Washington Nationals: Potential starting second base candidates in 2019
By Brian Foley
Other free agents
Ian Kinsler
.240/.306/.397 – 13 HRs, 6 SBs
Ian Kinsler is working through another difficult year at the plate, but his overwhelming defensive value still makes him a useful player. Despite his 91 OPS+ over the past two seasons, Kinsler is ninth in fWAR among qualified second basemen on the strength of his 16 defensive runs saved. He could give the Nats just as much production as LeMahieu for a fraction of the cost, particularly if the team manages his plate appearances throughout the year.
Eduardo Nunez
.257/.282/.373 – 7 HRs, 7 SBs
Eduardo Nunez has been always been a high-average hitter, but this season, his batting average, and thus his value, have fallen off with Boston. Nunez’ walk rate ranks 188th out of 199 players with at least 2,500 plate appearances since 2011, and he is an absolute sinkhole on defense.
The journeyman infielder has posted minus-15 DRS at second base this year, bringing his career total to minus-23 at the position and minus-74 overall. The Washington Nationals finally have a chance to boost their infield defense after watching Murphy kick the ball around for two-and-a-half years, but Nunez is not talented enough as a hitter for Rizzo to overlook his defensive shortcomings.
Logan Forsythe
.252/.313/.327 – 2 HRs, 3 SBs
Logan Forsythe torched opposing pitchers during his final two seasons with Tampa Bay, but his struggles with the Dodgers over the past two years ultimately forced L.A. to swap him for Dozier at the deadline.
Forsythe has actually surged since joining Minnesota, and he has fared well against left-handed pitching throughout his career with a.794 OPS. Toss in his solid defense, and he could work as a potential platoon option, though the Nats probably wouldn’t want Difo working as the long side of that combination.