Between 2012 and 2019 the Nationals were routinely preseason World Series favorites and often one of the best teams in the NL. It was the result of arguably the first modern rebuild in MLB history, orchestrated by Rizzo. The model was later followed by the Astros and Cubs who both won a World Series that way. It was also followed by the Braves, Padres, and White Sox, none of whom have won the World Series yet but all of whom are having great 2021 seasons.
That's a much longer track record of success than trying to supplement a bad team with acquisitions like late-career Schwarber and Bell. And it's a made-in-Washington strategy.
Were the Nats really the first to do that?
