shop other free agents to be in Tyler Clippard, who has commented that he wants to be a closer, or Denard Span on the market this winter in the hopes of bolstering the bench. While many do not feel the Diamondbacks will move Mark Trumbo, I believe after a down year in 2014 the Diamondacks would be willing to move Trumbo and a prospect for a Clippard/ Span combination. A combination of Addison Reed with Clippard in Arizona could help. They might be willing to deal after signing Yasmany Tomas. Everything seems farfetched now but the winter always plays out in a unique fashion.

Probability: Not Going To Happen | Not Likely | 50/50 | Likely | Going To Happen

Note: If this deal happens then the Nationals will keep Fister.

If the Red Sox do not bring Jon Lester back to Boston then the door is open for this blockbuster trade. Nationals fans are losing their minds as they read this but just think about it for a second. Zimmerman is a free-agent after next year and the team has yet to start talks of an extension back up since they broke off a while ago. There is also a chance that the Nationals will not be able to resign Ian Desmond to a contract extension.

If the Nationals could land the likes of Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts from the Red Sox for Zimmerman than that would be quite the deal. Bogaerts could step right in and play short if Desmond is gone and Betts could step into the void at second and platoon with Espinosa while he finishes the maturation process. Now if they can agree on an extension with Desmond then Bogaerts can move to second base and Betts can refine his skills to replace Span in center field. The Nationals would have control over both. It might seem crazy but it could happen.

Free Agent Possibilities

Sign David Robertson

Probability: Not Going To Happen | Not Likely | 50/50 | Likely | Going To Happen

With Soriano gone and Andrew Miller signing with the New York Yankees, there is the possibility of them chasing a free agent closer David Robertson. Robertson, right or wrong, is the most coveted closer on the market this off-season due to a steady and consistent resume. The belief that Robertson will not baulk at any pressure situation after playing in the Bronx for years is another weighting factor. His asking price is high as he seeks record closer money but don’t rule out the boys in Washington.

Sign Max Scherzer

Probability: Not Going To Happen | Not Likely | 50/50 | Likely | Going To Happen

The elephant in the room is whether the Nationals will make a run at Max Scherzer. I know it sounds crazy given that the Nationals have one of the best rotations in baseball and the value that Scott Boras will be looking to get for his prized pitching prospect. But, if the Nationals deal Fister or Zimmerman then the door could open for the Nationals to make a splash.

The management doesn’t spend Yankees or Dodgers money but they are not a small market franchise either. The fact that Boras likes to wait longer into the winter before having his chips sign would increase the Nationals chances of trading Zimmerman, Fister or both and paving the way for Scherzer in Washington. Yes it would be an expensive deal but I would expect the team to build a player opt out clause into year three or four.

Recap

Obviously all of the proposed moves here are predictions but all could actually happen. Signing a player like Scherzer will require the dealing of Zimmerman and/ or Fister but it is not impossible. I believe the deal with the Diamondbacks will be heard of at the Winter Meetings and is the most probable to occur. Regardless of the move one thing is almost a lock, the Nationals will be active this off-season and the fans can expect a roller coaster of names, scenarios and action to follow.