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Washington Nationals Opinion: When did we start doubting Anthony Rendon?

By Matt Weyrich

Mar 5, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon (6) at bat agains the Detroit Tigers during a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon (6) at bat agains the Detroit Tigers during a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon was hampered by injuries last season — what can we expect from him going forward?

When Anthony Rendon first broke out in 2014, nobody seemed surprised. The former first round draft pick had high expectations as a prospect, and was widely considered to be the best hitter in his draft class. So when finally given a full, healthy season at his natural position of third base, not many were shocked when he finished fifth in MVP voting and won a Silver Slugger.

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Yet here we are, two years later. After spending a season bouncing back and forth across the infield while sitting on the disabled list for more than half the year, suddenly Rendon’s stock has plummeted. Gone are talks of the 25-year old’s future Hall of Fame candidacy, only to be replaced by endless questions surrounding his ability to perform.

What happened? Did Rendon leave his bat and helmet in the trainer’s room? I’m going to go ahead and guess that he didn’t, and is in for a bigger year in 2016 than you’re probably expecting.

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The former Rice University standout posted an OPS of .824 in 683 plate appearances in 2014, hitting 21 home runs while driving in 83 and scoring an NL-leading 111 runs. Entering his fourth major league season, Rendon is entering his prime and is on the cusp of providing the Nationals with one of the most formidable 1-2 punches on the offensive side in all of baseball.

Rendon will be a key component of a new-look offense this season, with speedy outfielder Ben Revere projected to bat ahead of him while reigning MVP Bryce Harper will be doing his part driving him in. New manager Dusty Baker and first base coach/stolen base extraordinaire Davey Lopes will be taking the reins controlling this lineup, and no one should be surprised if the Nats evolve into one of the top offenses in the league.

Defensively, Rendon is a Gold Glove candidate, and should perform better with the glove in 2016 at the hot corner after spending last season switching back-and-forth between second and third. A settled-in Ryan Zimmerman at first will only help his cause, as the 2009 Gold Glover is a natural athlete and handled the position well when actually on the field last season.

You could expect him to be the best in the league or guess that he won’t see more than 100 games, but no matter what you think, Anthony Rendon is going to go out and play. It’s just going to be a matter of how much you’ll be kicking yourself for not buying in from the beginning.

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