Mike Rizzo strikes again after another trip to the scrap heap. Infielder Brock Holt has been signed after the Brewers released him.
Whether the Washington Nationals acquire someone at the trade deadline remains unclear. What they are doing is combing the waiver wires and free agent pool. Infielder Brock Holt appears to have a new home.
Holt has never really been a full time player, though he was an All-Star in 2015 with the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year old can play multiple positions on the infield and has appeared in the outfield as well.
Holt sat in free agency for quite some time before the Milwaukee Brewers scooped him up, paying him $3.25M for a one year deal which included a team option in 2021. They didn’t get that far.
After going 3 for 30 with a lone RBI, Holt was cut loose.
His next home will be in Washington D.C.
Mike Rizzo loves to jump on versatile infielders. Asdrubal Cabrera, Howie Kendrick, even Josh Harrison, are all players who can play multiple positions and were signed this year.
This move is somewhat questionable and one has to wonder what it means for Carter Kieboom’s development. Kieboom was demoted earlier in the week, sent to the alternate training site to work on his swing.
What does Brock Holt provide that other players do not, and what is the need for a backup, role player? Versatile he is. Fast he is not. A clutch hitter, nope. Power hitter, nope.
He was available so the Nationals pounced.
Rizzo has never wavered from the comments the team will be buyers at the deadline, and reiterated a couple days ago they are always looking to get better. Does Brock Holt make them better?
I’d prefer they find a starting pitcher who could replace Austin Voth or Erick Fedde, rather than bring in an aging infielder who doesn’t hit for power.
I wonder if this means the end of the road for Wilmer Difo. Might he be on the move in the coming days?
Nonetheless, welcome aboard Brock Holt