Washington Nationals recent signings do not end Josh Donaldson chase

The Washington Nationals have been busy lately as they filled out their infield. These moves do not mean that they are out of the Josh Donaldson sweepstakes.

One could forgive the Washington Nationals if they are getting a bit impatient with the Josh Donaldson sweepstakes. They had reportedly made him a desired four year offer in the middle of December, only to have Donaldson sit around and see what else came through. With a giant Anthony Rendon sized hole in the lineup, and other areas of need, the Nationals patience can only go so far.

Understandably, the Nationals have started to move on. They addressed their hole at second base, signing Starlin Castro to a two year contract. Then, on Saturday, Washington brought back Asdrubal Cabrera, signing him to a one year deal worth $2.5 million.

In theory, those moves could signal the end of the Nationals’ quest to fill out the infield. Cabrera can, in theory, play third base, having 165 games of experience at the hot corner. He was even signed to be the Rangers’ primary third baseman last year, although he struggled in all facets of the game with Texas.

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At this stage of his career, Cabrera’s best fit would be as a utility infielder. In addition to his time at third, he has logged 1078 games at short, with another 365 games at second. Cabrera is a solid insurance policy in case Trea Turner gets hurt (again) or the Nationals fail to land a third baseman.

What Cabrera should not do is take the Nationals out of the hunt for Donaldson. Yes, Cabrera posted a .324/.404/.565 batting line in 146 plate appearances with the Nationals, but that type of production is far outside the norm. He has basically been a slightly above average bat during his career, not an answer in the middle of the lineup.

Donaldson, however, is exactly that. His .259/.379/.521 batting line with 37 homers and 33 doubles is not quite what Rendon produced, but it is solid production for the middle of the lineup. The combined $14.5 million over those contracts should not preclude the Nationals from keeping their offer in Donaldson’s desired price range either.

The Washington Nationals have made moves to solidify their infield. Those moves should not mean that they are out on Josh Donaldson.