Washington Nationals: 5 story lines for Spring Training

WIETERS BACKUP IS…

If there is a legitimate hole in the Nats lineup, it is at catcher.

Raudy Read’s suspension for using Bolderone cost him 80 games and a playoff spot. He will play this spring, but his actions cost the prospect a full year before his major-league value can be truly assessed.

With the Marlins after top prospects for J.T. Realmuto, the Nats passed, at least for the moment, and will audition Pedro Severino and Miguel Montero to assist Wieters behind the plate.

Severino is the favorite. At 24, he spent part of the last two years between Syracuse and Washington and has playoff experience. With the departed Jose Lobaton, it was Severino who filled in for Wilson Ramos in the 2016 NLDS when Ramos tore an ACL.

Aside from injuries last year, Severino did little either in Triple-A and his September call-up with Washington to give much confidence from the front office. This spring is huge for his major-league aspirations. With Read out of the picture, Severino has one hand on the job.

Montero is a known quantity to Martinez from their time together with the Cubs. But, Montero’s frustration at throwing out base stealers during Chicago’s regular season trip to DC earned him a release. He finished 2017 with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Montero brings practical experience, but not much of a bat and an arm. Still, a strong Grapefruit League can earn him a big-league roster spot.

Let’s not forget Wieters. He is playing for a respectable free agent contract next fall and handles the staff well. The lack of a trade or free agent signing must have him breathing easier.