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Washington Nationals: Nationals Reportedly Sign Kurt Suzuki

By Dylan Smith

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Pinch hitter Kurt Suzuki #24 of the Atlanta Braves hits a two run RBI single during the fourth inning of Game Four of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Pinch hitter Kurt Suzuki #24 of the Atlanta Braves hits a two run RBI single during the fourth inning of Game Four of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Nationals reportedly signed Kurt Suzuki to a two-year deal. Suzuki will likely serve as the club’s backup catcher in 2019.

The Washington Nationals are continuing to be active in the early stages of the offseason. Early Monday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that Kurt Suzuki, a free agent catcher, has signed a two-year deal with the club.

After weeks of speculation surrounding J.T. Realmuto and possible trade rumors, the Washington Nationals seem to have found part of the solution to their catching woes.

Kurt Suzuki has not been a full-time backstop since 2015, so it is reasonable to assume that Mike Rizzo and Co. will probably be in the market for another catcher. This will be Suzuki’s second tour of duty with the Washington Nationals, could Wilson Ramos rejoin the club as well? Only time will tell…

Even with that said, Suzuki still represents an upgrade over the club’s former backstop, Matt Wieters.

Wieters struggled throughout his two years in Washington. The switch-hitter was once highly regarded, but those days are far behind him.  As a member of the Washington Nationals, the former All-Star only managed to hit .230/.303/.355.

Kurt Suzuki was very productive during his time with the Atlanta Braves. While serving as their primary backup catcher from 2017-18, Suzuki hit a very respectable .276/.341/.485.

Like Wieters, Suzuki touts an average glove, but he should be able to provide the club with better offensive production. This extra production could prove to be valuable as the Nationals are a club looking to replace the offensive value that Bryce Harper added to their lineup. In the big picture, every piece counts.

The Nationals have a number of in-house options that could join Suzuki on the 25 man roster. Their options include Pedro Severino, Spencer Kieboom, and Raudy Read. These options failed to impress in 2018, but Severino and Read will likely earn second chances as they are both young players.

Next. Extending Rendon should be Nats priority. dark

More news and rumors will continue to swirl as the offseason rolls on. As I mentioned earlier, I would not be surprised if Wilson Ramos also rejoins the Washington Nationals. Ramos and Suzuki could form a nice one/two option for the club as they look to bounce back after a disappointing 2018 season.

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