Washington Nationals: Matt Wieters Signing Opens Other Doors

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MLB: Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles /

The addition of Matt Wieters to the Washington Nationals gives the team greater depth and flexibility. What gaps close now with him on the team?

The Washington Nationals pulled a fast one Tuesday by signing free agent catcher Matt Wieters.

By signing the All-Star veteran, the Nationals not only bolster an impressive offense, but open the door for other improvements. By the time we get into the meat of the Grapefruit League, all the perceived offseason holes Washington carried into 2017 will be filled. At least on paper, anyway.

After several months of feigning little interest—citing Wieters lack of ability to frame pitches, for one—agent Scott Boras got his client a contract for $10.5 million this year and at least that for 2018. Wieters can opt-out after the season ends. Never underestimate Boras’ ability to get deals done.

An upgrade offensively over fellow newcomer Derek Norris, this deal goes well beyond who catches the majority of games. General Manager Mike Rizzo has earned a shrewd reputation. Some of the luster wore off in the public view after the end of the playoffs and Winter Meetings, but Washington is on the verge of being scary good again.

Whether Wieters sticks around next season is not important. It truly is all about 2017 and winning now. Although there are many things you cannot predict and project in sports, covering your immediate bases helps in the long run against slumps and injury.

Here are three things about the Washington Nationals that change the moment Wieters appears in front of the cameras wearing a “Curly W” cap. None of them involve Boras’ ever-expanding bank account.

MLB: Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox /

PIECES THERE TO LAND A CLOSER

With four catchers fighting for two spots on the 25-man roster, the Nationals suddenly have a surplus player to land another reliever. In an amazing coincidence, the Chicago White Sox desperately need a major-league ready catcher AND have reliever David Robertson.

Hmm, think a match might be made?

Logic tells you Norris is the odd-man out. He struggled last year with the San Diego Padres to hit above .186 and strikes out a metric ton. With two years of team control and a $4.2 million price tag, he is affordable and reliable.

Norris—despite the low average—slugged 14 homers and 17 doubles. He can frame pitches, throw base stealers at an average rate and calls a good game. If the White Sox are doing a full-blown rebuild, you could do worse than Norris.

Chances are Chicago wants Pedro Severino instead. Blocked by Norris, Jose Lobaton and now Wieters, Severino is likely headed to Triple-A Syracuse to get regular playing time. If Norris goes, then Severino could be the regular catcher for Washington next year.

If the White Sox throw in enough money to make David Robertson affordable, Severino will earn the Opening Day nod for the ChiSox.

Without Wieters, there is no way the Nats are comfortable enough to trade either.

FLEXIBLE LINEUP

As Dusty Baker figures out how best to fit his batting order together, he now has the switch-hitting Wieters to throw at the end of the lineup.

For his career, he is a .250 hitter as a port-sided hitter and a .273 as a righty. When you look at his career BAbip, it is .273 as a lefty and .325 from the starboard side. Against left-handed pitchers, he slugs at a .468 clip.

Yes, National League baseball is not as hitting-friendly as Wieters old American League. He also will play few games in titanic-sized NL West parks and does not bat against his own pitchers.

Whether he hits behind Ryan Zimmerman in the eighth-hole or as high as sixth behind Anthony Rendon, Wieters offers protection and decent power in the lineup. With the Baltimore Orioles, he primarily hit fifth or six with 152 games batting seventh. Sixth or lower is the best guess at this point.

Although the lineup overall is in flux, Wieters is a nice problem to have.

Already a productive offense, the addition of Wieters—and one less bat to pitch around—puts the Nats into lethal territory.

Last year, most of his power came from the left side, 14 of 17 homers. Regardless of what side he hit from, his BAbip was an equal .269.

He is not Wilson Ramos, but Wieters is close. Consistency is key.

MLB: Washington Nationals at San Diego Padres /

RIZZO HAS HIS GROOVE BACK

Sure, maybe Wieters to Washington was inevitable from the start. Scott Boras and the Nationals have a productive relationship where both sides benefit.

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Yet, after a winter of uncertainty, adding Wieters to the fold could not come at a better time. Within the last few weeks, Rizzo re-signed Stephen Drew, grabbed Adam Lind for a song and now has Wieters.

With solid internal options ready for the audition for the setup and closer roles, he now has a trade chip should he need it. Since the end of 2017, he has secured a legitimate centerfielder, brought in solid bench depth and now has replaced the popular Ramos. If he can land an established closer from this, Washington starts 2017 with every major hole filled.

Yes, starting pitching depth is a concern and there are bullpen roles that remain unsettled, but the Nationals plow ahead towards 2017 with a healthy club that can contend with the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers as the best team in the National League.

With Wieters, the payroll sits above $160 million and permission to take more if needed.

As with sausage making, watching how it fits together is not pretty. Sometimes, it is rather ugly. In the end, it tastes wonderful.

Next: Can Nathan Make The Team?

By the end of this year, the taste of success can be wonderful too.

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