The Washington Nationals brought in some new faces over the offseason, and brought back some familiar ones as well. Asdrubal Cabrera is proving he is the best of them all.
A third of the way through the season and the Nationals have not been getting the production from some of the free agents they had hoped they would. That can not be said about infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, however.
Cabrera continues to swing the bat well and play all around the infield, and is proving to be the best off-season signing the team made.
Remember, it was Cabrera who was signed off the scrap heap last year after the Texas Rangers parted ways with the veteran infielder. In 38 games with the Nationals he hit .323 with 40 runs batted in, while drawing more walks that striking out.
He unseated Brian Dozier as the starting second baseman heading into the playoffs and played in all seven World Series games, hitting a modest .286.
At 34 years-old he was brought back on a 1 YR/$2.5M contract, which has been paying dividends since day one.
Eric Thames hasn’t provided any power and Howie Kendrick has lacked consistency. Even Starlin Castro’s number paled in comparision.
If you're reading this, then Asdrúbal Cabrera just hit another right-handed HR.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 18, 2020
TOP 5 // #Nats 5, Braves 3 pic.twitter.com/siVJ3tVVYt
Cabrera leads the team in extra base hits, is tied for the team lead in runs batted in, and his OPS of .927 is second only to Juan Soto. Cabrera has slid into the cleanup spot in the lineup and continues to rake.
His versatility around the infield may be his most valuable asset to the team. Cabrera has started games at every infield position this year, outside of shortstop. On a team which ranks in the bottom half of the league in fielding, he has yet to make an error.
When the Nationals chose to let Anthony Rendon walk in free agency and bring in a bunch of small pieces, they knew they risked having a letdown in some offensive categories. At this point in the season, they aren’t getting much production from any of the free agents, outside of Asdrubal Cabrera.