The Washington Nationals have reportedly checked in on free agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu. They would be wise to consider other options.
The offseason is still in its early stages, but the Washington Nationals have easily been the most aggressive team this winter. Since their season ended in disappointing fashion at the end of September, they have added Kyle Barraclough, Trevor Rosenthal, and Kurt Suzuki. Although the Nats have already improved a couple weaknesses, do not expect them to stop spending.
In 2018, the Atlanta Braves won the NL East, ending a two-year stretch of dominance in the nation’s capital. The Braves have been aggressive as well this winter, signing Josh Donaldson and Brian McCann. If the Nats are going to return to the top of the division, they must continue to improve.
Now that the Nats’ catching corps and bullpen have been addressed, second base is one of their most pressing needs. Howie Kendrick and Wilmer Difo are capable of handling second base duties until top prospect Carter Kieboom is ready, but the Nats could stand to acquire a more reliable option. Kendrick is 35 and coming off of a significant injury, while Difo has struggled to consistently produce.
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There are several solid second basemen available this winter, but the Nats are reportedly one of a few teams to have checked in on DJ LeMahieu.
LeMahieu could be a good fit for a lot of teams, as he has hit at least .300 in three of the last four years and plays gold glove-caliber defense at second base, but the Nats would be wise to steer clear.
While some former Rockies are discriminated against for playing half their games in the hitter-friendly Coors Field, LeMahieu does not deserve that stigma. Throughout his career, his power numbers have been just as good on the road, if not better.
LeMahieu did not become a two-time All-Star and one of the best second basemen in the league by accident, and will help some team, but that team should not be the Nats.
Despite having a hole at second base, the Nats’ infield has the potential to be among the best in the league. Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, and Ryan Zimmerman are each solid contributors when healthy, and Kieboom should be ready to make his debut sometime in 2019. If the Nats were to sign LeMahieu, Kieboom would be blocked unless Rendon leaves next winter.
Instead, the Nats should consider second basemen, such as Brian Dozier or Scooter Gennett, who could be a bridge to Kieboom. Dozier is coming off of a down year and seems like a good candidate to sign a one-year pillow contract, while Gennett only has one year remaining on his deal. Both players would be good fits in DC.
Marwin Gonzalez and Josh Harrison could also be good fits, as they could start at second base until Kieboom is ready and then transition into a utility role.
Carter Kieboom has long been a highly-regarded prospect, but has been exceptionally productive as he has approached the majors. 2018 was his best year in the minors, which he followed up with an impressive Arizona Fall League performance. By signing DJ LeMahieu to a multi-year deal, the Washington Nationals would be blocking their top prospect’s path to the big leagues.