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Washington Nationals: 2020 X Factors

By Max Rayman

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Daniel Hudson #44 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Daniel Hudson #44 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Which players are going to be the X-Factors for the Washington Nationals?

Last season, the Washington Nationals won the World Series in large part from their superstars but, received plenty of production from the team’s depth. With Anthony Rendon gone, Juan Soto will be leaned on to carry the offense, while the big three will once again lead the starting rotation. If the Nats want to repeat as champs, they will once again need their depth to step up when needed. In particular, these three players, the team’s X-Factors, will make or break the Nationals title hopes.

Daniel Hudson

Acquired at the trade deadline from the Toronto Blue Jays, Daniel Hudson was having a solid but, unspectacular season. In 48 innings, he was 6-3, with a 3.00 ERA, and 48 strikeouts. The Nationals were hoping for Hudson to continue his current pace but, had no idea what was in store. In 25 innings with the Nats, the veteran went 3-0, with a stellar 1.44 ERA, and 23 strikeouts, while going six of eight in save opportunities. In the playoffs, Hudson was dominant, going four of four in save opportunities.

Expecting Hudson to repeat his performance with the Nats is unrealistic. In 2018, Hudson who was with the Dodgers at the time finished the season with a 4.11 ERA. He injured his arm at the end of the season which led to him missing the playoffs. Then to start the 2019 season, Hudson signed a minor league deal with the Angels and was cut before the season started. This led to him signing with Toronto. Hudson posted a meager 4.19 FIP with the Blue Jays but had a 3.53 FIP with the Nats.

The big question will be which Hudson shows up in 2020 and this outcome will sink or save the teams bullpen.

Carter Kieboom

The team’s top prospect will begin the season as the team’s starter at third. After letting Rendon leave in free agency and opting to replace him with in house options, Carter Kieboom will need to have a big rookie year. The 22-year old was called up last season to take over when Trea Turner was placed on the IL. In his first taste at the major leagues, the youngster was overmatched. In 43 at-bats, he hit .128 with two homers, and two RBIs, while striking out 16 times. In the field, he committed four errors.

Fast forward to now, and Kieboom is the future at third. He is currently learning a new position on the fly, due to the fact he is a natural shortstop. His bat will come around before his glove which could allow Kieboom to take some reps at DH. The Nats are hoping Kieboom will follow in the steps of Victor Robles, Juan Soto, and Trea Turner (they all had very productive rookie seasons). After returning to Triple-A last season, Kieboom went on to finish the year hitting .303, with 16 homers and 79 RBIs. He posted a wRC+ of 123. Now that he has had more time to develop, Kieboom will be looking to prove last season’s call up was a fluke. Will the top prospect be able to live up to the high expectations and help make up for some of Rendon’s production?

Eric Thames

After spending the past three years in Milwaukee, the lefty slugger signed a one year deal with the Nats. Eric Thames will be the team’s starter at first base and will also take reps at DH. Over his time with the Brew Crew, Thames hit .241, with 72 homers, 161 RBIs, and an OPS of .848. The veteran is known for his splits, excelling against righties, but struggling VS. lefties. Last season against righties, Thames hit .254, with 23 homers, and 55 RBIs. Against lefties, he hit .200, with two bombs, and six RBIs.

Thames is an X-Factor because when he originally signed with the team, it was seen as a move to bolster the depth. The original plan was to have Thames platoon with Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman feasts on lefty pitching, allowing for Thames to start when the opposing pitcher was a righty. This all changed when Zimmerman opted out of the 2020 season. Now Thames will be taking the majority of reps and will have a much bigger role than expected. With Rendon gone and Zimmerman sitting out, Thames will be expected to replace some of their production. If he can or not will go a long way to the Nats repeating or falling short.

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