Get some veterans to fill out the roster.
Just because the plan is to shed payroll and rebuild on the fly, it doesn’t mean that the Washington Nationals are trying to tank. Sure, they may have an eye on 2020 more so than 2019, but Rizzo is going to go get a couple of guys that are going to strengthen the lineup and bring a new look to the team.
Although Howie Kendrick is due back by the beginning of next season, that doesn’t stop the Nationals from going and getting a full-time second baseman to allow him to fill more of a utility role.
With that in mind, the Nationals go and get Brian Dozier who will provide both a veteran presence in the clubhouse and also some pop in the lineup. Dozier is coming off a bit of a rocky season where he hit .215/.305/.391, but he still hit 21 home runs and throughout his career, he’s a .246/.324/.444 hitter with 172 career home runs.
The Nationals go with Dozier over DJ LeMahieu who would require a longer-term and loftier annual investment. The shorter-term deal that Dozier ends up accepting also plays a role with Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia both lurking in the Minors.
Contract signed: Brian Dozier signs a 2 year, $14 million deal with a player option for $7 million.
With second base addressed, Rizzo decides to bring back an old friend at the catcher position. Having just acquired Andrew Knizer in the Anthony Rendon deal, he no longer sees J.T. Realmuto as a necessity and he also doesn’t need to be in search of a long-term option behind the plate.
Kurt Suzuki fits the bill perfectly as he’s not going to ask for more than a two-year deal and he can catch 110-115 games, while Spencer Kieboom fills in on his off days. Kurt and his 2.1 WAR from last season will be a welcomed addition to a Nationals catching unit that combined for -0.4 WAR last season.
Suzuki is happy to be back in D.C. in what could potentially be his final Major League contract. As a nice bonus, the Nationals and Braves meet up 18 times and Kurt knows a bit about the Nationals NL East rivals’ pitching and can clue some of the Nationals youngsters in on their tendencies.
Contract signed: Kurt Suzuki signs a 2 year, $10 million contract