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Washington Nationals: Three Players The Nats Need To Sign

By Max Rayman

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 24: Tony Watson #56 of the San Francisco Giants throws against of the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning at Coors Field on September 24, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 24: Tony Watson #56 of the San Francisco Giants throws against of the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning at Coors Field on September 24, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Trevor Story
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 28: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies bats during the game against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field on September 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Nationals 3-1. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Trevor Story

Despite signing Nelson Cruz to a one-year deal, the Washington Nationals still need another bat to balance out the offense. With Kyle Schwarber agreeing to a four-year deal with the Phillies and Kris Bryant signing with the Rockies, Washington should turn its attention to Trevor Story.

The 29-year-old shortstop would help solidify the top of the Nationals lineup while adding even more protection for superstar Juan Soto. Over his six seasons with the Rockies, Story hit .272, with 158 homers, 450 RBIs, and an OPS of .863. He has spent over 200 games hitting second and would slot in nicely in front of Soto.

His production slipped a bit this season, but he still slashed a respectable .251/.329/.471, with 24 homers, and an OPS of .801. He still posted a barrel% of 9.9%, his highest since 2019, showing the power is still there.

Story provides elite defense, posting 69 DRS and a 15.4 UZR across his career. Luis García was projected to start the season at short for Washington, but has yet to consistently prove himself and can always move back to second.

Something to keep an eye on is Story’s career home and road splits. He slashed .303/.369/.603, with 95 homers, 279 RBIs, and an OPS of .972 at home, while slashing .241/.310/.442, with 63 homers, 171 RBIs, and an OPS of .752 on the road.

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