Washington Nationals: Could Matt Adams put them over the top?
The Washington Nationals add a power bat, with Matt Adams for 2018. Could this move put them over the top?
The Washington Nationals will have depth, in spades for the 2018 season, after signing slugger Matt Adams to a one year, $4 million deal.
Matt Adams is expected to be the backup to Ryan Zimmerman at first base while providing some outfield depth in addition.
However, before all is said and done in 2018, Matt Adams could be the catalyst for a Washington Nationals squad who’s snake bitten come postseason play.
Matt Adams agrees to deal with Nationals, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/WEw7v75aiI
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) December 20, 2017
Adams is coming off his best overall season in his MLB tenure — .274/.319/.522 — with 20 long balls, in only 367 plate appearances. For some reason, Adams has always been the odd man out, losing out on much playing time in over his career.
It’s quite perplexing, for a player who has ultimate potential and raw power, as well as postseason success, when given the opportunity.
Before the All-Star break, Matt Adams will beat out Ryan Zimmerman as the every day starting first basemen. You heard it here first, calling our shot Babe Ruth style.
With Ryan Zimmerman having a monstrous 2017, MVP worth campaign, don’t expect that in 2018.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
With a loaded Washington Nationals Roster, a left-handed power bat towards the bottom of the lineup is flat out dangerous.
1 Adam Eaton – Left Field
2 Trea Turner – Shortstop
3 Bryce Harper – Right Field
4 Ryan Zimmerman – First base
5 Daniel Murphy – Second base
6 Anthony Rendon – Third base
7 Matt Wieters – Catcher
8 Michael Taylor – Centerfield
To begin the season, Matt Adams will be able to plug in at all three outfield positions and whenever Zimmerman needs a breather.
Pitching, defense, and depth win championships.
Matt Adams, of all people, will be the spark that lights the fire that sends the Washington Nationals to their first ever World Series.
Next: MLB Stadiums: Fun fact rankings of American League ballparks
2018 is the season that the Washington Nationals need to go all in, with signing Matt Adams as a giant first step in that direction.