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Washington Nationals: Grading Pedro Severino’s 2016 Season

By Ricky Keeler

Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Pedro Severino (29) makes a throw to first base against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Pedro Severino (29) makes a throw to first base against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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While Pedro Severino’s time with the Washington Nationals was short in 2016, he was one of those players that made a good impression

When Wilson Ramos was ruled out for the season in September, it was up to Pedro Severino to assume the catching duties for the Washington Nationals along with Jose Lobaton. While Severino’s sample size was small at the big league level, he showed good signs that could lead him to being the starting catcher in 2017.

In 16 games, Severino was 9-for-28 (.321) with two home runs and four RBI’s. Both of his home runs were of the solo variety on August 17 against the Rockies and September 29 against the Diamondbacks. While Severino only went 1-for-10 in the postseason, his one hit was a double against Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the NLDS, which led to a run in the fourth inning.

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Severino played most of the season at triple-A Syracuse. In 82 games, the 23-year-old right-handed hitter had a slash line of .271/.316/.337 with two home runs and 21 RBI’s. During the season, he had four three-hit games, which all took place between May 30 and June 22.

On defense, Severino only caught 22% of the runners trying to steal at triple-A, according to Baseball Reference. However, one he got the call-up to the Major Leagues, he threw out three of the seven runners who tried to steal on him (43%).

Right now, one of the Washington Nationals needs this offseason is at the catcher position with Wilson Ramos a free agent. Now that Brian McCann is in Houston and Jason Castro is in Minnesota, the options at the free agent and trade market for an upgrade behind the plate get slimmer and slimmer.

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Washington Nationals. PEDRO SEVERINO. C. . C

With that being said, Severino did show some good signs this season with his ability to throw out runners behind the plate and some good power at the plate. If the Nats were to sign a veteran or use Jose Lobaton to help mentor Severino in 2017, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea. All things considered, Severino gets a solid grade for his performance in the 2016 season.

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