Washington Nationals 2016 Player Preview: Anthony Rendon

Our player preview series for this season continues as we take a look at Anthony Rendon

Around this time last year, Washington Nationals’ third baseman Anthony Rendon sprained his MCL in a spring training game against the Atlanta Braves. Throughout last season, injuries plagued Rendon’s season as he injured his oblique while trying to come back from the MCL injury, which delayed his return to the lineup until June.

It was a shortened season for Rendon as the 25-year-old played in only 80 games. He had a slash line of .264/.344/.363 with five home runs and 25 RBI’s. Even when he made his return to the lineup, Rendon had to play second base because of Yunel Escobar already being at third base. So far, this spring, Rendon is hitting .333 with three RBI’s in 11 at-bats.

More from District on Deck

It was clear that the Nationals missed Rendon’s production in the lineup in 2015. Just two years ago, he was an MVP candidate when he had a slash line of .287/.351/.473 with 21 home runs, 83 RBI’s, and 111 runs scored (led the league). Plus, he was second in WAR among position players (6.6) behind only Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers (6.7).

When you look at Rendon’s production from a defensive standpoint, he is much better at third base than at second base. According to Fangraphs, Rendon has a career total of -2 runs saved as a second baseman in his career. As for third base, he had 12 runs saved in 2014, which was fifth in baseball.

More from Nationals News

Last month, when we ranked the third baseman in the NL East, I had Rendon still ranked as the top third baseman in the division. Despite missing most of the season last year, its hard not to think Rendon can’t have a bounce back season.

According to Fangraphs’ Steamer projections, Rendon is projected to hit .277 this season with 15 home runs, 76 RBI’s, an on-base percentage of .350, four stolen bases, and a WAR of 3.7. His .350 OBP is the fifth highest on the projections behind the likes of Josh Donaldson, Kris Bryant, Matt Carpenter, and Miguel Cabrera.

For me, I think Rendon has the capabilities to have a 20+ home run season if he stays healthy. By returning to third base, he should have another productive year. The question will be whether or not Rendon is going to steal a lot of bases.

Next: District Daily: Fivora Making Coaching Debut At Age 59

Two years ago, he did steal 17 bases (third on the team behind Ian Desmond and Denard Span) and now he’s playing for a manager in Dusty Baker where the team will likely be more aggressive on the bases. He won’t be one of the league leaders, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rendon be one of the team’s leaders in this category and surpass the low total that he is being projected to have. In the end, if the Washington Nationals are going to make it back to the postseason, Rendon has to be healthy and productive.

Home/Nationals News