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Washington Nationals: Looking ahead to the team’s 2019/20 free agents

By Blake Finney

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 18: Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his first-inning, three-run home run against the New York Mets with teammates in the dugout at Citi Field on April 18, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 18: Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his first-inning, three-run home run against the New York Mets with teammates in the dugout at Citi Field on April 18, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals Adam Eaton
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Adam Eaton – Club Option

When the Washington Nationals traded for Adam Eaton before the 2017 season, one of the main reasons they gave up a king’s ransom for him was the favorable contract. After the 2019 season, the first of two team options could kick in and gives the Nats a favorable choice.

Even though Eaton once again missed a large chunk of time through injury, he was able to finish off the season healthy, setting himself up well for 2019. In 2018, he slashed .301/.394/.411 and hit leadoff frequently as a pesky hitter who always found a way on base.

Hopefully, assuming he’s fully healthy, he’s primed to do the same again, unless the elephant in the room comes to pass. Eaton’s future with the team appears to be directly affected by the future of Bryce Harper and whether he returns or not.

If Harper returns, then Eaton could well be playing on a different team as soon as next season. However, if the 2015 MVP departs, then Eaton should be a key cog in an exciting outfield that also contains young studs, Victor Robles and Juan Soto.

Regardless of which uniform he is in, it seems a near certainty that Eaton will have his $9.5 million option taken up in 2020, and in due course the $10.5 million option for 2021 too. Those would seem like fair market value given Eaton’s current output, and could be bargains if he rediscovers his power stroke.

Prediction: Adam Eaton has his club option exercised by the Nationals

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