2016 Washington Nationals season

2016 Washington Nationals
Major League affiliations
Location
Other information
Owner(s) Lerner Enterprises
General manager(s) Mike Rizzo
Manager(s) Dusty Baker[1]
Local television MASN
WUSA (CBS affiliate)
(Bob Carpenter, FP Santangelo, Johnny Holliday, Ray Knight)
Local radio WJFK 106.7 FM
Washington Nationals Radio Network
(Charlie Slowes, Dave Jageler)
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The 2016 Washington Nationals season will be the Nationals' 12th season as the baseball franchise of Major League Baseball in the District of Columbia, the ninth season at Nationals Park, and the 48th since the original team was started in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Offseason

Team news

Less than 24 hours after the end of the 2015 season, manager Matt Williams and his entire coaching staff were dismissed.[2] Some coaches were offered other positions in the organization, with bench coach Randy Knorr notably accepting a position as senior assistant to general manager Mike Rizzo for player development.[3]

The Nationals embarked on a wide-ranging search to replace Williams, who was still owed salary for 2016 after being fired midway through a multi-year contract.[4] Among the candidates they interviewed were former Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker, former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black, former Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Tim Wallach, Arizona Diamondbacks third base coach Andy Green, San Francisco Giants bench coach Ron Wotus, former Nationals player Alex Cora, and Triple-A Reno Aces manager Phil Nevin. From the group, Baker and Black emerged as finalists and received second interviews.[5] On October 28, The Washington Post reported Black would likely be hired as manager.[6] But according to reports that surfaced late on November 2 from, among others, the Post, CBS Sports, and USA Today, while Black was offered the job and accepted, a disagreement over contract terms led to negotiations between the Nationals and Black breaking down. The Nationals' initial offer to Black was reportedly one year guaranteed at $1.6 million, an offer Black considered a "lowball".[7] Unable to come to terms with Black, the Nationals' front office turned to its other leading choice, the more experienced Baker.[8] Early on November 3, the Nationals announced Baker had been hired to a two-year contract as manager.[9][10]

Baker and management set to work immediately on hiring new coaches. Mike Maddux was announced as the Nationals' new pitching coach on November 4.[11] Davey Lopes was hired back to his former position as first base coach – a position he held in 2006 – the following day.[12] Rick Schu and Bob Henley were also rehired as hitting coach and third base coach respectively, positions they held under Williams as well.[13][14] The Nationals also hired former major league outfielder Jacque Jones to be Schu's assistant hitting coach and named former Montreal Expos shortstop Chris Speier as bench coach.[15][16] Mexican League manager and coach Dan Firova was brought on as bullpen coach.[17]

The Nationals also faced several decisions about what to do with players set to reach free agency, as well as players who had 2016 options. On November 2, the team announced it would decline options for right-handed reliever Casey Janssen and outfielder Nate McLouth, after Janssen struggled with injury and poor performance during the 2015 season and McLouth spent the entire year on the 60-day disabled list.[18] Janssen and McLouth joined utility infielder Emmanuel Burriss, shortstop Ian Desmond, starter-turned-reliever Doug Fister, outfielder Reed Johnson, center fielder Denard Span, left-handed reliever Matt Thornton, second baseman Dan Uggla, and starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann in a sizable free agent class.[19][20][21] Qualifying offers worth $15.8 million apiece were extended to Desmond and Zimmermann,[22] although both rejected them, as expected.[23] Right-handed reliever David Carpenter also elected free agency after being outrighted from the Nationals' 40-man roster on November 18, 2015.[24] On December 2, 2015, the Nationals announced they had not tendered a contract to right-handed reliever Craig Stammen, who was eligible for arbitration.[25]

The Nationals bid for contracts with multiple top free agents during the off-season, including Yoenis Cespedes, Jason Heyward, Darren O'Day, Justin Upton, and Ben Zobrist, but lost out on them to other teams.[26][27][28]

Transactions

On November 16, 2015, the Nationals resigned outfielder Reed Johnson and signed left-handed relief pitcher Sean Burnett to minor league deals with invitations to spring training.[29]

On November 21, 2015, the Nationals signed infielder Scott Sizemore and outfielder Chris Heisey to minor league deals with invitations to spring training.[30]

On December 10, 2015, the Nationals traded infielder Yunel Escobar and cash considerations to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for right-handed relief pitcher Trevor Gott and right-handed minor league starting pitcher Michael Brady.[31]

On December 11, 2015, the Nationals signed left-handed relief pitcher Óliver Pérez[32] and right-handed relief pitcher Shawn Kelley.[33]

On December 14, 2015, the Nationals signed right-handed relief pitcher Yusmeiro Petit, as well as right-handed relief pitcher Nick Masset, who accepted a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.[34]

On December 18, 2015, the Nationals signed left-handed relief pitcher Aaron Laffey to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.[35]

On December 23, 2015, the Nationals signed catcher Jhonatan Solano to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.[36]

