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Washington Nationals: 5 to watch in Miami

By Ron Juckett

Jun 17, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; The Washington Nationals celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; The Washington Nationals celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHRISTIAN YELICH

With rumors of another team makeover, pending an inevitable sale by Jeffery Loria, Christian Yelich’s name is on top of rumored lists. As Jayson Werth continues to recover from a foot contusion from the west coast road trip, Yelich’s name is making the rounds from Nats fans on social media.

Is he worth it?

This year’s Yelich is a step back from the 2016 Silver Slugger who crushed 62 extra-base hits while driving in 98. A slash line of .277/.351/.403 gives an OPS of .754. When adjusted for league average and ballpark, it is a pedestrian 103. In his five-year career, that is a low.

Now a fixture in centerfield, there is a need for the Nats long term if Michael Taylor fizzles. Yelich is a better offensive option, but does not dazzle with the glove like Taylor. He carries a team-friendly contract with an option giving a new team potential control through the 2022 season.

For the moment, the fresh-faced Yelich loves to hit at home. At Marlins Park, his .287 average is 20 points higher than on the road. An amazing feat since he has 35 hits both home and away, just nine more at-bats away separate the numbers.

In the three-game opening series in Washington, Yelich went 4-for-13 but did not drive in any runs or capture an extra-base hit. He scored twice. The amateur scout in us will watch closely over the next three games.

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