Why German Bayern-class prizes would complicate Washington

What if the United States demanded the Bayern-class battleships as war prizes in 1918?

They would be costly logistical outliers and would strengthen Britain's case for more new capital ships at Washington.

Only Bayern and Baden were completed, so the counterfactual first requires the United States to participate more directly in the peace settlement and secure British agreement to the transfer. In American service the ships would not fit existing machinery, ammunition, or maintenance systems, making them expensive study platforms rather than an easy fleet reinforcement. Their presence would also alter Washington Naval Treaty bargaining. Britain could argue that American possession of two modern German 15-inch ships justified additional Nelson- or F3-type construction. A prize that looks like free strength could therefore produce higher costs and a tougher arms-control settlement.