The Washington Nationals are a team that many people are expecting to be aggressive in free agency this offseason.

Despite winning only 71 games during the 2024 season, this is a team that is on the rise. A talented young core is being built and the time to spend some money and upgrade around them is now.

There are a few holes that could use filling this winter, with the corner infield being arguably the most pressing. It will be interesting to see how they look to address those needs, as several free agents and trade targets could emerge.

If they look to sign someone, Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros is the no-brainer top option. With Matt Chapman signing an extension with the San Francisco Giants during the season and Eugenio Suarez’s option being picked up, it is slim pickings in free agency.

That is partly why the contract projections for the two-time World Series champion are so high. As shared by Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, the talented third baseman is expected to sign a six-year, $187 million deal.

That $31.2 million AAV would place him No. 5 amongst players at his position. Right ahead of Chapman but behind Anthony Rendon, Nolan Arenado, Manny Machado and Rafael Devers.

“Bregman seems to be a primary target of the Astros and Washington Nationals (a very widely rumored landing spot for him) — two teams that tend to be aggressive and not worry about models when chasing their targets. Will Bregman get more with a narrower market than shortstop Willy Adames will while having three or four times as many teams engaged? Bregman has posted three straight 4-to-5 WAR seasons with a wide base of skills, though he hasn’t topped 26 homers since 2019 and plays a corner position,” McDaniel wrote.

The Astros aren’t going to let him go without a fight, as his departure would create a massive void for the team to fill. That could mean having to pay him a little extra to convince him to leave Houston behind.

Despite the drop in power, even what was considered a somewhat underwhelming season for Bregman this past year would have placed him in the argument as being the most productive Nationals hitter.

His 30 doubles, 26 home runs and 75 RBI would have all been first on the team. His slash line of .260/.315/.453 would have been near the top among qualified hitters as well.

There is a lot to like about Bregman’s fit in Washington. He would bring championship experience to a team lacking in that area, as free agent starting pitcher Patrick Corbin was the last player remaining from their 2019 World Series team.

That kind of clubhouse leadership is important to have. Not to mention, he addresses arguably the biggest need the team has coming into the offseason.

For weeks now people have been clamoring for Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters to make a trade.

Specifically, those who have a vested interest in the Commanders’ continued success have wanted Peters and head coach Dan Quinn to add a cornerback and/or edge rusher.

Names like Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn and Cleveland Browns corner Greg Newsome II have been thrown out there as potential targets. But if Peters had made that trade in the past two weeks, then he couldn’t make a move to bring New Orleans Saints star Marshon Lattimore to Washington.

“While the Saints fired Dennis Allen after a seven-game losing streak, it doesn’t sound like it’ll be a firesale before tomorrow’s trade deadline,” NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Monday evening. “They have gotten calls and could move the likes of CB Marshon Lattimore. But a widespread selloff seems unlikely.”

While New Orleans may not be selling all of its pieces, the Commanders would likely only be interested in the one – the one Pelissero says might be available.

Now, the conflict here comes in the form of compensation. In their trade pitch sending Lattimore to Washington, 33rd Team presented an idea of sending a 2025 3rd Round NFL Draft pick to the Saints for the cornerback.

Doing so would leave the Commanders with one in the third round as they have two currently stemming from the trade of receiver Jahan Dotson. In theory, that could possibly turn trading Dotson and a 5th-round pick in next year’s draft to the Philadelphia Eagles for Lattimore and two 2025 7th-round picks. It’s not a bad deal if you ask us.

Lattimore turns 29 years old next May and was a first-round pick by New Orleans in the 2017 NFL Draft.

While he hasn’t recorded an interception this season he has 15 in his career and at least one in every year he’s played up to now.

He’s a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback and is under contract through 2026 but has no guaranteed money left following this season and less than $1 million still due on his guarantees this season.

Following its bye week in Week 14 of the season, Washington visits the Saints in New Orleans.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

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The USC Trojans fell to the Washington Huskies 26-21 on Saturday. USC fell to 4-5 on the season and missed an opportunity to sneak back into the Big Ten Power Rankings.

The Oregon Ducks showed once again why they are undefeated and ranked as the No. 1 team in the country against Michigan in their 38-17 win. The Ducks controlled the whole game and weren’t phased by the 100,000+ in attendance in “The Big House.”

Next Game: 11/9 vs. Maryland

The Ohio State Buckeyes have the Penn State Nittany Lions number. Ohio State looked in trouble as they went down 10-0 in the first quarter on the road. The Buckeyes defense only allowed three more points the rest of the game in their 20-13 win at Penn State.

Next Game: 11/9 v. Purdue

The Indiana Hoosiers are perfect with a 9-0 on the season and have their sights set on a College Football Playoff berth. Furthermore, Indiana is three wins away from a Big Ten title game appearance.

Next Game: 11/9 v. Michigan

The Penn State Nittany Lions are the kings off winning 9 or 10 games every season, but not getting that big win to put them over the edge. Saturday was a golden opportunity to beat a vulnerable Ohio State team at home. Even with a 10-point lead, they couldn’t do it.

Next Game: 11/9 v. Washington

A month ago, it looked like Minnesota would be lucky to pick up six wins and make a bowl game. Since then, Minnesota has ran off four straight victories. There’s a clear top four in the Big Ten, but Minnesota leads the rest of the conference.

Next Game: 11/9 at Rutgers

Illinois took a step back against Minnesota over the weekend. The Fighting Illlini had losses against Penn State and Oregon coming into the game, but those are both teams ranked in the top ten nationally. Minnesota is not that. They have to drop down a spot.

Next Game: 11/16 vs. Michigan State

The Iowa Hawkeyes look like a completely different team this season. The Iowa offense dismantled Wisconsin in a 42-10 rout over the Badgers.

Next Game: 11/8 at UCLA

The Michigan Wolverines are what they are. The can run the ball effectively, but once they go down two possessions, the game is over. The Wolverines can beat up on the bad teams but have no chance against a really good team. They have 6-6 written all over them.

Next Game: 11/9 at Indiana

Is No. 9 too high for Washington after beating a struggling USC team? They are an even 3-3 in Big Ten play. The rest of the conference have been very underwhelming so the Huskies are at No. 9 for now.

Next Game: 11/9 at Penn State

The fall from grace. The Cornhuskers have lost three straight and are in danger of falling out of the top ten. They still have not clinched a bowl game berth, so keep an eye on that as Nebraska looks to snap their 8-year bowl game drought.

Next Game: 11/16 at USC

Dropped from Rankings: Wisconsin Badgers

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