One year later, it's time for new-look Nats to look ahead

They celebrated the anniversary of the Nationals' Game 7 World Series victory Friday night, commemorating the moment at 11:50 p.m. when Daniel Hudson struck out Michael Brantley on a down-and-in slider to set off a wild celebration at Minute Maid Park in Houston, at Nationals Park in Washington, and in homes and bars throughout the region.

My god, has it really been a year?

It has. And so much of what we're experiencing today bears so little resemblance to that glorious moment on Oct. 30, 2019. Two stadiums full of fans. Packed restaurants and bars. Nobody wearing a mask, except for the catcher and plate umpire.

And, truth be told, the Nationals roster. Take a look at it this morning and compare it to the one that stormed the field one year ago. The differences are striking.

In fact, only 10 players from the Nats' World Series roster are officially on the roster today: Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin, Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Trea Turner, Yan Gomes, Hudson, Tanner Rainey and Wander Suero. (Joe Ross, who opted out of the 2020 season, officially rejoins the roster Sunday.)

There are several guys who just became free agents who could potentially re-sign and join the list: Ryan Zimmerman, Howie Kendrick, Asdrúbal Cabrera, Sean Doolittle, Javy Guerra). Still, that's a pretty stunning turnover rate in only one calendar year.

And it's a gentle reminder to all that things have already and will continue to change around here. As much as they spent the last year celebrating their 2019 title, the time has come to move on.

The Nationals aren't defending champs anymore. That title goes to the Dodgers. The Nats, on the heels of a disappointing follow-up season, are just another team hoping to get back into contention and make a run at another championship.

Do they still have that in them? Yes, because they still have a core group of stars that rivals just about any other club in the majors. But they have plenty of work to do this winter to surround that core with an improved supporting cast.

The Nationals need another big bat, preferably a corner outfielder. They need a catcher. They need to figure out what they're doing at first and third bases. They need at least one starting pitcher. They need at least one quality left-handed reliever, plus more bullpen depth.

General manager Mike Rizzo's wish list is long, and the longtime general manager will begin the process of checking items off that list Sunday when teams are free to begin signing free agents. (A word of caution: Don't expect a lot of early activity. Most expect this offseason to drag as clubs balk at paying hefty prices after losing money this year.)

So take one more day to re-watch Game 7, to reminisce about where you were when it happened, to brag to your family and friends about your team that won a championship.

And then take a cue from the Nationals and turn your attention toward 2021. It's time to move on.