District On Deck
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Washington Nationals: Adam Lind’s interesting offseason decision

By Ron Juckett

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 14: Adam Lind #26 of the Washington Nationals celebrates in the dugout after scoring in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on September 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 14: Adam Lind #26 of the Washington Nationals celebrates in the dugout after scoring in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on September 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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With a mutual option for 2018, Adam Lind has many options aside from returning to the Washington Nationals. Will he stay in DC?

The Washington Nationals got a steal this past winter signing Adam Lind. They grabbed the first baseman as insurance for Ryan Zimmerman and a pinch hitter for $1.5 million for this year.

Whatever expectations you had for Lind must be exceeded. With 11 homers and a .356 OBP over 275 plate appearances, his contract is a bargain. But, although he has a $5 million option for next year, it is a mutual option.

If Lind thinks he can get more elsewhere, he will take his $500 thousand buyout and see what he fetches on the open market. There is little chance, even with the salary increase, the Nats will not want to exercise their option. His late-inning abilities, along with holding his own in left field and first base, make him a valuable bench player.

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As a pinch-hitter, Lind’s slash line of .333/.378/.571 is impressive. Along with 14 hits, he smashed three home runs while driving in 11. The statistic catching your eye most is his BAbip. When making contact, it is .440; the dictionary definition of a tough out.

His ability to lead the charge off the bench will give the Nats a huge edge in the upcoming playoffs. Quality production is essential and his power can win games.

Which leads us back to the original question. Given Lind could start every day in the American League as a first base/designated hitter combo, is he content with being a role player in Washington?

The Nats, no matter what happens this October, are overwhelming favorites to win a third-straight National League East crown in 2018. With a healthy Adam Eaton, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper in the starting lineup, how can they not be? Add Daniel Murphy, Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon and you have the most powerful lineup in franchise history, even if Daffy Duck catches.

The chance to return to the playoffs is a huge draw for any player. Washington has the chance to do something special over the next two postseasons. Leaving that for more money is a tough decision.

But, baseball is a business.

As an everyday player, Lind can slug 20-30 homers and drive in around 100. Because he played reasonable defense in left, his value as a free agent increases. At 34, his numbers will mean one last big pay day.

Although Lind is not a tremendous defender, his bat gives him options in which he holds the key. The last couple years of free agency has not benefited hitters. AL teams shy away from a pure DH on the open market. Pitching draws the big offseason money and, with so many teams fighting for an AL Wild Card spot, you can understand.

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Lind is a great fit in DC. Hopefully, what the Nats offer as a team compels him to stay or extend past 2018.

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