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Washington Nationals: The Fall of Danny Espinosa

By Ron Juckett

Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) throws to first in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) throws to first in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The shortstop is not in the Washington Nationals plans after the emergence of Trea Turner. Where he goes from here remains to be seen.

The Washington Nationals are moving on from Danny Espinosa.

It may not happen by the time you read this, but their frenetic chase of Andrew McCutchen before Friday’s non-tender deadline tells you everything you need to know. Trea Turner is your Opening Day shortstop.

Mr. Espinosa, thank you for your years of service, but unless you sit on the bench, they are no longer required. Ouch.

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With Turner’s unexpected offensive bonanza last year, the writing has been on the wall for Espinosa since the end of the regular season. Add the spectacularly bad first three games of the NL Divisional Series at the plate and the endgame was obvious.

As Washington pursues a full-time centerfielder, the offensive upgrade makes this change a necessity. Regardless of his team control or defense, Espinosa and his sub-.210 batting average, 170+ strikeout seasons are no longer acceptable on a team with high ambitions.

Yes, it is cruel. Either at second or short, Espinosa has a solid glove. He can hit for power. A throwback to the days when shortstops hit little and handled everything. Those days are gone.

When you have 834 career strikeouts compared to 598 hits, you are not productive enough to play on a championship-caliber club. Those are Espinosa’s numbers.

For whatever reason, the Nats see their World Series window as now. If it is McCutchen in center next year, he has two years of team control. An Ian Desmond or Dexter Fowler costs more money, but want a longer deal. Bryce Harper is a free agent potentially after 2018. You can see why Mike Rizzo feels his time is now.

Along the way, Espinosa’s value dropped. He never hit above .247. Injuries robbed his ability to steal bases at will. When Turner exploded this past summer, Washington knew he was the player needing normal.

Baseball is cruel. It is also a business. The $5 million Espinosa would get in a contract next year is not unreasonable. Some team will grab him and he will play, if healthy, nearly every day in 2017 with a great glove and an occasional pop. It will not be here. You do not need a press release to tell you that.

Next: Nats Prospect Victor Robles

Wherever Espinosa lands, wish him the best of luck. At 30, his career is not over.

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