Washington Nationals: Opening Day 2017 Roster Projection

RF Bryce Harper

Harper should stay in the third spot in the batting order because it allows him to get that extra at-bat in each game because he hits in the first inning. While Harper drew headlines for his Dallas Cowboys hat early on in spring training, he hopes to make storylines with his performance at the plate.

The Nats right fielder had a great first month of the season last year, but his performance at the end of the season left a lot to be desired. Yes, injuries played a factor, but only having one home run after August 31 isn’t what fans are looking for.

When you watch Harper this spring, my advice would be not to look for Harper to hit a lot of home runs this spring. Instead, watch to see if he can catch up to the fastball or if he is being patient with the way he takes pitches.

Spring training stats don’t mean much, but Harper has walked 23 times over the last two spring trainings and has led the Washington Nationals in both of those seasons.

Asking Harper to replicate his MVP season from 2015 might be a tall order. However, if he is closer to the 2015 numbers than 2016, Washington Nationals fans will be excited. As for Harper, he is looking to put last year’s end of the season struggles behind him:

"“I like that feeling of ‘What have you done for me lately?’ It’s always been that way my whole life.” (h/t Thomas Boswell, Washington Post)"

With two years left on his deal, Harper will look to make a statement that he deserves a big payday after the 2018 season is over, regardless of which team decides to give him the money.