Washington Nationals: Predicting the 2018 Opening Day lineup
By Ron Juckett
LF ADAM EATON
.284-.290 Avg. 11-12 HR 54-76 RBI .363-.376 OBP
Eaton is rightly listed in the leadoff hole, at least to start the year. If those on-base percentages are close to accurate, you understand why. Imagine National League pitchers sweating through those plate appearances.
The RBI disparity comes from where he hits in the lineup. It is hard to drive in runs with the pitcher’s spot most night before yours. The batting average and OBP are in line with his numbers with the Chicago White Sox.
In his second season in Washington, Eaton’s star will rise if he can produce these numbers. His run projection ranges from 80 to 88 and that is low. His last two years in Chicago, he scored 98 and 91 times respectfully. If he reaches base at projected levels, a 100-run season looks inevitable. The Nats offense is that strong.
A move to the corner from center is solid on the defensive front. It will be interesting how much rest he gets over the course of the season as his knee fully heals. At 29, Eaton is in the prime of his career, but a new position and recovering knee will lead to early hesitation.
The Nats lacked a spark plug from the one-hole from Turner. Eaton’s return should restore it.