When Jose Tena came visiting within the Lane Thomas commerce, he was seen as a secondary piece, with left handed pitcher Alex Clemmey being the true prize. Nevertheless, Tena was at all times probably the most large league prepared participant within the deal. He produced in AAA and had already made his MLB debut in Cleveland. After a pair weeks in Rochester, Tena obtained handed the keys to the third base place down the stretch.
The outcomes have been combined, however he confirmed sufficient flashes to warrant consideration for a roster spot heading into 2025. It might be a bit underwhelming if he was the beginning third baseman to open the season, however he has proven promise, particularly on the plate.
Tena hits the ball very onerous. His 91.2 MPH common exit velocity, and 49.2% onerous hit fee are elite metrics. This helped him hit a stable .267. Surprisingly, the additional base hits didn’t come fairly often, with solely 8 of his 43 hits going for additional bases. Given his batted ball information, extra XBH ought to come shifting ahead. His xWOBA being 19 factors increased than his wOBA exhibits Tena was a bit unfortunate on the plate.
One factor Tena may work on is his plate self-discipline. He solely walked 4.2% of the time. Nevertheless, given his minor league monitor file, he ought to be stable on the plate. He could be particularly stable if he was platooned with Amed Rosario, who hits lefties nicely. Even in his large league pattern, Tena was good towards righties. He hit .292, with a .731 OPS.
A Tena/Rosario platoon could be a fairly substantial improve on what that they had final season, a minimum of offensively. Nevertheless, protection is a special story. Tena might be a greater match at second base than third base, however he’s going to should play third resulting from Luis Garcia. In his time at third base final season, it was an journey. In 37 video games at third base, Tena made a staggering 10 errors. If he continues at that fee, he won’t be lengthy for the place, and sure the large league roster. In Cleveland, I doubt Tena targeted a lot on enjoying third base, given the existence of Jose Ramirez. Hopefully he makes strides defensively with a full offseason to arrange.
With CJ Abrams being a questionable defender himself, the protection on the left aspect of the infield might be a pitchers worst nightmare. On the finish of the day, Tena is best suited to be a utility bench bat than the on a regular basis third baseman. The Nationals both have to signal Alex Bregman, or hope Brady Home has a bounce again yr.
