Washington Nationals: Predicting the 2018 bench

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The Washington Nationals bench flourished in 2017, but several key members are currently free agents. Who will be on the Nats’ bench in 2018?

The bench is an integral aspect of any major league roster, but that is especially true of the Washington Nationals. For whatever reason, the Nats consistently rank near the top of the league in trips to the disabled list. Nearly every Nat seems to be exceptionally injury-prone, which makes having a competent bench critical.

In 2017, the Nats had one of the best benches in the league, led by veteran slugger Adam Lind. Unfortunately, he is now a free agent and is unlikely to return, so the Nats are in the market for a new back-up first baseman and left-handed bench bat.

Howie Kendrick also did a great job off of the bench after being acquired by the Nats at the trade deadline, but he is now a free agent as well. If he departs, the Nats will need to acquire a new utility-type player.

The final key member of the bench to depart after 2017 is back-up catcher Jose Lobaton. The 33-year-old spent the last four seasons with the Nats, but recently signed a minor-league deal with the rival New York Mets. The Nats have a couple catchers in the minors who could step up, but they will likely attempt to acquire a back-up this off-season.

Fortunately, a few members of the Nats’ 2017 bench remain with the team. Utility infielder Wilmer Difo is still donning the Curly W (in addition to some new dreadlocks), and will return in 2018.

Michael Taylor, who was technically a bench player in 2017, will also return in 2018, barring a trade. However, he is likely to be the Nats’ starting center fielder, so he will not be returning to the bench.

Finally, outfielder Brian Goodwin will be returning in 2018. He broke out in 2017, and appears ready to spend the entire 2018 season with the Nats.

Now that we have reviewed who the Nats’ bench consisted of in 2017, let’s take a look at who could come off of the bench in 2018.

Alex Avila

Now that longtime Nats back-up catcher Jose Lobaton has departed in free agency, the Nats should at least attempt to acquire a new back-up catcher this off-season. Pedro Severino could be ready to become the back-up, but he appeared to be in need of a little more seasoning during his time with the Nats in 2017.

If the Nats elect to acquire a new back-up catcher via free agency, their options include Jonathan Lucroy, Alex Avila, and Nick Hundley. Of these three, Avila is the best fit.

Avila, a 30-year-old catcher, spent 2017 between the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs, and had a fairly productive season. In 112 games, he owned a .264/.387/.447 slash line to go with 14 homers and 49 RBI’s.

Although Avila served as a back-up with the Cubs in 2017, he is also capable of starting. If he signs with the Nats, he would likely platoon with Matt Wieters.

Wieters is coming off of the worst season of his career, and Mike Rizzo has said that the Nats will try to decrease his playing time a bit in 2018, in an effort to increase his production. This likely means the Nats will go with a platoon, and Avila complements Wieters perfectly as a platoon partner.

Although Wieters is a switch-hitter, he typically fares better against left-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, Avila is a left-handed hitter who fares better against right-handed pitchers. This works out perfectly, as Wieters could start against lefties, and Avila could start against righties.

Avila will also likely come cheap, considering he made just $2 million in 2017. Since Wieters is set to make $10.5 million in 2018, a cheap catcher would be a welcome addition.

Finally, Avila said earlier this off-season that he does not mind being a back-up or platoon player. His main focus is to join a winning team, which would make the Nats an ideal destination.

The Nats have not been specifically linked to Avila yet this off-season, but don’t be surprised if he’s donning the Curly W in 2018.

Matt Adams

Adam Lind did a phenomenal job as the Nats’ back-up first baseman and primary pinch-hitter in 2017, but he is now a free agent. With the season he had, he certainly deserves to be a starting first baseman or designated hitter in 2018, but the Nats cannot offer him either. Because of this, he likely will not return in 2018.

If Lind departs in free agency, Matt Adams could be a terrific replacement. Adams, a 29-year-old first baseman, spent 2017 between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, and had his best season in a few years.

In 131 total games, Adams owned a .274/.319/.522 slash line with 20 homers. That’s not too shabby for a so-called bench player.

One of the most difficult tasks in baseball is pinch-hitting, but Adams excelled at it in 2017. As a pinch-hitter, he hit .309 with three homers and 15 RBI’s.

In addition to being able to produce off of the bench, Adams did a magnificent job filling in as a long-term starter. When Freddie Freeman fractured his wrist in May, Adams was thrust into the starting role, and he did not miss a beat.

Adams did so well while filling in for Freeman that when Freeman came back, Adams remained at first base and Freeman moved across the diamond and played third base. It is not often that the face of a franchise changes positions for a so-called bench player.

Finally, Adams provides a little defensive versatility. The Nats’ outfielders always seem to suffer a plethora of injuries, so they cycle through countless outfielders. Lind hit so well in 2017, that he actually saw some time in the outfield to get his bat in the lineup.

