Proper now the most important gap on the Nationals roster is at third base. It looks like it has been this fashion ever since Anthony Rendon left. Fortunately, Alex Bregman, the very best third baseman in free company by far continues to be in the marketplace. Mark Lerner and Mike Rizzo ought to pounce on the alternative to seize an All-Star third baseman. Nonetheless, primarily based on their actions this offseason, the prospect of possession agreeing to a deal that pays greater than $10 million a 12 months appears unlikely.
Bregman would convey a elite protection, a gentle bat, and far wanted management to the locker room. With talks with the Tigers at a standstill, the Nationals might bounce in and get him at a worth that may have appeared like a steal to start with of the offseason.
Whereas Bregman has not reached his 2019 heights up to now few years, he’s a perennial 4.5 win participant. He’s a gold glove third baseman, who’s bat continues to be excellent. Bregman’s profession low .768 OPS was dragged down by a dreadful begin, the place he was rumored to be enjoying harm. His second half OPS of .834 is way nearer to the participant he actually is.
There are additionally mounting considerations round Brady Home, the presumptive third baseman of the longer term in DC. In Triple-A, Home’s chase charge was a staggering 43%, a mark that may have been third worst within the massive leagues. Pitchers in triple-A had been exposing this swing comfortable strategy, and it could be a serious drawback towards massive league pitching. Nonetheless, he’s younger sufficient and has proven sufficient within the minor leagues to be a stable commerce chip.
The Nationals have tried younger and low cost choices at third base for years, and it merely has not labored. Going out and getting a man is a stud ought to a minimum of be on the desk.
One different level in Bregman’s favor is the Nationals having the primary choose within the 2025 draft. Ethan Holliday is seen by many to be the highest prospect within the draft, and performs third base. Signing Bregman on a 4 12 months deal would offer the proper bridge to Holliday. It will enable Holliday to develop at his personal tempo. Bregman additionally has a profile that may work at second base. If Holliday is prepared by the top of Bregman’s contract, you’ll be able to transfer Bregman to second, a place he’s open to enjoying.
The Nationals want extra certainty of their lineup. There’s numerous potential, however not numerous guarentees. Bregman offers that certainty, in addition to a veteran presence. I can assure that Ted Lerner could be speaking to Scott Boras to inquire about Bregman. Whether or not Mark Lerner is keen to do the identical is way much less sure. There’s an arms race within the Nationwide League, and the Nats want to begin loading up.
