Washington Nationals: Five Reasons They Won NL East

Sep 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Washington Nationals celebrate in the clubhouse after clinching the National League Eastern Division Championship by defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Nationals won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

TREA TURNER

Brought up for good around the All-Star break, all Trea Turner did was provide speed, hitting and a presence well beyond his years for a team in need of a true leadoff hitter.

In less than half a season, he has seven triples. A speedy runner, he swiped 27 bags. Those are top 10 numbers in the NL in just 64 games. If he qualified, his .338 average would contend for a batting title.

A top prospect in the system, you expect Turner to be an impact player. In the next year or two. To pull off what he has including learning how to play centerfield, something he never did in the minors, is incredible. If it was not for Corey Seager’s amazing year with the Dodgers, Turner would be Rookie of the Year. He may draw some minor MVP consideration.

The weak spots in his game will go away with experience. Plays he struggles with now will be routine given time. Turner’s impact in his short time, however, is nothing short of amazing.

When you can create runs like he can, the Nationals’ offense becomes more dangerous. His ability to take or steal an extra base gave Washington that added kick in the second half when the rest of the team began to tire.

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The sky’s the limit for Turner, but his immediate impact earned a division title.