Washington Nationals bench made of guys with something to prove
By Tim Boyle
The Washington Nationals bench could turn into one of the best in baseball. The key to their success lies with how much they have to prove.
Last season, the Washington Nationals opened the year with a decent bench. Stephen Drew and Adam Lind would provide them with some well-traveled experience and pop. Wilmer Difo and Michael Taylor gave the Washington Nationals some homegrown flavor, defense, and speed. Then there were necessary evils, Chris Heisey and Jose Lobaton. We all know how their 2017 seasons turned out.
At the start of the 2018 campaign, the Washington Nationals may have even more promise on the bench. Some savvy moves to add guys with something to prove has helped shape one of the league’s best groups of reserve players.
Matt Adams
Matt Adams is one of my favorite additions this offseason. Taking over the role Adam Lind held last year, Adams is a left-handed slugger who can do a lot of damage against right-handed pitchers. Probably best-suited in a platoon role in the American League, Adams will instead spend his season with the Nationals looking for at-bats as a pinch hitter and whenever first baseman Ryan Zimmerman needs a day off.
While Adams did taste the corner outfield last year, the Nationals don’t have any reason to move him there unless absolutely necessary. Above anything else, Adams gives the Nationals some insurance at first base. Knowing he could probably start somewhere else and may be able to earn that contract with a strong 2018 will surely help push Adams.
Wilmer Difo
Nobody on the Nationals bench in 2017 had more plate appearances than Wilmer Difo. Due to a lengthy injury to shortstop Trea Turner, Difo had an opportunity to play a whole lot more. He made the most of that time and will use this upcoming year to showcase what he can do in 2019 when the Nationals may need a new second baseman.
Expect Difo to again provide the Nationals with versatile defense and light-hitting through the 162 game season. If things go well, Difo can secure himself a much brighter future.
Brian Goodwin
Barring injury, outfielder Brian Goodwin should open the season as the 25th man on the roster. This is quite incredible considering his many talents. Goodwin stepped up when the Nationals needed him most in 2017. Filling in for Michael Taylor and Adam Eaton, Goodwin put up substantial power numbers and contributed a decent slash line.
This year, Goodwin will suit up for the Nationals as the fourth/fifth outfielder. Since Howie Kendrick can play the corner outfield and Difo can fill in at all three spots, Goodwin may only see action against right-handed pitchers. This isn’t so bad. It will allow Goodwin to further boost his numbers.
Howie Kendrick
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Speaking of Howie Kendrick, the man does everything asked of him. The former second baseman has played all over the field in recent seasons. Whether with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, or the Nationals, Kendrick is an underrated utility man wielding a good bat. The Nationals are incredibly fortunate to have him on their bench for a full year in 2018.
If Daniel Murphy is unable to go on Opening Day, Kendrick is a possibility to start at second base. I fully expect manager Dave Martinez to rotate him throughout the field regularly this season. Kendrick will allow the starters to get plenty of rest.
Pedro Severino
Maybe the least exciting player on the bench, Pedro Severino will still play an essential role in 2018. Every team needs a backup catcher. Likely, Severino gets the call. Raudy Read’s suspension has pretty much guaranteed an Opening Day roster spot for Severino. This could always change if the Nationals make an addition.
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Severino has played well in limited MLB opportunities. However, in a full season with more regular playing time, it’s difficult to predict what he will do. Since Matt Wieters’ contract expires after the 2018 season, there’s an opportunity Severino plays this year for a starting gig in 2019.