On January 6, 2016, the Nationals signed infielders Daniel Murphy and Stephen Drew. Minor league relievers Erik Davis and Taylor Hill were designated for assignment to clear space for Murphy and Drew on the 40-man roster[37] and outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse, with invitations to spring training.[38]

On January 8, 2016, the Nationals traded right-handed relief pitcher Drew Storen to the Toronto Blue Jays for outfielder Ben Revere and a player to be named later.[39]

On January 26, 2016, the Nationals signed right-handed starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.[40]

On February 2, 2016, the Nationals signed infielder Brendan Ryan to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.[41]

Spring training

On November 9, 2015, the Nationals and the Houston Astros held a groundbreaking ceremony for The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, a new spring training facility they will share in West Palm Beach, Florida. The new facility, which will provide each team with two major-league-size practice fields, four-minor-league-size practice fields, an agility field, a half field, batting cages, and pitching mounds, will center around a new baseball stadium with 6,400 ticketed seats and 1,250 berm seats, and will place the Nationals far closer to other teams during spring training, facilitating travel for spring training games. The new facility is scheduled to open on January 15, 2017.[42]

The Nationals will hold their 2016 spring training in Viera, Florida, with home games played at Space Coast Stadium. It will be their last spring training in Viera before moving to the new facility.[43]

Regular season

Opening Day

Opening Day lineup

Opening Day Starters
Name Position

Season standings

National League East

NL East W L Pct. GB Home Road
Atlanta Braves 0 0 -nan — 0–0 0–0
Miami Marlins 0 0 -nan — 0–0 0–0
New York Mets 0 0 -nan — 0–0 0–0
Philadelphia Phillies 0 0 -nan — 0–0 0–0
Washington Nationals 0 0 -nan — 0–0 0–0

National League Wild Card

Division Leaders W L Pct.
Arizona Diamondbacks 0 0 -nan
Atlanta Braves 0 0 -nan
Chicago Cubs 0 0 -nan
Wild Card teams
(Top 2 qualify for 1-game playoff)		 W L Pct. GB
Cincinnati Reds 0 0 -nan —
Colorado Rockies 0 0 -nan —
Los Angeles Dodgers 0 0 -nan —
Miami Marlins 0 0 -nan —
Milwaukee Brewers 0 0 -nan —
New York Mets 0 0 -nan —
Philadelphia Phillies 0 0 -nan —
Pittsburgh Pirates 0 0 -nan —
St. Louis Cardinals 0 0 -nan —
San Diego Padres 0 0 -nan —
San Francisco Giants 0 0 -nan —
Washington Nationals 0 0 -nan —

Record vs. opponents

2016 National League Records

Source:
Team ARI ATL CHC CIN COL LAD MIA MIL NYM PHI PIT SD SF STL WSH AL
Arizona — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Atlanta 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Chicago 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Cincinnati 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Colorado 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Los Angeles 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Miami 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Milwaukee 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
New York 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Philadelphia 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
Pittsburgh 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
San Diego 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0
San Francisco 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0 0–0
St. Louis 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0 0–0
Washington 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 — 0–0

Through games of [month] [day], 2016.

Game log

Legend
 Nationals win
 Nationals loss
 Postponement
BoldNationals team member
2016 Game Log

Current roster

Washington Nationals 2016 spring training roster
40-man roster Non-roster invitees Coaches/Other

Pitchers

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Pitchers

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Manager

Coaches



40 active, 0 inactive, 12 non-roster invitees

7- or 15-day disabled list
* Not on active roster
† Suspended list
Roster, coaches, and NRIs updated February 5, 2016
Transactions • Depth Chart
→ All MLB rosters

Statistics

Through [month] [day], 2016.

Batting

Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; BB = Base on balls; SO = Strikeouts; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases

Player G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG SB

Pitching

Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; HR = Home runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts

