The Washington Nationals lack of dwelling run energy was a evident weak point final season. Their 135 dwelling runs ranked second to final in baseball, solely two forward of the traditionally unhealthy Chicago White Sox. If the Nationals wish to take a step of their march again in direction of rivalry, they should add extra thump to the lineup, and administration is aware of this.
Rizzo’s Feedback
Common Supervisor Mike Rizzo is properly conscious of the issue. Throughout his interview with MLB Community throughout the Winter Conferences, he cited the very fact the Nats have been second to final in dwelling runs. It was the very first thing he talked about when he was requested in regards to the offseason plans. There is no such thing as a query that the Nationals will herald an influence bat, the query is the caliber of participant.
That can rely on the form of cash possession is keen to spend. With no person on the lively roster scheduled to make greater than 5.4 million {dollars}, there is no such thing as a cause to not spend massive. Nevertheless, that’s no assure given the Nationals historical past since Mark Lerner took over the crew from his father.
Potential Targets
The 2 best locations to improve are at first base and DH. Proper now, the Nats are projected to have Juan Yepez and Andres Chaparro fill these positions. The 2 have a mixed 0 bWAR of their MLB careers, making them substitute degree. The Nationals must improve one or each of these spots.
One intriguing goal that has been linked to the Nationals is Christian Walker. He has hit a minimum of 25 dwelling runs every of the previous three years, a degree of consistency the Nationals desperately want. Walker is constantly above common hitter, who combines good energy with an excellent method. An added bonus Walker would offer is gold glove degree protection at first base. He has received three gold gloves in a row, and would massively assist the Nationals younger infielders. Walker needs to be a high precedence for the Nationals. His value level needs to be a 3 12 months deal at between 20 and 25 million {dollars} a 12 months.
Whereas the Nationals haven’t been linked with him, Joc Pederson, he checks loads of bins for the crew. He’s a veteran energy hitter, who can present dwelling runs and expertise. Joc is coming off among the finest seasons of his profession, the place he posted a .908 OPS. As a platoon choice, he pairs properly with Chaparro or Yepez, who each mash left handed pitching. With Walker at first, and a DH platoon of Pederson and Yepez/Chaparro, the Nationals lineup would look way more harmful.
Inside Enhancements
The Nationals are additionally counting on their younger gamers to take the following step this season. For the Nationals to take a leap, James Wooden and Dylan Crews must be constant energy threats. They each have a great deal of potential, however must make some changes to faucet into their energy.
Wooden is a very fascinating case. There are only a few gamers within the league that may hit the ball as arduous he can. Nevertheless, that didn’t translate into dwelling runs. His 9 homers in 295 at bats are underwhelming for a participant with as a lot uncooked energy as him. Wooden’s concern is that he hits the ball on the bottom an excessive amount of, and infrequently pulls the ball within the air. His 55.6 GB% is over 10 factors above MLB common. He additionally didn’t pull a flyball for the primary two months of his profession. When he lastly did, he did injury. Wooden has the potential to be the true 40 dwelling run bat the Nationals desperately want. Nevertheless, as is the case with a lot of the Nationals children, there may be nonetheless loads of room to develop. For the Nationals to exceed .500, they should add energy, each in free company and thru inside enchancment.
