Washington Nationals: Daniel Murphy vs. Gio Gonzalez for extension
The Washington Nationals have several notable free agents next offseason. Given a choice between Daniel Murphy and Gio Gonzalez, who is the better extension candidate?
Bryce Harper is in the last year of his contract with the Washington Nationals. Sadly, keeping him in D.C. would likely cost them more than they could afford.
Aside from Harper, the Nationals are faced with other big free agent decisions. Most notably, it’s second baseman Daniel Murphy and starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez who I would like to take a look at.
Murphy has been a bargain for the Nationals over the past two seasons. The MVP runner-up in 2016 produced again in 2017 albeit to a lesser extent. Since joining the Nationals, he has hit for average and power.
Meanwhile, Gonzalez turned the page on a bad 2016 campaign and put together one of his best seasons in 2017. After several seasons with the Nationals, the upcoming one could be his last.
Which one should the Washington Nationals extend?
I have difficulty believing the Washington Nationals will have an immense turnover with the roster between 2018 and 2019. Losing Harper should keep at least Daniel Murphy or Gio Gonzalez in Washington.
But which one is the better fit for the Nationals?
The Nationals’ best hope at replacing Murphy internally is with Wilmer Difo. The light-hitting infielder turned in a successful 2017 campaign, often filling in all over the diamond and occasionally in the outfield. Whether or not he can develop into an everyday player is unknown. We should learn more about his abilities this upcoming season.
After Difo, there is no obvious choice for the future second baseman in Washington. Prospect Carter Kieboom is one guy, but keeping him through the remainder of 2018 might prove difficult. If the Nationals are unwilling to part with Victor Robles or Juan Soto in a trade, Kieboom looks like the best asset to deal.
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Replacing Gonzalez is a lot easier since he is a starting pitcher. Although, the Nationals don’t have too many notable pitchers in the minors on the rise. Using only what they have in their possession at the moment, the Nationals could employ a starting rotation with Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark, Joe Ross, and Erick Fedde or A.J. Cole in 2019.
Depthwise, keeping Murphy makes more sense. Factoring their age, Gonzalez has the advantage. Murphy’s injury woes could signal the beginning of the end. Gonzalez has yet to sustain any serious long-term injuries, suggesting his health is better.
Yet another reason to prefer Gonzalez, the second base free agent crop next winter is deep. Murphy is far from the lone notable second baseman. Brian Dozier and DJ LeMahieu are also playing this season without a contract for 2019.
Conclusion
Whether the Washington Nationals extend Murphy or Gonzalez will depend a lot on how they perform in 2018. Neither is a sure-thing to return. Depending on how they do as individuals and the team does as a whole will go a long way into determining their uniform in 2019.
Next: Who signs Bryce Harper next winter?
All things equal, the Washington Nationals are better off keeping Gonzalez. Good pitching is a lot harder to find. More importantly, Murphy’s decline looks a lot closer.