WILMER DIFO
With his versatility, Wilmer Difo offers the Nats quality in the infield, and a warm body in the outfield, mixed with speed and offense.
But, the super-utility role is ill-suited for Difo at the plate. Off the bench, he struggles.
If Daniel Murphy leaves once he hits free agency next year, Difo is the heir apparent at second base. Unless Murphy’s demands are outrageous, Washington will do what it can to keep him.
If so, that leaves Difo without a natural position to play. The left side of the infield is locked in and first base is not a likely destination. Outfield? Ha!
Of all Nats with over 300 plate appearances last year, only Wieters had an on-base percentage lower than Difo’s .319. The .690 OPS is nothing to write home about either.
Yet, his age and talent are benefits in Difo’s favor. At 25, he should be playing somewhere every day. His skills are better than riding the Triple-A buses of the International League. He can start tomorrow for a handful of major-league teams.
Which begs the question. As the Nats fill their holes, will Difo’s name become a serious chip? When you consider how versatile he is, moving him is a tough proposition.