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Washington Nationals: Predicting the Opening Day Roster

By Monty Taylor

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Michael Taylor #3 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run to win the game against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Nationals defeated the Astros 4-3. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Michael Taylor #3 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run to win the game against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Nationals defeated the Astros 4-3. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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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)

RHP Max Scherzer

RHP Stephen Strasburg

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.

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