Washington Nationals: Predicting the Opening Day Roster
The Washington Nationals are two weeks from their first game, and the team is being trimmed down. Who will make the roster for Opening Day on March 28th?
The Washington Nationals are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2018 season in which they finished second in the division to the Atlanta Braves and missed the playoffs.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo was aggressive in the offseason to improve the roster as the Nats look to make a run in the competitive National League East.
With most roles and positions decided before Spring Training even began, there shouldn’t be too many surprises or difficulties predicting the Opening Day roster. Luckily, the team hasn’t had many injuries this spring, and there’s much to be excited about as we approach the start of the regular season.
With that said, let’s look at each positional group to see who might be on the Opening Day Roster.
Catchers (2)
C Yan Gomes
C Kurt Suzuki
For the first time since Wilson Ramos left in 2016, the Nationals feel comfortable about the catching position entering the 2019 season. GM Mike Rizzo acquired former All-Star Yan Gomes from the Cleveland Indians and signed Kurt Suzuki in free agency, giving the Nationals two solid catchers who can contribute with both the bat and the glove. Pedro Severino and Spencer Kieboom, who both logged time with the Nationals in 2018, will provide depth from the minors.
Infielders (7)
1B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Matt Adams
2B Brian Dozier
2B Wilmer Difo
SS Trea Turner
SS Adrian Sanchez
3B Anthony Rendon
The Nationals expect to start the season with Ryan Zimmerman, Brian Dozier, Trea Turner, and Anthony Rendon firmly entrenched in their respective positions. Matt Adams will provide depth and experience off the bench. Wilmer Difo will make the team in a utility infield role. Howie Kendrick is battling a strained hamstring and doesn’t look like he’ll be healthy enough for Opening Day, so that may open up a roster spot for Adrian Sanchez.
Outfielders (4)
LF Juan Soto
RF Adam Eaton
CF Andrew Stevenson
CF Victor Robles
Juan Soto looks to build off an impressive rookie season while Adam Eaton takes over in right field and hopes to stay healthy. While there may be some rotation, both should be starting on Opening Day. Much of the debate amongst Nationals fans this spring has been over the perceived position battle in center field between Michael A. Taylor and Victor Robles. However, due to Taylor’s recent injury, Robles will almost certainly get the start. This will bump Andrew Stevenson up from Triple-A as the Nationals need a fourth outfielder.
Rotation (5)
LHP Patrick Corbin
RHP Anibal Sanchez
RHP Jeremy Hellickson
The Nationals 2019 will depend on the rotation staying healthy and consistent, something that didn’t happen last season. Adding the arguably the best free agent pitcher available in Patrick Corbin and signing a rejuvenated Anibal Sanchez to replace Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark potentially forms one of the strongest rotations in baseball. Re-signing the under-rated Jeremy Hellickson allows Joe Ross and Erick Fedde to start the season in the minors and provide depth in case of injury.
Bullpen (7)
LHP Matt Grace
RHP Justin Miller
RHP Wander Suero
LHP Tony Sipp
RHP Kyle Barraclough
RHP Trevor Rosenthal
LHP Sean Doolittle
For years the bullpen has been a weakness for the Nats, and this year is no different. While Sean Doolittle returns as one of the best closers in baseball, Mike Rizzo has brought in bounce-back candidates Trevor Rosenthal and Kyle Barraclough to pitch in high-leverage situations. The addition of Tony Sipp has improved the bullpen, giving the Nationals a lefty specialist that can get left-handed hitters out. It doesn’t hurt that he can get righties out as well. Justin Miller and Matt Grace should both make the team. If Rizzo and the Lerners don’t sign Craig Kimbrel, Wando Suero will likely take the final spot in the bullpen with Koda Glover still injured. There isn’t much depth in the bullpen either, as Vidal Nuno, Austin Voth, and perhaps Aaron Barrett will be available in AAA.