Washington Nationals must re-stock depth

The Washington Nationals had one of the best benches in the league in 2017, which was extremely beneficial. Now, they must re-stock.

In 2017, the Washington Nationals had one of the best benches in the league, led by slugger Adam Lind. This proved to be an enormous asset, as the Nats suffered a myriad of injuries and were forced to rely on their bench and organizational depth to keep them afloat.

Unfortunately, the bench is now in a bit of disarray. Lind, Howie Kendrick, Jose Lobaton, and Stephen Drew are all currently free agents. While they may re-sign with the Nats, it is also very possible that they all play elsewhere in 2018.

There are some returning members, though. Wilmer Difo and Brian Goodwin both played key roles off the bench in 2017, and will both return in 2018, barring a trade. Adam Eaton will also return after undergoing season-ending surgery last April, which makes up for the likely loss of Jayson Werth.

The Nats also recently re-signed Ryan Raburn on a minor league deal. Raburn provided outfield depth in 2017, but eventually suffered an injury as well. He is unlikely to make the team out of Spring Training, but he will be in the minors and ready to be called up in the case of an injury.

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In addition to Raburn, the Nats have several other players in the minors ready to produce in the big leagues. Among these players are A.J. Cole, Erick Fedde, Victor Robles, Adrian Sanchez, Pedro Severino, and Andrew Stevenson.

Goodwin and Difo are a good start on the major league bench, but the Nats must make a few moves this off-season. Ideally, Lind and Kendrick would return, but it is likely that they can find a starting job for another team, something the Nats cannot offer.

If Lind, Kendrick, Lobaton, and Drew all depart, the Nats will need to acquire a back-up catcher, back-up first baseman, a back-up outfielder, and possibly a utility player.

Difo can fill the utility role, as he is capable of playing second base, third base, and shortstop, as well as a little outfield, which is extremely beneficial. His versatility will give Dave Martinez some flexibility, allowing him to be creative.

In Lind, the Nats are losing a great hitter, back-up first baseman, and occasional outfielder. Ryan Zimmerman has been exceptionally injury-prone throughout his career, so the Nats must have a capable back-up first baseman. If Lind departs, the Nats need to sign a solid first baseman, who is preferably also a productive pinch hitter.

In Kendrick, the Nats are losing a veteran utility player. Despite the fact that he is a natural infielder, he has learned to play the outfield and primarily played left field for the Nats. If he departs, the Nats should attempt to sign a utility player so Difo does not have to play outfield. Eduardo Nunez could be a perfect fit for this role.

In Lobaton, the Nats are losing a veteran catcher and an excellent clubhouse presence. He has spent the past four seasons with the Nats, and has become an adored member of the team.

While Lobaton served as depth, the Nats may elect to acquire a new starting catcher. Matt Wieters was the starting catcher in 2017, but had the worst season of his career. Welington Castillo, Jonathan Lucroy, and Alex Avila are all free agents who are capable of starting. The Nats will likely elect to fill Lobaton’s void by acquiring a new starter and have Wieters become depth.

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For whatever reason, the Nats always seem to suffer countless injuries. Because of this, they must possess additional depth to make it through the season. They have a few holes right now, but Mike Rizzo will undoubtedly fill them throughout the off-season and put the team in a position to compete once again in 2018.

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