The Nationals began their offseason by shipping once promising prospect SP Cory June to the Red Sox in exchange for long time Boston centerfielder, Josh Drinkard and cash considerations. Cory June ended up as the odd man out as the Nationals prepare for the 2042 season and on paper have a very crowded rotation with a mixture of experienced vets and young top prospects, Brian Duffield and Chris Bonnett. This was a rather puzzling move at the time because of the crowded situation in the Washington outfield but the purpose became evident quickly in a later move.The Nats decided to ship fan favorite Antonio Candelalia to St. Louis for prospects P Mickey Fewell and IF Joel Blackshear. Candelalia remained one of the top center fielders in all of baseball to spite his 37 year old body; Washington must have felt more comfortable getting a little younger at the position with recently turned 33 year old Josh Drinkard. Youngster Mickey Fewell further adds to one of the best farm systems in all of baseball and hopefully pays off as a long term beneficial move for the organization.
In other offseason news, reports from Florida suggest that 2B Guillermo Azapinto is progressing from his torn ankle ligament that tragically cut his season short last year and expects to be healthy and participate in a normal Spring Training routine. Also highly regarded prospect, IF Carlo Sarlinas who broke his left wrist in spring training last year on an ugly play at third base, plans on being healthy in time for Spring Training this year as well and looks to compete for a position with the major league club at some point this season.
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