Washington Nationals: Four x-factor players for the Nats in 2019
By Tobi Altizer
Matt Adams
With Matt Adams returning, the Washington Nationals have both Adams and Ryan Zimmerman ready to cover first base for 2019. Whoever mans first is going to be a key bat in the lineup that can help get the Nats over the hump, but Adams could have more of an impact than Zimmerman.
The former St. Louis Cardinal gave the Nats a solid first baseman before he was traded. Zimmerman struggled prior to the All-Star break, and Adams helped to fill the hole he left. After Adams left, Zimmerman found his way at the plate again, but Adams could play a key role for the 2019 season.
The Nats could use a platoon at first with Zimmerman and Adams for 2019. Adams will be pivotal to the Nationals success since he will be in the lineup against right-handers. If he can provide another solid bat in the lineup, he could force pitchers to face the batters ahead of him.
Assuming Harper doesn’t come back, Adams would become even more important. He would need to drive in runs and help make up for the production Harper brought.
With the addition of Brian Dozier, the Nationals will have plenty of power in the middle of the lineup. But Dozier struggled to hit for average last year, while Adams hit for .257 with the Nationals last year. Matt Adams should have lots of opportunities to drive in runs, and hopefully, he can do just that.