Are the Washington Nationals going into a rebuild?

The Washington Nationals’ final record for the 2022 season is 55-107. Just three years ago, the Nationals, against all odds, beat the Houston Astros to win the World Series. After that season the Nats had to make a decision whether to keep Stephen Strausburg, the World Series MVP, or Anthony Rendon, who’d had an amazing year. They ended up choosing Stephen Strausburg.

While Anthony Rendon left for the Angels, the Nats were ready to embark on another season to try and defend their title. The Nats went on to end the year 65-97 and last in the National League East.

During that year the Nats traded two other key pieces at the trade deadline to the Dodgers. Long time Nats Max Scherzer and Trea Turner were shipped off. 

At the trade deadline this year, in a move that frustrated many fans, Juan Soto was traded to the Padres after the Nats were unable to reach a contract extension with him. The Nats got some young pieces back, and with these moves it seems manager Dave Martinez has decided to try and rebuild around some younger guys.

The Nats struggled this year, and with the loss of these key pieces it would seem they have moved into the rebuilding stage. The Nats were never able to find a groove this year, and with their current roster, it does not seem they will be a legitimate contender for the next few years with the rebuilding stages they are going through.