The Washington Nationals have a plethora of quality players to deploy in their lineup in 2020. Having several defensive chess pieces that can play all over the infield is a strength and trying to defend a title will require depth. As well, a mixture of youth and veterans comprise this group with a couple of new free-agent additions. The bench will be strong in that it has flexibility and leadership. Spring Training will be an exciting time to see just how talented this infield is.
The following is a preview for the team’s infield:
First Base
Ryan Zimmerman
|Age-35|52 games|.257/.321/.415|.736 OPS|27 RBI’s|20 home runs|
Mr. National re-signed a one-year deal to stay in D.C. It’s imperative for Ryan Zimmerman to stay healthy for the Nationals. Load management will be in effect for the first baseman during Spring Training. Plantar fasciitis plagued the former Virginia standout last season, allowing him to play in just 52 games.
Eric Thames
|Age-33|149 games|.247/.346/.505|.851 OPS|61RBI’s|25 home runs|
Mike Rizzo saw it as imperative to bring another formidable option at first base to the nation’s capital. Nationals hitting coach Kevin Long has tangible experience working with left-handed hitters in his coaching career and Thames is a quality left-handed bat that will be relied upon this year. Signing a two-year, $11 million deal, he was unfortunately was on the losing end, falling in the NL Wild Card Game as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Howie Kendrick also can play first base at any given time for manager Davey Martinez
Second Base
Sterling Castro
|Age-30|162 games|.270/.300/.436|.736 OPS|86 RBI’s|22 home runs|
Castro is a journeyman that has experienced success in the majors. He is another guy optimistically waiting to get the opportunity to be coached by Kevin Long. Long’s phenomenal work with Daniel Murphy, and Castro’s second-half success after the All-Star Break, is why his career might get resurrected in 2020. He brings a consistent glove to the infield but at times is a sporadic hitter.
Howie Kendrick
|Age-36|121 games|.344/.395/.572|.966 OPS|62 RBI’s|17 home runs|
The ageless veteran, who is battle-tested, decided to throw his hand back in the pile with his Nationals teammates. ‘Versatility’ might be Kendrick’s nickname but ‘hero’ could be as well. His go-ahead two-run homer in Game 7 or his grand slam in Game 5 are memories Nat fans still salivate over. He will be monitored in Spring Training due to his hamstring issues at times last season.
Shortstop
Trea Turner
|Age-26|122 games|.298/.353/.497| .850 OPS|57 RBI’s|19 home runs|
Injuries tried to hinder Turner’s success last season. Missing 39 games with a broken index finger was the only apparent weakness for the young shortstop. He looks to stay healthy and add power to his bat this season. He also will see if he can take over the void left by Anthony Rendon in the lineup at the third spot. Martinez recently stated on MLB Network Radio that he “…might try Trea there and see how that works out.”
Turner slashing .298/.353/.497 gives him comfort considering the fact that he was able to use only nine fingers due to injuries.
Wilmer Difo
|Age-27|43 games|.252/.315/.313|.628 OPS|8 RBI’s|2 home runs|
Due to a deep bench, Difo might be the odd man out in making the opening day roster. He has been a vital utility player for the Nats and has to show an improved bat to make his case for a spot. Signing a non-guaranteed $1 million contract does make him a roster casualty.
Third Base
Carter Kieboom
|Age-22|11 games|.128/.209/.282|.491 OPS|2 RBI’s|2 home runs|
Kieboom is the Nationals top prospect and has the opportunity to win the starting job. He has played only 10 games at third base, moving over from shortstop. He will look to prove he has the instincts and confidence to play a position that’s pivotal in the team’s success this season. He committed four errors in 40 chances for a fielding percentage of just .900 at shortstop, his natural position.
Asdrúbal Cabrera
|Age-34|131 games|.260/.342/.441|.783 OPS|91 RBI’s|18 home runs|
If Kieboom shows he just isn’t ready to play in the majors by opening day, Cabrera will be the starter at third. He did have some struggles as a member of the Texas Rangers but found success here in D.C. Coming back on a $2.5 million deal will matter regardless if he starts or not. Spring Training will determine his role and also show what he worked on this offseason.
Catcher
Kurt Suzuki
|Age-36|85 games|.223/.316./,389|.704 OPS|63 RBI’s|17 home runs|
The Nationals did have the worst OPS at the catcher position last season but they also had reliable consistent options behind the plate and Suzuki built a formidable rapport with pitchers Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Anibal Sanchez. The veteran did alter to a swing change that has helped him to turn into a consistent power threat.
Yan Gomes
|Age-32|97 games|.223./.316/.389|.704 OPS|43 RBI’s|12 home runs|
Gomes caught the final out of the Washington’s World Series Game 7 win. He is still riding his timely September surge, producing a .900 OPS over his final 26 games. The catcher also proved he can be relied upon any time he is called and knows the starting pitchers inside out. Gomes returned to the team on a two-year, $10 million deal.