The season for the Washington Nationals in 2018 was a miserable one for us fans to endure. Despite having one of the more loaded rosters in the league with huge names like Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, Max Scherzer, and Stephen Strasburg, the club finished just 82-80 and missed the postseason.
Of course, the main storyline for the offseason that would follow was the impending free agency of superstar outfielder Bryce Harper, who had been expected to hit the open market since pretty much the moment he was called up to the big leagues. The Nationals undoubtedly knew he was going to reach free agency as well, but turned down a deal with the Houston Astros at the trade deadline in order to keep their chances of signing their homegrown superstar to a long-term deal.
But while Harper was dragging his feet in free agency, the Nationals were busy making moves that would ultimately set the table for their World Series Championship run in 2019. On January 13th, 2019, the team made one of their more underrated additions, inking long time Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier to a 1-year deal worth $9 million.
While Dozier had begun to decline both offensively and defensively in 2018, the Nationals took a chance in adding the former All-Star to be a valuable piece on the infield for the eventual World Series Champs. He would turn in a solid campaign, appearing in 135 games and posting a .771 OPS with 20 homers and 50 RBIs, good for 1.3 WAR. As the season wore on, he became more of a bench piece, often giving way to Howie Kendrick and Asdrubal Cabrera at second base once the team went on their unreal tear to end the season following their 19-31 start.
The one thing you can not put a price on, however, is the impact that Dozier made on the club in the locker room and clubhouse. If the team's celebrations after winning were any indication about how well-liked Dozier was by the team, then that $9 million they gave him were worth every penny. He was often seen partying and dancing shirtless in the clubhouse after the team would clinch a series, and of course his shirtless antics on the stage during the World Series parade were as memorable as could be as well.
While he didn't quite live up to his 2016 form when he posted 5.8 WAR and clubbed 42 homers, 99 RBIs, and an .886 OPS, the overall vibes and fun he helped bring to the oldest team in baseball were much needed, and he will forever be a World Series Champion.
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