The Washington Nationals are about to enter their first season since 2012 with star Bryce Harper. The team is going to have to rely on their dynamic outfield duo to take charge of this offense.
As the 2019 season is quickly approaching, a team like the Washington Nationals are searching for their identity offensively. As the NL East is adding big bats to their lineups like Robinson Cano for the Mets, and Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto for the Phillies.
After losing one of the best players in the game in Harper to their division rivals, they need someone on the offensive side to step up and help balance out their rotation.
Don’t worry National fans, yes losing your franchise player must have stung but not all is lost. The Nationals have great pitching and a lot of dynamic young hitters. The two I would like to highlight are Juan Soto and Victor Robles.
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Juan Soto, who made his major league debut at just 19 years old, played in eight games at AA and completely skipped triple A. At first no one knew what to expect from this kid. After a few weeks, we knew he would never return to the minors. He ended up placing second in the Rookie of the Year voting and his stat line was great for any player but especially a teenager.
He hit .292, 22 HR, 70 RBI in just 116 games. Nationals fan should and need to be excited about what is in store for his second season. Soto will be slotted in LF for the Nationals this season as he looks to become the franchise player that National fans can rely on for years to come.
The next player I would like to highlight is Victor Robles. According to MLB.com, the 21 year-old CF is ranked the 4th best prospect in baseball. He really can do it all, he is a 5-tool player that has the ability to be one of the best outfielders in baseball. He made his debut in 2017 at just 20, but his 2018 call up needs to looked at. He hit .288 with 3 HR and 10 RBI.
He has the ability to hit for average while developing his power stroke as he ages. He already has the ability to steal bases as his run grade is a 75. Soto and Robles both so young and both so talented. They have a lot to carry on their shoulders for 2019 especially after losing Harper.
These two could be one of the best OF duos in baseball when it is all said and done. Yes, there’s a lot of uncertainty because of their age but the upside is tremendous. These two young and very talented stars in the making could be the reason why Harper is quickly forgotten in D.C.