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Washington Nationals: For And Against Major Decisions

By Max Rayman

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals celebrates in the locker room after defeating the Houston Astros in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros with a score of 6 to 2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals celebrates in the locker room after defeating the Houston Astros in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Washington Nationals defeated the Houston Astros with a score of 6 to 2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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J.T. Realmuto
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 23: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies takes a swing during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Should The Nationals Sign J.T. Realmuto?

James Simmons: No, they should not. J.T. Realmuto is the best catcher on the open market. J.T. Realmuto is a power-hitting backstop. J.T. Realmuto is too expensive and wants too many years on his contract.

With the New York Mets signing James McCann, the plot thickens a little bit on whether the Nationals will be the ones to land Realmuto. Manager Davey Martinez has said he is comfortable with Yan Gomes catching 100 games if need be. You know what, I am too. The Nationals moved one step closer to not signing Realmuto when they signed catcher Welington Castillo to a minor league contract. While I do still think the Nats could make a move and acquire a catcher (ahem, Gary Sanchez) via trade, I also believe they are okay moving forward with Gomes as the main man.

Related Story. Ralmuto to Nationals rumors could heat up. light

Like I mentioned in the previous slide, the Nationals are more than just one piece away. For the money and commitment Realmuto is asking for, the Nationals would be better off spreading the wealth around some and addressing different areas. They can get a Marcell Ozuna and Masahiro Tanaka (total dollars) and have money left over, for what they’d have to shell out for Realmuto.

Max Rayman: J.T. Realmuto has been linked to Washington for what seems like an eternity (since 2018) and Mike Rizzo should finally pull the trigger. After all, Realmuto has been the best catcher in baseball since 2017. Since making his debut in 2014, Realmuto is hitting .278, with 95 homers, 358 RBIs, and an OPS of .783. Only 29 years old, Washington should sign the star catcher, which will bring stability to behind the dish for the first time since Wilson Ramos left. Kurt Suzuki and Yan Gomes have been solid, but both are on the wrong side of 30 and Suzuki is a free agent.

While catchers tend to deteriorate faster than any other position, Washington should start to have Realmuto also learn first base so he can extend his career. Paying Realmuto $20+ million a year is a tough pill to swallow for a 30-year-old catcher but it is the necessary move. He provides the power the team has been missing and will add much-needed protection for Soto.

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