Washington Nationals: Predicting the 2018 Opening Day lineup

CF MICHAEL TAYLOR

.245-257 Avg. 16-21 HR 56-67 RBI .306-.317 OBP

What a difference a year makes.

Michael Taylor made the most of his time replacing the injured Eaton in centerfield and comes to camp as the starter.

The projections above are too conservative. As the year went on, Taylor shortened his swing and made better contact. Yes, he strikes out too much. So do half the hitters in baseball. If you are wondering, the projections this year range from 141 to 164.

Better suited hitting eighth, the weakness of Matt Wieters forces Taylor higher. He is not an automatic out and can swipe a bag if he needs too. If he continues to play the smart baseball displayed last year, you can write his name in pen in the lineup.

Watch his sing this spring. Short, broom-like cuts made him a better hitter last year. His defensive arm and range are strong enough to move Eaton over to left. If Taylor shows the same confidence, an All-Star birth at home is possible.

If he cuts down on the strikeouts, you could see him hitting sixth as the year moves on. For now, seventh is his ideal spot. If we see the pitcher hitting eighth, Taylor is a candidate for batting ninth in the extra leadoff spot. The sky is the limit if he can improve his eye and draw walks.