The Nats could do the same thing with Adams if they sign him. He does not have much experience in the outfield, but he does have some, so he could play a corner outfield position to get his bat in the lineup. The offense that he produces could be enough to outweigh any defensive errors he may commit.

The Nats got a good look at Adams in 2017, while he dominated for their division rival, so do not be surprised if we see him in DC in 2018.

Wilmer Difo

Utility-type players are becoming more and more popular around the league every year, and their defensive versatility consistently proves to be valuable. The Nats have a solid little-known utility infielder in Wilmer Difo, and he is among the best utility players in the league.

The 25-year-old infielder is coming off of his best season, batting .271 in 124 games throughout 2017. Despite the fact that Difo was not an everyday player for the Nats in 2017, he was extremely valuable.

A natural shortstop, Difo has learned to play second base and third base well, and can fill in in the outfield on occasion. This defensive versatility is invaluable, and gives manager Dave Martinez some much-appreciated flexibility.

In 2017, Difo played every position but pitcher, catcher, and first base, which is outstanding. This allows him to fill in for just about any injured player.

While Daniel Murphy is undoubtedly the Nats’ everyday second baseman, Difo may be the Opening Day starter. Murphy is currently rehabbing from knee surgery, and may not be ready for the start of the season. If this is the case, Difo could start everyday for the first month or so.

Difo is a great asset to have on the bench because of his ability to fill in for several different players, but he is not an ideal bench player. He typically struggles when he does not receive regular at-bats, which can be an issue if nobody is hurt.

If Difo cannot adjust and perform better without regular at-bats, the Nats may need to acquire a new primary back-up infielder. However, Difo is great if he has to serve as an everyday player for a significant period of time.

Difo is one of the Nats’ best trade chips this off-season, but as things currently stand, he is their primary back-up infielder.

Howie Kendrick

The Nats acquired Howie Kendrick from the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline in 2017, and he did a great job off of the bench for the Nats. In 91 games throughout 2017, Kendrick owned a .315/.368/.475 slash line to go with nine homers and 12 stolen bases.

In addition to producing offensively, Kendrick also provides quite a bit of defensive versatility. The veteran is a natural second baseman, but he can play outfield as well. In 2017, he played first base, second base, left field, and right field.

Between Kendrick’s offensive prowess, defensive versatility, and veteran presence, he is an extremely valuable asset off of the bench and in the clubhouse. If Kendrick is interested in returning to the Nats, they should absolutely take him up on it.

Unfortunately, Kendrick is currently a free agent and should garner lots of interest. He is capable of being a starter somewhere, so he may get offers that include more playing time and money.

However, at 34, Kendrick is getting older and may not have many more seasons left in him. The Nats are one of the best teams in the league and are in a great position to win now, so re-signing with the Nats may be his best opportunity to get a ring.

Kendrick could also get more playing time than a typical bench player with the Nats due to a couple injuries. Murphy is coming off of knee surgery and may not be ready for the start of the season, so Kendrick could see a lot of time at second base early in the year.

Adam Eaton is also coming off of major knee surgery, so the Nats may want to ease him back into things in 2018. Eaton will presumably play left field, so Kendrick could give him some additional off-days to ensure a full recovery.

Kendrick has discussed his desire to win a World Series, and the Nats provide a great opportunity to potentially do so, so he may return in 2018. If he does return to the Nats in 2018, he will be an enormous asset off of the bench.

Brian Goodwin

As we saw with Michael Taylor filling in for Adam Eaton in 2017, the role of a back-up outfielder is extremely important. As things currently stand, Taylor will be the Nats’ starting center fielder in 2018, so Goodwin will take over as the primary back-up outfielder.

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The 27-year-old former first-round draft pick broke out in 2017, batting .251 with 13 homers in 74 games. Goodwin excels at putting the ball in play and can cause chaos with his speed, but he also possesses sneaky pop, as his 13 homers in limited playing time would suggest.

In addition to producing offensively, Goodwin is also a great defender in the outfield. He is capable of playing all three outfield positions, and always showcases his athleticism, including exceptional speed and a great throwing arm.

The fact that Goodwin is coming off of the best season of his career gives him great trade value, and makes him one of the Nats’ best trades chips. The Nats also have a surplus of young outfielders, so Goodwin is somewhat expendable.

However, he currently projects to be the Nats’ primary back-up outfielder. With the Nats’ training staff seemingly working more than a cashier on Black Friday, especially with outfielders, Goodwin is an enormous asset off of the bench.

Next: Bryce Harper's looming decision tough on everyone

The Nats are in a prime position to win it all in 2018, which is clearly the goal with Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy, and Gio Gonzalez all set to become free agents after the season. They are among the most injured teams in the league, and a major injury could derail the season if they do not have a competent bench. With this projected bench, they will be prepared and able to deal with any possible injuries.

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