FIX THE CATCHER
When Wieters signed last spring, it was believed he would opt-out of his two-year deal after this season. Under contract for $10.5 million a year, agent Scott Boras felt Wieters would leave and get around $15 million on the open market this fall.
Um, no.
Wieters slash line of .225/.288/.344 translates to an OPS+ of 63 or 37 percent below league average. With Washington’s refusal to eat contract money, either he plays here or another team takes that contract in total. He stays put and hopes to have a better year.
His ability to call games behind the plate makes him worth keeping, but the offense is troubling.
But not as bad as Jose Lobaton. In 51 games, his slash line of .170/.248/.277 gives an OPS+ of 36. Gulp. A free agent, there is no way he should be back. His 35 strikeouts were higher than his 24 hits. You already have an automatic out with the pitcher, two kill offenses.
Pedro Severino so underwhelmed during his audition, he was not considered for the playoff roster. Fanning 10 times in 29 at-bats, his production is worse than Lobaton’s. Raudy Read saw playing time but his defense is suspect.
The Nats will take another year from Wieters, even at that price, but must find someone to ease in the role for the future.