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Washington Nationals: Top Five Offseason Storylines To Watch

By Ricky Keeler

Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker walks into the dugout prior to game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker walks into the dugout prior to game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Aug 26, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Trea Turner (7) runs down Colorado Rockies shortstop Cristhian Adames (not pictured) fly ball during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated Colorado Rockies 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Does Trea Turner Stay In Center Field?

One of the reasons that 2017 should be an exciting year for the Washington Nationals will be that Trea Turner gets to start the season with the team as opposed to waiting until June to make his season debut this year. Turner had to learn to play center field on the fly, but did an adequate job fielding the position.

Turner has become one of the best young players in the game due to his electric speed. The only question about him going into next year is whether or not he remains a center fielder. Danny Espinosa is a very good defensive shortstop and is a 20+ home run guy, but he did hit .209 this year.

If the Washington Nationals decide to trade Espinosa and go with Turner at shortstop, then they will have to upgrade at center field. Ben Revere had a rough first year in DC. He hurt his oblique in the first game of the regular season and never recovered. Plus, Michael Taylor continued to strike out at a high rate and did not do well with regular playing time in the minor leagues.

Last year, Mike Rizzo was trying to get outfielders like Jason Heyward and Yoenis Cespedes to strengthen the outfield. Cespedes, who might opt out and be a free agent this year, does play center field. However, it’s not his favorite position.

With one year left on that Revere deal, does he start in center or does Rizzo stick with Turner and give him a full spring training to continue his growth in center while Espinosa plays short?

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