The Washington Nationals are still on the hunt for a second baseman. In more Nationals rumors, it emerged that the team is talking with Brian Dozier.
As we get closer and closer to Spring Training, Washington Nationals rumors keep coming thick and fast. The latest reports confirm they are indeed trying to upgrade at second base, with Brian Dozier one of the names mentioned.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Nationals are “talking” to the free agent second baseman. He also mentioned that the Milwaukee Brewers are still interested as well, so the Nats would almost certainly have competition for his signature.
This seems to be the next step after Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post reported back in December that the Nats were interested in Dozier. With talks escalating, we may even see a move for one of the several candidates they’ve spoken to in the coming days.
More from District on Deck
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Minor League Spotlight: Robert Hassell III
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
After three consecutive finishes in the AL MVP voting, Dozier had a down 2018 season in which he was also traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He slashed a measly .215/.305/.391 with 21 homers and 71 RBI last year, but this is way out of line with his previous performances.
In his other five full seasons in the majors, he has a much better .252/.333/.465 slash line and has been a huge power threat in the batter’s box. In each of the past five seasons, he’s eclipsed 23 home runs and 30 doubles. He even posted a 42 home run season 2016 and would add a much-needed power bat to the Nationals’ lineup.
One concern that has come up when potentially signing Dozier is that he’s a right-handed bat, compared to someone like Jed Lowrie who would add a left-handed bat against right-handers. This is true, but with the signing only intended to be a bridge to right-handed prospect Carter Kieboom, the team would have exactly the same problem then.
It seems as though the Nationals are keen on a one-year option at the keystone after their approach for Ian Kinsler failed with the team not willing to go more than one year. After a down season in 2018, that may also be the best option for Dozier in order to get a larger payday next offseason.
MLBTradeRumors predicted that Dozier would sign with the Nationals for $10 million on a one-year contract. It will be interesting to see how much the second baseman would require for a one-year deal, but $10 million may end up being towards the ceiling after Murphy signed for $12 million per season earlier in the offseason.
Brian Dozier is one of a number of candidates that the Washington Nationals appear to be considering at second base. Though, with the recent reports, he may be the one they are most interested in right now.