Third base was an apparent gap heading into the offseason, and has been a gap ever since Anthony Rendon left. With the Carter Kieboom experiment failing, and the cease hole veterans they introduced in being ineffective, excluding Jeimer Candelario. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic in regards to the pickup of Paul Dejong.
Sure, it’s one other discount bin signing, with the 31 yr previous signing a one-year $1 million deal. Nevertheless, I believe this might be a greater funding than the deal they signed Nick Senzel to final yr. With Senzel now enjoying in Mexico, that’s an admittedly low bar to clear.
The most important cause for optimism with Dejong is his defensive prowess. He has been an above common defensive shortstop for many of his profession and his transition to 3rd was easy final yr. When he received traded to the Royals, he moved to 3rd with Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop. He thrived on the sizzling nook, with six outs above common in his temporary time in Kansas Metropolis.
Dejong has additionally regarded nice this spring on the defensive finish. In my few days down in West Palm, Dejong has made plenty of stellar performs, that no Nats third baseman since Rendon would be capable of make. Dejong will assist out this younger pitching workers along with his protection.
Offensively, Dejong is what he’s. He’s a flawed hitter, who doesn’t make a ton of contact and doesn’t stroll lots. Nevertheless, he has large time energy. His 24 homers final yr would have led the Nationals. If he isn’t bringing the facility, he could be a black gap offensively, however he introduced the growth final yr.
On the finish of the day, Dejong is simply right here to maintain the seat heat for Brady Home. The 21 yr previous Home is the third baseman of the longer term, however wants extra seasoning in Triple-A. Home confronted some bumps within the highway at Rochester, along with his lack of plate self-discipline being uncovered a bit. Nevertheless, he nonetheless has a ton of expertise and may play a job in some unspecified time in the future this season.
If Dejong isn’t hitting and Home is, he can change the veteran in some unspecified time in the future this season. Nevertheless, if Dejong is hitting, he may both be traded on the deadline if Mike Rizzo decides to promote, or may maintain down the fort for the season, permitting Home to get extra seasoning. In spite of everything, Home is simply 21, so there is no such thing as a must rush him.
Paul Dejong is a low threat acquisition, who’s protection and energy are issues the Nationals desperately wanted. He’s only a place holder, however I believe he might be an efficient one.
