Washington Nationals: Amid all the uncertainty, Adam Eaton fully focused
The Bryce Harper cloud continues to loom over the Washington Nationals. However, the man he may replace, Adam Eaton, remains as fully focused as ever.
You can’t escape it. Bryce Harper continues to hang over the Washington Nationals Spring Training plans until he’s signed. But the player that it affects the most, Adam Eaton, continues to be focused on his business until he’s told otherwise.
Eaton has been down in West Palm Beach since January preparing for the new season, displaying the attitude that Nats fans have fallen in love with. And while he admits he knows that the situation directly affects his future, he knows he can’t let it stop him doing his thing.
“It affects me, for sure. Definitely affects me,” Eaton told Jamal Collier on MLB.com. “I train to play 162 [games]. That’s all I can think about. That’s all I can really control. Going to leave it at that.” He sounds healthy and raring to go, no matter what the future holds.
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
It seems to be the worst kept secret that if Harper does indeed re-sign, then Eaton will be shopped and eventually traded as the odd man out in the outfield. But don’t underestimate the mighty mouse if he ends up being the team’s starting right fielder, especially with his health back to somewhere he feels comfortable.
“You’ll manage your whole life with this injury, but there’s been no rehabilitation this offseason,” Eaton also told Collier at the team’s Spring Training facility. “It’s been strength. A normal offseason, but continued body maintenance. We’ve talked at length the last two years about how this will give longevity to my career because I’m forced to do more body maintenance and take a lot more time out for that.”
The last time Eaton was completely healthy for a full season was in 2016 when he slashed .284/.362/.428 with 91 runs, 14 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. He even picked up MVP votes that year, placing 19th in that race, showcasing an impressive all-around skill set with the Chicago White Sox.
Even last season we saw that with an excellent .298/.392/.388 after he returned from the DL in early June. Some of the power was sapped, but he made up for it by getting on base at an elite clip. If he can add a little bit of that power back once again in 2019, then while he might not quite be Harper, he’s still going to be one of the better leadoff hitters in the National League.
Previewing the Nats' position battles this spring. dark. Next
As of right now, the Washington Nationals Opening Day outfield consists of Adam Eaton, Victor Robles, and Juan Soto. It’s got just about everything and profiles as one of the most exciting positions groups on the 2019 incarnation of the Nationals.