Grading the 2018-19 Washington Nationals’ Acquisitions
About one-third of the way into the 2019 season, we take a look at grading the Washington Nationals offseason acquisitions.
While Washington Nationals’ General Manager Mike Rizzo has earned the benefit of the doubt in terms of analysis of the Nats’ personnel moves, the 2018-19 acquisition period has not been one of his best, at least to date. Here’s our grading of the 11 major pick-ups made by the Nats so far, ten before the start of the season and one after the campaign had started in.
PATRICK CORBIN– Grade: A
It is graduation season, and left-hander Patrick Corbin is clearly on track to be valedictorian of the Nationals 2019 new arrivals. With his shutout of Miami on Saturday, only the 21st complete game shutout in Nationals’ history, Corbin is 5-2 with a 2.85 ERA and his 3.2 Wins Above Replacement number is the best among National League pitchers. Corbin gives the Nats starting rotation a formidable top three, and he is on track to be pitching for the National League in the All-Star game later this year in Cleveland.
GERARDO PARRA– Grade: B+
Picked up by the Nats after being waived by the San Francisco Giants earlier this season, Parra has posted impressive slash numbers (.323/.382/.581) while coming up with several big hits in the process. His game-winning grand slam home run at Los Angeles against the Dodgers several weeks ago was probably the highlight to date in Washington’s disappointing season. Taking a flyer on Parra has proven to a positive development for a team desperately looking for more of the same.
KURT SUZUKI– Grade: C+
Comedian Rodney Dangerfield once famously quipped that the only way he was ever able to look thin as if he hung around fat people. Comparing Suzuki’s offensive production to that of the Nats’ catchers from 2017 through 2018 may make the popular backstop appear like Johnny Bench to some fans, but he has provided average production (.261 average, five homers, 17 runs batted in) while also adding veteran leadership.
MATT ADAMS– Grade: C+
Like the Chicago Bears famously were to the late Dennis Green and the Arizona Cardinals following a 2006 game, Matt Adams has been what we thought he was when he was linked to a free agent contract in late 2018. The popular “Big City” gives the Nats solid power and production off of the bench, but may be somewhat overextended as a full-time player now that he’s forced to hold down the fort at first until Ryan Zimmerman returns from injuries.
KYLE BARRACLOUGH– Grade: C-
Barraclough has had some impressive moments but like virtually everyone who has pitched out of the Nats’ bullpen so far in 2019, he’s had some rough ones as well. At his best, he’s shown swing and miss stuff that has allowed him to fan 23 batters in 19/1 innings pitched. At his worst, he’s shown a proclivity for surrendering the long ball (11.2 HR/9) and less than impressive control (10 walks allowed).
TONY SIPP– Grade: D+
Veteran lefty Sipp was signed to provide help against some of the left-handed power bats the Nats would be facing on a regular basis in the National League East. So far, the plan has not worked as expected. Sipp has permitted left-handers to hit .321 in 28 at-bats in 2019, a far cry above the .224 average lefties have hit against him in his Major League career. On the positive side, at least through Saturday’s game, Sipp has not permitted a home run so far this year.
YAN GOMES– Grade: D
Playing catcher in the Major Leagues is among professional sports’ toughest jobs, and anyone who dons the tools of ignorance deserves respect. That factor aside, Gomes would probably be the first to tell anyone that his 2019 campaign has been disappointing to date. Sluggish production and the plate and shockingly poor defensive play (three errors and a National League-high six passed balls) had been hallmarks of Gomes’ season so far. He has shown solid production at the plate over the last five games and one thinks that he’ll likely get his defensive issues resolved as the year progresses, so there’s hope that his end of the year grade may get him off of academic probation!
JEREMY HELLICKSON– Grade: D
The unflappable hurler was among the Nats’ most pleasant surprises in 2018, posting a 5-3 record, a 3.45 ERA and keeping the Nats in virtually all of the games he started. 2019 has not gone as well, as he’s pitching to a 6.23 ERA with an unsightly 1.718 WHIP. Hellickson is currently working his way back from injury and perhaps the time to gather himself will allow him to recapture some of his 2018 form.
BRIAN DOZIER– Grade: D-
The veteran infielder turns the double play well, is steady on balls hit to him and has top-level power when he gets his pitch to hit. He also strikes out a ton, seems to have limited range and has made a few questionable base-running decisions. As is the case with Gomes there have been some signs of life at the plate for Dozier over recent weeks, and time will tell whether his finishing kick will help erase a sluggish start.
ANIBAL SANCHEZ– Grade: D-
When the Nats’ signed Sanchez to a two year deal (with an option for a third year) this off-season, it seemed to be a case of “if you can’t beat him, sign him”. The affable veteran had posted a 10-1 record with a sparkling 2.08 ERA against the Nationals during his career, and there was hope that he would be able to do unto the Nats’ opponents what he had done unto them previously. So far, the Sanchez experiment has been a disaster. His 0-6 record, 5.10 ERA and 1.677 WHIP are among the worst for any starting pitcher in baseball, and he’s been unusually wild at times as well. Like Hellickson, Sanchez is working his way back from injury. He’s bounced back from difficult periods in his career before, and the Nationals’ hope is that he can do so again in 2019.
TREVOR ROSENTHAL– Grade: F
Rizzo and the Nationals gambled that the veteran hard-thrower would work back from injury to become the dominant late-inning reliever he was for the St. Louis Cardinals earlier his career, signing him to a seven million salary in 2019 with a vesting player option for 2020. To date, the bet has blown up in the Nats’ faces. Unable to throw the ball over the plate, Rosenthal has been hammered in his Major League appearances so far and is currently trying to work his way back to the big leagues in AA Harrisburg.