Player W L ERA G GS SV IP H R ER HR BB K

Farm system

Level Team League Manager
AAA
AA
A-Advanced
A
Short-Season A
Rookie
Rookie

Notes

    References

    1. ↑ Wagner, James. "Nationals hire Dusty Baker as manager". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
    2. ↑ "Washington Nationals fire manager Matt Williams". ESPN. October 5, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    3. ↑ Wagner, James (October 12, 2015). "Randy Knorr, Bobby Henley and Matt LeCroy stay with the Nationals in new roles". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    4. ↑ Wagner, James (October 6, 2015). "Ron Gardenhire, Dusty Baker interested in Nationals managerial vacancy". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    5. ↑ "Nationals expected to bring in Bud Black, Dusty Baker for more interviews". The Washington Post. October 23, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    6. ↑ "Nationals expected to name Bud Black next manager". The Washington Post. October 28, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    7. ↑ Nightengale, Bob (November 2, 2015). "Nationals, Dusty Baker in talks after Bud Black deal hits snag". USA Today. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    8. ↑ Heyman, Jon (November 2, 2015). "In twist, Nationals to offer Dusty Baker manager job". CBS Sports. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    9. ↑ "Nats reverse course, hire Dusty Baker as manager". ESPN. November 3, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    10. ↑ Draper, Kevin (November 3, 2015). "Dusty Baker Named Washington Nationals Manager After They Cheap Out On Bud Black". Deadspin. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    11. ↑ Nightengale, Bob (November 4, 2015). "Nationals hire Mike Maddux as pitching coach". USA Today. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
    12. ↑ Janes, Chelsea (November 5, 2015). "Nationals hire Davey Lopes as first base coach". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
    13. ↑ "Rick Schu regresa a los Nacionales como coach de bateo" (in Spanish). Metrord.do. November 16, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
    14. ↑ Johnson, Chris (November 24, 2015). "Dusty Baker keeps Bob Henley as Nationals' third base coach (with Logan Schafer note)". MASN Sports. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
    15. ↑ "Nats bring back Schu, after all; add Jacque Jones, Speier". USA Today. November 18, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
    16. ↑ Wagner, James (December 8, 2015). "Candid as usual, Dusty Baker faces backlash". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
    17. ↑ Brostowitz, Kyle (December 15, 2015). "Nationals formally announce 2016 Major League coaching staff". Curly W Live. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
    18. ↑ Freemyer, Jordan (November 2, 2015). "Nationals decline contract options on Nate McLouth, Casey Janssen". MLB Daily Dish. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    19. ↑ Meyerrriecks, Jim (October 15, 2015). "Which Washington Nationals free agents will receive a qualifying offer?". Federal Baseball. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    20. ↑ "Potential free agents". San Diego Union Tribune. November 2, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
    21. ↑ Kerr, Byron (October 23, 2015). "Does Dave Martinez have a better shot at Nats' skipper spot this time around?". MASN Sports. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
    22. ↑ "Nats make qualifying offers to RHP Zimmermann, SS Desmond". USA Today. November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
    23. ↑ Reddington, Patrick (November 13, 2015). "Ian Desmond and Jordan Zimmermann reject Nationals' qualifying offers as expected". Federal Baseball. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
    24. ↑ Reddington, Patrick (November 18, 2015). "Nationals outright David Carpenter off 40-Man roster, Carpenter elects for free agency". Federal Baseball. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
    25. ↑ Kerzel, Pete (December 2, 2015). "Nationals avoid arbitration with Moore, Lobaton (Stammen is lone non-tender)". MASN Sports. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
    26. ↑ Johnson, Chris (December 13, 2015). "Rizzo disappointed Heyward passed on offer, talks Escobar trade and adding depth". MASN Sports. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
    27. ↑ Rosenthal, Ken (January 20, 2016). "Sources: After missing out on Upton, Nationals pursuing Yoenis Cespedes". FOX Sports. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
    28. ↑ Rohan, Tim (January 23, 2016). "After a Double About-Face, Yoenis Cespedes is Back in Queens". The New York Times. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
    29. ↑ Johnson, Chris (November 16, 2015). "Reed Johnson and Sean Burnett heading back to Nats spring training". MASN Sports. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
    30. ↑ Janes, Chelsea (November 21, 2015). "Nationals sign Scott Sizemore, Chris Heisey to minor league deals". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
    31. ↑ DiGiovanna, Mike (December 10, 2015). "Angels acquire Nationals infielder Yunel Escobar for reliever Trevor Gott". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
    32. ↑ Comak, Amanda (December 11, 2015). "Nationals agree to terms with LHP Oliver Perez". Curly W Live. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
    33. ↑ Brostowitz, Kyle (December 11, 2015). "Nationals agree to terms with RHP Shawn Kelley". Curly W Live. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
    34. ↑ Johnson, Chris (December 14, 2015). "Nationals finalize deal with Yusmeiro Petit, sign Nick Masset". MASN Sports. Retrieved December 14, 2015.
    35. ↑ Keeler, Ricky (December 18, 2015). "Washington Nationals Sign Aaron Laffey To Minor League Deal". District on Deck. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
    36. ↑ Wagner, James (December 23, 2015). "The Onion returns on a minor league deal". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
    37. ↑ Dybas, Todd (January 6, 2016). "Nationals sign second baseman Daniel Murphy, shortstop Stephen Drew". The Washington Times. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
    38. ↑ Reddington, Patrick (January 13, 2016). "Washington Nationals outright Erik Davis and Taylor Hill to Triple-A Syracuse". Federal Baseball. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
    39. ↑ Comak, Amanda (January 8, 2016). "Nationals acquire OF Ben Revere from Toronto Blue Jays". Curly W Live. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
    40. ↑ Rapp, Timothy (January 26, 2016). "Bronson Arroyo to Nationals: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction". Bleacher Report. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
    41. ↑ {{http://m.nationals.mlb.com/news/article/163475014/nationals-brendan-ryan-agree-on-contract}}
    42. ↑ Wagner, James, "Nationals, Astros break ground on new spring training facility," washingtonpost.com, November 9, 2015, 7:05 p.m. EST.
    43. ↑ Dorsey, David, "Washington Nationals heading to West Palm Beach," news-press.com, February 12, 2015, 12:37 a.m. EST.

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