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Washington Nationals: Analyzing Wilmer Difo’s trade value

By Drew Douglas |
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Wilmer Difo #1 of the Washington Nationals follows through on a seventh inning pinch hit single against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 23, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Wilmer Difo #1 of the Washington Nationals follows through on a seventh inning pinch hit single against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 23, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The MLB Winter Meetings are a time of many trade rumors. We may hear Washington Nationals infielder Wilmer Difo’s name, but what is his trade value?

For reasons not known, the Washington Nationals are consistently one of the most injured teams in the league. Because of this, the bench is an integral aspect of the Nats’ roster.

In previous seasons, guys like Steve Lombardozzi, Chad Tracy, and Tyler Moore have played big roles off the bench. In 2017, it was Wilmer Difo. Now, he is a potential trade chip.

Difo, a 25-year-old infielder, is coming off of the best season of his young career. In 124 games throughout 2017, he owned a .271/.319/.370 slash line to go with five homers, 47 runs scored, and ten stolen bases.

In addition to performing well offensively, Difo is a solid defender and offers quite a bit of defensive versatility. In 2017 alone, he appeared at second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, and right field. While he did play a little outfield, he is much better suited for the infield.

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Difo had a phenomenal season as a back-up infielder, most notably filling in long-term for Trea Turner, but he endured some struggles off the bench. Pinch-hitting is considered one of the most difficult tasks in baseball, and it is a task that Difo has not yet mastered.

When Difo filled in for injured infielders, he was terrific. However, when he did not receive regular at-bats, he struggled. Because of this, he is better suited as a starter, which is something that the Nats cannot offer him at this time.

With Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy, Turner, and Anthony Rendon in the infield, there is not a starting role up for grabs at the moment. However, Murphy’s contract expires after 2018, so there may be a starting role available for Difo in the foreseeable future.

In the meantime, Difo could serve the Nats well as a trade chip. Several teams around the league are searching for a young infielder, and Difo fits the bill. After breaking out in 2017, he deserves to start somewhere.

If the Nats trade Difo, they may be able to get a starting pitcher, late-inning reliever, catcher, or outfielder in return. He has yet to play everyday for an entire season, but he is still young at 25 and is under team control through 2022. Because of this, he is oozing in trade value.

While the Nats may not trade Difo this off-season, his trade value is at an all-time high. They could trade him and fill some of their other immediate needs or they could hold onto him and have him serve as a back-up infielder again. He would certainly receive at least a few opportunities to receive regular playing time due to injuries.

Murphy is not expected to be ready for Opening Day after undergoing knee surgery at the beginning of the off-season, so Difo could have a spot waiting for him in the Opening Day lineup. Murphy’s contract is also expiring soon, so Difo could begin his tenure as a Nats starter within the next year.

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Whether or not the Nats trade Difo this off-season, we are sure to hear his name in at least a few rumors. A young infielder with five years of team control and defensive versatility is an enormous asset, and he should be highly coveted between now and Spring Training.

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