Washington Nationals: Wilmer Difo could become the next Josh Harrison

MLB players capable of holding down multiple positions are a necessity for all teams. The Washington Nationals may have their own stud utility man with Wilmer Difo.

The 2018 MLB season will open with Wilmer Difo sitting on the Washington Nationals bench, likely tagged as the number one infielder off the bench. It’s a huge step up from where he was one year earlier. In 2016, Difo had to fight for every inning.

Last year though, Difo proved far more valuable to the Nationals than they could have imagined. The 25-year-old ended up playing in 124 games and visiting the plate 365 times. He offered up a favorable .271/.319/.370 batting line. More important for his future in the big leagues is the flexibility he gave manager Dusty Baker on defense.

Even though the majority of his starts in 2017 came as a replacement for Trea Turner at shortstop, Difo logged time at multiple positions. Difo finished the year with a little more experience on the infield while also making himself available as an outfield option as well. Considering the state of the Nationals’ bench, this brings some great value to the 2018 squad.

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Difo appears prepared to become the National League’s next Josh Harrison. If you don’t know already, this is a good path to stay on.

Harrison is a utility player who has found himself as the new starting second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s a comparable player to Difo because of how similar their careers began.

In 2012 and 2013, Harrison played all over the field for Pittsburgh. No stretch of the imagination could suggest what he did at the plate was worthy of starting. However, in 2014, Harrison had a phenomenal year for the Pirates. He earned a trip to the All-Star Game and finished ninth in the MVP voting. He did this while playing all over the infield and outfield throughout the season.

Looking at the numbers, Difo is well ahead of Harrison. It’s difficult to imagine Difo playing in an All-Star Game anytime soon. However, Harrison is a shining example of how suddenly a player can go from utility man on the bench to flexible starter.

Already, talks of Difo eventually replacing Daniel Murphy at second base following next season have appeared. He’s the clear frontrunner for the gig, but would he be ready for a 162 game season?

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This upcoming season will offer a better test for Difo and how far he can take his talents. Stephen Drew is doubtful to return, leaving Difo as the next man up whenever Murphy, Turner, or Anthony Rendon need a day off. Although the Nationals could also add someone else, my guess is that Difo’s positional flexibility keeps him in many Washington Nationals games.