Former Cy Young candidate linked to Nationals ahead of offseason

The Washington Nationals took a few steps towards relevance this season, even hanging around in the National League Wild Card race until the end of July.

They are out of contention now but could be an interesting team to watch when free agency gets underway. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report predicts that they will be one of the eight most active teams in free agency.

Miller even listed a few names they might try to pursue in free agency, particularly one that was a former Cy Young candidate with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Maybe they go a little more expensive to get a Jack Flaherty, but Luis Severino and/or Walker Buehler are more likely options for a rotation that needs a lot of help.

Buehler recently returned from Tommy John surgery this year, only to have more injury issues, this time with his hip. In 13 starts, he is 1-5 with a 5.95 ERA over just 59 innings of work. He also owns a 1.64 WHIP.

Needless to say, Buehler's numbers leave a lot to be desired as the right-hander tries to make the most of his limited opportunities this year. But his veteran experience could certainly benefit a young Nationals rotation and give them a little bit of help behind left-hander MacKenzie Gore.

The team's rotation needs a lot of help, and it would certainly be interesting to see them take a flyer on Buehler and give him a chance to rebuild his value.

The Nationals may be closer to contention than originally anticipated.

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