Washington Nationals: 5 storylines for the 2017 off-season
By Ron Juckett
DEAL WITH FREE AGENTS TO BE
This one will happen quick as teams have two weeks to sign players after the World Series before they can file for free agency.
Although Jayson Werth is the name you hear most, Brandon Kintzler and Howie Kendrick are also potential free agents. Adam Lind has an option for 2018, but he holds it with the Nats. At $5 million, Washington would love to keep him. Lind, as with Werth, provides value to an American League team as a designated hitter. Stephen Drew is a free agent too.
Lind and Kintzler are the highest priority to keep.
Lind can fill for Zimmerman at first, pinch-hits at an all-star level and can play left field. If 116 games and 300 plate appearances are enough, he stays. But, he will test the market.
Kintzler was a closer with the Minnesota Twins before setting up with the Nats. At $7 million and change, he faces a hard decision. Logic tells you the seventh-inning pitcher is not worth that much. With Enny Romero and a healthy Koda Glover, there are cheaper options. But, not as effective.
Kendrick is an intriguing utility option, but as with Werth and Lind, there is no DH role for him to use in the NL. He provides good outfield depth, but there is no place to start him. Wilmer Difo’s versatility makes keeping Drew unlikely.
Washington tries to retain Lind and Kintzler. Werth too if the price and role are right.