When the offseason began, the Washington Nationals appeared poised to do something big. The team had a core of star players, stockpile of well-regarded pitching prospects and flexible payroll. Club President Mike Rizzo, armed with a strong history of team-friendly trades and successful free agent signings, was expected to make headlines this winter.
As the months progressed, rumors surrounding names like Andrew McCutchen, Chris Sale, Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon spread across social media like wildfire.