Nationals Predictions: Victor Robles pushes Michael Taylor out from CF
By Tim Boyle
In 2018, Michael Taylor is the expected to open the season as the Washington Nationals center fielder. By the end of the season, top prospect Victor Robles could take over.
The 2018 MLB season hasn’t begun, but it’s never too early to assume, predict, and anticipate what lies ahead. For the Washington Nationals, one of the more interesting stories will involve a battle for the starting center field gig.
Michael Taylor will open the season in center field. How long he keeps those at-bats is dependent on his performance, health, and how well top prospect Victor Robles does in Triple-A. The Nationals have already declared they intend to begin Robles in the minor leagues. Soon enough, Robles should rejoin the MLB squad.
When Robles does add his name to the 25-man roster again, it might not be on the bench. The kid needs his innings and calling up him just to ride the pine won’t do him any favors. A hot start for him and a cold beginning for Taylor could quickly create a huge change in the Nationals lineup.
How Victor Robles Pushes Michael Taylor Out
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In my more optimistic opinion, Victor Robles ultimately takes over for Michael Taylor in a positive way. Taylor will hit well, adding to his trade value. At some point in June or July, the Nationals find a taker for Taylor. They deal him somewhere else for either a catcher, bullpen help, or a starting pitcher. Robles then takes over in center field, ushering in a new era of Washington Nationals baseball.
Among those on the MLB roster, Taylor has the most value on the trade market. His low contract and control make him someone even a non-contender could use. While I don’t foresee a team like the Miami Marlins interested in him should a J.T. Realmuto deal ever happen, others closer to contention might.
Teams that fall out of contention midseason are the likeliest landing spots for Taylor. A team like the Baltimore Orioles could look use some young spunk and speed in their lineup. With soon-to-be free agent Adam Jones on the last year of his deal, it’s a possibility.
Picking a Time
When Victor Robles finally does take over for Michael Taylor is hard to tell. I do see them sharing playing time first or Robles even taking over for Adam Eaton or Bryce Harper during a disabled list stint. Regardless of when it happens, Robles returning to the Washington Nationals in 2018 is a guarantee.
The Nationals showed last year how willing they are to move on from a contributor. When they picked up Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson from the Oakland Athletics, they added Blake Treinen to the deal. In a scenario with a trade involving Taylor, I see them adding him as another piece to go along with Carter Kieboom or Erick Fedde.
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So, when will it happen? Probably not until after the All-Star Break. I expect the Nationals to make the most of their great depth. Their bench already includes veteran hitters Howie Kendrick and Matt Adams. Once they know their weaknesses, Taylor will help fix them.