2015 Spotlight: Washington Nationals

After adding Max Scherzer via free agency, the already spectacular starting rotation transformed to elite status. Stephen Strasburg, Doug Fister, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmerman round out what looks to be one of the most exciting pitching staffs in recent history. The offense picks up some slack with increased health from staples such as Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman and Wilson Ramos. 

Is Harper still the face of the franchise?

With continued success from Ian Desmond, Denard Span and Anthony Rendon, this lineup becomes a highly cohesive group of above-average players. The team accumulates more wins than any other team, finishing the regular season with a record of 96-76.

Who to watch: Draw a name from a hat. Virtually any member of the starting rotation has the potential to be superb, with the batting order looking similarly sharp. If Harper can prove that he is fully healthy for the majority of the season, then he would be my pick. Otherwise Scherzer should have similar success to what he has shown over the past two years.

Scherzer was all smiles after inking a $210 million contract.

Sleeper: Fister is bound to have another stellar season in what is considered to be his contract year, yet it seems as though many consider him to be the team’s No. 5 starter. Barring any injuries, I can see him surpassing 200 innings pitched with a sub 3.00 ERA.

Fister could find himself landing big money next offseason. 

Bust: Really tough to pick anyone on this roster to fall flat in 2015, but one player that I’m not quite sold on is Yunel Escobar. The Nats acquired him mostly for his defense and proven on-base abilities, but he doesn’t quite have the star-power that other members of this team have.

Sorry, Yunel, I had to pick someone...

Bold prediction: The Nationals send six players to the All-Star game in Cincinnati, more than any other club. Harper, Desmond and Rendon are all voted onto the starting roster, with Scherzer, Strasburg and Fister being selected to the pitching staff.