3. Adam Eaton (WSH)
2016 Stats: 157 G, .284/.362/.428, .790 OPS, 176 H, 14 HR, 91 R, 59 RBI, 14 SB, 63 BB, 115 SO and 2.5 bWAR.
The package that the Nationals shipped to Chicago in exchange for Adam Eaton has been heavily scrutinized. However, all the negative media attention directed at GM Mike Rizzo has left fans forgetting one fairly important fact: Eaton is a fine baseball player.
Eaton hits for high average and not much power, but he steals bases at a respective clip and has led the American League in triples two of the past three years. The left-handed speedy outfielder will combine with young phenom Trea Turner to form one of the most formidable duos at the top of the lineup in the league. First base coach and baserunning wiz Davey Lopes is probably licking his chops at the chance to work with the two of them.
The White Sox had Eaton playing right field in 2016, but he’s been primarily a center fielder for most of his career. Defensive metrics have been all over the place when it comes to evaluating Eaton. Regardless, he was a Gold Glove finalist last season and is the best choice to cover the most ground among the Nats’ current options.
Dealing Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez might come back to bite the Nats in the long run, but Eaton makes this team significantly better and puts them right in the conversation for one of the best teams in baseball.