Washington Nationals: Opening Day 2017 Roster Projection

OF Chris Heisey

One of the strengths for the Washington Nationals bench last year was the ability to hit the long ball. The Nats had 12 home runs in pinch-hitting situations last year, which was the third most of any team in the National League.

While Chris Heisey struck out 15 times as a pinch-hitter, he did have three solo home runs, which was tied with Stephen Drew for the team lead in that category.

One of the weird stats that Heisey had last season was in the month of August. Out of the 30 at-bats that he had, ten of them ended in a strikeout. Also, he had just five hits, but four of them ended up being home runs.

If the Washington Nationals had come back to win Game 5 against the Dodgers last year, Heisey’s two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh that cut the deficit to 4-3 would’ve gone down as one of the most memorable home runs in the team’s short history.

Heading into this season. Heisey is on a one year guaranteed deal compared to the minor league deal he was on last season. He can play either of the corner outfield spots, so he does have outfield versatility.

With the familiarity that Dusty Baker has with Heisey from his time managing the Reds, Heisey is the kind of player the Nats would like to see bat in a big spot because he can provide the key home run when they need it.