An early look at where the Nationals rank heading into 2017

Though the baseball offseason is only two days old, it's a perfect time to start thinking ahead to the 2017 campaign.

ESPN.com is doing just that, and yesterday released its first power rankings for the 2017 season. The Nationals are ranked third, behind the World Series champion Cubs and the American League East champion Red Sox.

Sweet Spot blogger David Schoenfield acknowledges that the Nats have some questions to answer - right-hander Stephen Strasburg's flexor mass injury, first baseman Ryan Zimmerman's lack of production, left fielder Jayson Werth's age, re-signing or replacing catcher Wilson Ramos - but hints that a full season of speedy Trea Turner and improved numbers from slugger Bryce Harper portend well for D.C.

A fourth playoff berth in six seasons seems a logical conclusion, ESPN says. Of course, you've got to keep in mind that this determination is made before any offseason moves, medical reports or front office personnel changes. That's why the headline refers to the "way-too-early" power rankings.

The rest of the ESPN top 10? The Dodgers, Indians, Astros, Giants, Pirates, Rangers and Cardinals.

In the National League East, the Mets are rated 14th, the Braves 18th, the Marlins 24th and the Phillies 26th.

Online oddsmaker Bovada has the Nationals as the fourth choice, at 12/1, to win the 2017 World Series. Not surprisingly, the Cubs are 7/2 favorites to repeat. Here are the full Bovada odds:

Chicago Cubs 7/2
Boston Red Sox 9/1
Los Angeles Dodgers 9/1
Washington Nationals 12/1
Cleveland Indians 14/1
New York Mets 14/1
San Francisco Giants 14/1
Toronto Blue Jays 14/1
Houston Astros 16/1
Texas Rangers 16/1
Baltimore Orioles 22/1
Detroit Tigers 22/1
St. Louis Cardinals 22/1
New York Yankees 25/1
Seattle Mariners 25/1
Pittsburgh Pirates 28/1
Kansas City Royals 33/1
Chicago White Sox 40/1
Miami Marlins 40/1
Los Angeles Angels 50/1
Colorado Rockies 66/1
Tampa Bay Rays 66/1
Milwaukee Brewers 75/1
Oakland Athletics 75/1
Arizona Diamondbacks 100/1
Atlanta Braves 100/1
Cincinnati Reds 100/1
Minnesota Twins 100/1
Philadelphia Phillies 100/1
San Diego Padres 100/1