Washington Nationals: Time to turn Trea Turner loose…maybe

Depending on where Trea Turner hits in the Washington Nationals lineup, he may be ready to reclaim his crown as the NL stolen base king.

Washington Nationals manager Davey Martinez called Trea Turner into his office at the start of spring training and told him to attempt between 75-80 stolen bases.  While the Nationals tied the Cardinals for most stolen base attempts and successful stolen bases, the Nats leadoff hitter only attempted 40, well short of this goal.  With the Nationals proving small ball can lead to positive results, in a time where home runs garner headlines, will we see Turner increase his stolen base numbers in 2020?

Turner swiped three bases on opening day last year and another in game three and seemed well on his way to shattering his career high of 46 stolen bases, which he did in 2017. As he squared to bunt in game four he took a pitch off his hand, breaking his right index finger, and sending him to the disabled list for more than a month.

Missing this much time not only sent the Nationals offense into disarray but also stalled Turner’s quest for his stolen base quota. Having played all 162 games the year prior, missing game time was something new to Turner. Turner returned to the lineup mid-May and finished the year with 35 stolen bases.

Does a healthy Trea Turner for the whole season mean more stolen base attempts this year? Well maybe not. With Adam Eaton capable of being a leadoff hitter, and Victor Robles also featuring breathtaking speed, Turner may be moved down in the batting order.

His skill set is suitable for getting on base and wreaking havoc, though his .850 OPS with 37 doubles suggests he could handle a spot other than leadoff.  Martinez already hinted Turner could be a fit for the third spot in the lineup, previously held by Anthony Rendon.

When Washington failed to sign Josh Donaldson they were sending the message they are going to try and replace Rendon’s power numbers in house. To begin the season it appears the Nationals will give rookie Carter Kieboom a long look at third base. If the team’s power numbers are down this could mean they look to manufacture more runs at the top of the order.

Should Trea Turner does find himself setting the table for the Washington Nationals, he may be destined to lead the league in stolen bases like he did in 2018.