Washington Nationals: Eric Thames reunion not totally out of the question

A disappointing 2020 season for Eric Thames leaves many to believe the Washington Nationals won’t pick up his option. I’m not so sure that’s the best move.

Eric Thames had a terrible 2020 season. He’ll be the first to tell you. Thames was unable to display the power or consistency the Washington Nationals hoped he would when they signed him to a 1 YR/$3M contract last offseason.

There is a mutual option on a second year for Thames, which can be picked up at $4M or bought out at $1M. Many in the industry and fans alike think there is no doubt Thames will be bought out as the club looks for a different option at first base.

I could make an argument for picking up that option.

True, not only were his power numbers down, but all his numbers were down as well. In 41 games, Thames hit .203 with just three home runs. For the season Thames swung at more pitches outside the strike zone and less at pitches in the strike zone, than he has in the past. He also wasn’t walking as much as he has in previous seasons.

Getting his mind right this offseason should be Eric Thames’ first priority.

With the hopes Ryan Zimmerman comes back for a farewell tour, the Nationals will be looking for a player to handle the bulk of time at first base, but not a true platoon. Thames could be the left handed option to the right handed Zimmerman.

Thames has shown he can hit for power in the past. If we don’t count the 124 home runs he hit in three years playing in the Korean Baseball Organization, because he wasn’t facing the type of pitching he would in American professional baseball, we can look at the 72 home runs he hit in three years with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Unless the Nationals are going to acquire someone in a trade, with a somewhat controllable future, the free agent market at first base isn’t really inspiring right now.

Carlos Santana and Anthony Rizzo are at the top of the class, though their respective clubs hold team options on them .C. J. Cron and Justin Smoak have displayed power in the past. Cron is coming off of knee surgery and Smoak has never hit for average as he nears the end of his playing days as well. Are these guys even upgrades over Thames?

There just isn’t much out there on the free agent market this offseason.

At this point, unless the Nationals find a trade partner, Eric Thames may be the best option available. I would be on board with picking up his option and giving him the bulk of the at-bats at first base next season.