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Washington Nationals: DoD Staff Discussing The Start To The 2022 Season

By Max Rayman

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 04: Keibert Ruiz #20 of the Washington Nationals runs the bases against the New York Mets during game one of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 04, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 04: Keibert Ruiz #20 of the Washington Nationals runs the bases against the New York Mets during game one of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 04, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Yadiel Hernández
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 16: Yadiel Hernandez #29 of the Washington Nationals reacts after striking out against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 16, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Who has been the biggest surprise so far?

Ryan: It has to be Yadiel Hernández. A 34-year-old career minor leaguer, he entered the season with low expectations. I wanted some young guys to play over him, but the dude has proven he can consistently hit. On the season he’s slashing .321/.358/.473, with three homers, 20 RBIs, and an OPS of .832.  If he can keep this up, the Nats should be able to flip him for a decent return.

Max: Keibert Ruiz entered the season with immense expectations and has helped ease the pain of losing Trea Turner and Max Scherzer. The 23-year-old is slashing .288/.351/.390, with a homer, 12 RBIs, and an OPS of .741. Among qualified catchers (minimum 130 plate appearances), he’s first in batting average (.288), tied for second in fWAR (1.1), third in wRC+ (112), and OPS (.741), and has the lowest strikeout percentage (10.7%). A focal point of the Nats rebuild, it is great to see him have a strong start to his career.

Nick: It’s definitely Yadiel Hernández at this point. It’s insane to say, but think about where this team would be without him. He’s been so integral to the minimal success this team has had, that it’ll be interesting to see if he’s on the move at the deadline.

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