Washington Nationals Editorial: Where Does Danny Espinosa Rank Among Shortstops In The NL East?

Asdrubal Cabrera – New York Mets

This offseason, the Mets signed Cabrera to a two-year deal for $18.5 million with a team option for a third year. With the Rays last season, Cabrera had a slash line of .265/.315/.430 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI’s in 143 games. His 15 home runs were the third highest he has hit in a single season. But, his low on-base percentage of .315 was the third lowest of his career.

Even though his on-base seems low compared to his past years with Cleveland, he still had the third highest .OBP among shortstop in the American League. Only Didi Gregorius of the Yankees and Xander Bogaerts of the Red Sox had higher on-base percentages. His .OPS of .744 was the second highest among AL shortstops (Bogaerts – .776) and he was tied for second in home runs.

The problem for Cabrera has been his defense. While his defense is up from the -16 runs saved he had in 2013 with the Indians, he still had -7 runs saved last season in Tampa Bay.

Cabrera does make the Mets better offensively, but the question is going to be whether his defense will cost New York in some games. But, he is a better fielding shortstop than Wilmer Flores. That being said, Cabrera’s offense is what puts him at number two on this list. Plus, the Nats will see Cabrera 19 times after he was on their team at the end of the 2014 season when Washington acquired him from Cleveland for shortstop Zach Walters.

Next: District Daily: How Deep Is The Nats' Starting Rotation?

We want to hear from you! How would you rank the shortstops in the NL East and where would Danny Espinosa go on your list? Let the debate begin.