Washington Nationals: 5 to watch at home versus Atlanta
By Ron Juckett
MATT ADAMS
Imagine trying to replace Freddie Freeman.
Yet Matt Adams has tried since coming over from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade. Ironically, it happened the last time Washington visited SunTrust Park, and he played the final game of the series.
In the 20 games he has played—not counting Sunday—Adams has done well. A slash line of .259/.310/.556 gives him an OPS of .866 and adjusts to 122. Not Freeman, but 22 percent above league average will land him a job somewhere after Freeman returns from his broken wrist.
He brings power and production to an Atlanta team in need. Since the trade, Adams smashed six homers, four doubles and a triple while driving home 15. Not bad for a straight trade for Juan Yepez.
If Atlanta does not move him after Freeman’s return, he has one more year of arbitration before free agency. The problem in keeping Adams is he only plays first base. The Cardinals threw him in left field for six games this year, but he had never played outfield in the majors before.
If they move him, they should get a decent prospect back.
Because he was with St. Louis when they visited Washington, he has three games against the Nats on his dance card. But, he is 0-for-8 in two starts.