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Washington Nationals: 2017 trade deadline preview

By Ron Juckett

Jun 19, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (R) celebrates with left fielder Ryan Raburn (L) after hitting a two run homer in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (R) celebrates with left fielder Ryan Raburn (L) after hitting a two run homer in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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BACKUP CATCHER

One of the defining moments of last season came on a rainy night in September. Following a short rain delay, Wilson Ramos crumpled in the mud writhing in pain. He tore an ACL ending his Nats career. Although Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino played well in the playoffs, losing Ramos’ bat stung.

Flash forward to today. Matt Wieters has filled the starting job well, but Lobaton is not good. With a slash line of .152/.200/.273 before Wednesday’s loss to Miami, Lobaton is an automatic out. On defense, his metrics are negative and struggles to throw out runners. Almost as much as Wieters.

As Wieters will be the everyday playoff catcher, giving someone recovering from Tommy John surgery extra time off down the stretch is a good idea. As Severino struggles in Triple-A Syracuse, the answer does not lie up north. Not yet.

If things remain as they are, Lobaton does not hurt the overall picture. His defensive lapses are maddening, but he is the backup. No reason to trade unless Wieters gets hurt.

If a cheap backup gets signed, then Lobaton is gone. No need to send prospects, this position can be upgraded cheap if needed. Reality says no change unless someone gets hurt.

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