The Washington Nationals 2016 season once again ended in disappointment. For the third time in five years, the Nats won the NL East, and for the third time during that span, the team lost in the first round of the playoffs. Washington was in win-now mode and entered the off-season looking to make a splash. Washington was all in on trading for the ace of the Chicago White Sox, Chris Sale. Instead, the team was outbid by the Boston Red Sox.
Not wanting to be outdone, Washington landed a trade for outfielder Adam Eaton from the White Sox.