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Nationals: Early 2021 26 Man Roster Predictions

By Max Rayman

A general view of the 2019 World Series Champions sign at Nationals Park before the game between the Washington Nationals and the Toronto Blue Jays on July 28, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
A general view of the 2019 World Series Champions sign at Nationals Park before the game between the Washington Nationals and the Toronto Blue Jays on July 28, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals
Juan Soto #22, Victor Robles #16, and Andrew Stevenson #17 of the Washington Nationals celebrate the winning against the Miami Marlins by score of 5-0 at Marlins Park on September 18, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Nationals Projected Outfielders (4)

Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Kyle Schwarber, Andrew Stevenson

Other Candidates: Yadiel Hernandez,

No surprises in the outfield with Victor Robles, Juan Soto, and Kyle Schwarber all slotted to be the starters.

Juan Soto is the heart and soul of the team and took another major leap forward in 2020. Despite missing the beginning of the season due to a positive COVID test, he still won the batting title, hitting .351.

Schwarber was brought in for his power, peaking with 38 homers in 2019. Defensively, he is a liability and would benefit from the DH returning for 2021. As of now, he will have to play the field, but this is something to keep an eye on.

Victor Robles took a huge step back in 2020, after a very successful rookie season. A year after posting 12 outfield assists with 25 DRS, Robles looked like he forgot how to play defense. He recorded only one outfield assist and posted -4 DRS. He has slimmed down this off-season and should be faster because of it.

Robles will be crucial to the team’s success in 2020. Washington finished last in 2020 in DRS and will need the youngster to refind his 2019 form. Offensively, Robles will need to improve his consistency at the plate so he can finally take over in the leadoff role.

Andrew Stevenson is the team’s fourth outfielder and will need to prove his 2020 was no fluke (he hit .366 in 41 at-bats).

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