MLB: Ranking the Top Five Offenses
By Jason Reed
3. Washington Nationals
Despite the trade for Adam Eaton being questionable, adding Eaton’s presence still boosted the Nationals’ offensive production. Moving Trea Turner to his natural shortstop position, the Nationals improved as a whole. With perhaps the only bad offensive position being first base, the Nationals look set and ready to make yet another push toward the Fall Classic. Led by Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper, the Nationals not only have depth but boast a star-studded cast of players.
First, Bryce Harper is still very young. Yes, he had a disappointing year and many question his ability to be consistent at the big league level. Harper is still only 24 years old, and we tend to forget truly how young he is because he has been in the league for five years. Heck, Harper is younger than Kris Bryant and everyone makes him out to be extremely young. Regardless, Harper will definitely bounce back, and adding Eaton’s bat along with Jayson Werth‘s mild power and the Nationals’ outfield complements itself.
As for the infield, well, the infield is just as well-rounded. Led by Daniel Murphy, who missed out on the batting title by one point, the Nationals infield is just as good as its outfield. Trea Turner is my personal standout. Despite being a Dodger fan, I can admit that Turner likely could have won Rookie of the Year if he played all season like Corey Seager. He will only get better playing at shortstop. At 26, Anthony Rendon has only been getting better and better, showing he can get close to batting .300. Rendon may be a sleeper for a breakout season. Derek Norris is a good offensive catcher, although he doesn’t fill the hole left by Wilson Ramos. With so much young talent that arguably will only get better as time goes on, the Nationals look pretty good offensively heading into 2017.