C Pedro Severino
Catching depth has been an issue for the Nationals recently, which has pushed the 24-year-old Severino into a starting role this year. He has responded in kind with a .241/.343/.322 batting line in 102 plate appearances, perfectly acceptable for someone with his defensive reputation.
Severino will continue to receive the bulk of the starts at catcher now that Matt Wieters is on the DL for six to eight weeks following last week’s hamstring surgery. Other catching options include current backup Spencer Kieboom – a bit prospect – and Raudy Read, who is currently suspended for 80 games after a positive drug test. Read, the Nats’ no. 12 prospect, could leapfrog Severino if he shows well in the minors once he returns, but his stock has clearly taken a hit.
Severino is probably more suited for a backup role in the end, but if the Nationals don’t sign a big-ticket free agent catcher this winter, Severino will likely start on 2019 Opening Day. A non-hitting catcher is obviously workable; it does become an issue though if Taylor is struggling offensively in center field and Difo is only slapping the occasional single at second base. Along with the pitcher, that means nearly half of the lineup is offensively deficient, which puts an exorbitant amount of pressure on the rest of the regular hitters as well as the pitching staff.
The Nationals will have to juggle a lot of balls on offense this winter. If Harper re-signs, Murphy probably moves on, but Harper could paper over a few offensive holes. If Harper leaves, a replacement bat becomes paramount, whether it’s Murphy or another free agent at second base, or Yasmani Grandal or even Wilson Ramos at catcher.
It’s hard to see Taylor, Difo, and Severino all starting on Opening Day next year. But it’s happening right now, so anything is possible.