Last year ended up as two seasons in one for the Washington Nationals. The Nats began the 2019 campaign with a record of 19-31 and were written off for dead as calls for the head of second year manager Dave Martinez reached a fever pitch. Especially after Martinez’s tough rookie season as a manager in which he went 82-80. But from that low point the Nationals caught fire and became the unexpected upstart World Series champions. Ironically enough it was Martinez that was the manager who ended the Nats history of post season failure. Now comes the question as to whether or not Washington can repeat as World Series champions. It certainly won’t be easy with the Atlanta Braves favored to win the National League East. Not to mention the departure of third baseman Anthony Rendon looming as another key factor.
We’ll have MLB Odds at Bookmaker.eu available for every game of the 2020 MLB season.
2020 Washington Nationals Win Total Odds at Bookmaker.eu: 89.5, over -115, under -115
Which Washington team will we get for 2020? That is the key question. The Nats were awful for the first one-third of the 2019 schedule before ambushing the rest of the National League. This year Washington will have the full attention of all opponents. Starting with the Atlanta Braves, who have won the National League East title the past two seasons. The New York Mets are expected to remain tough after contending last year. The once favored Philadelphia Phillies could be a classic beaten favorite after flopping last year with former Nats star Bryce Harper. Only the Miami Marlins are a near certainty to rate as one of the worst teams in MLB.
On the Hill
The Nationals ranked second in the majors last year for quality starts but 30th for bullpen. However closer Sean Doolittle came on strong in the playoffs after a less than stellar regular season.
Right hander Max Scherzer anchors the Nats impressive starting staff. Last year Scherzer was an All-Star for the seventh consecutive season en route to an 11-7 record and 2.82 earned run average with a WHIP of 1.03. Scherzer has had an ERA under 3.00 in six of his last seven seasons.
Another right hander, Stephen Strasburg, was also a key asset for 2019 and the World Series Most Valuable Player. Strasburg went 18-6 with a 3.32 earned run average and WHIP of 1.04.
Closer Sean Doolittle posted a 1.74 earned in average in post season following a regular season ERA of 4.05. Perhaps no player was more emblematic of the Nats and their split seasons.
At the Plate
Certainly, the departure of Anthony Rendon leaves a big hole in a lineup that ranked sixth for run production in 2019.
But left fielder Juan Soto returns as the projected cleanup hitter for 2020. Soto is a prime All-Star candidate after producing 110 runs with 32 doubles, 34 home runs, 110 runs batted in, a .282 average, .548 slugging percentage and .949 OPS. At the age of 21 Soto is loaded with unlimited upside.
Right fielder and leadoff man Adam Eaton is another top asset. For 2019 Eaton scored 103 runs with 25 doubles, 15 home runs, 49 runs batted in, a .279 average and .792 OPS.
First baseman Eric Thames will be called on to help fill the gap of Rendon’s departure. Thames his 23 doubles and 25 home runs with a .505 slugging percentage last year.
2020 Washington Nationals Win Total MLB Betting Odds Pick
Certainly, the Nats will have one of the better pitching staffs in the National League for 2020. Run production remains a prime concern with Rendon gone. Furthermore, Washington will not catch opponents off guard in 2020. A step back and championship hangover is likely.
2020 Washington Nationals MLB Betting Odds Prediction: Washington Nationals under 89.5 wins
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