Washington Nationals: Jake Noll not ready to take the reins

With the announcement Ryan Zimmerman will be sitting out this season, Jake Noll moves up a notch on the team’s depth chart.

As the Washington Nationals entered the offseason after their first World Series win, their depth at first base was a little thin. Only two players remained on the roster who had started a game at first base the previous year, and Adrian Sanchez was more of a middle infielder than a corner infielder. Jake Noll, was the extent of true corner fielder, and he had played in just eight major league games.

After a hot spring training in 2019 and a few injuries to Nationals infielders, Noll was fortunate enough to head north with the team when they began the season. A 7th round pick in 2016, this was the first action in the big leagues for the young player.

Noll made two starts, at each corner of the infield, was 2-12 with a double, and his game ending bases loaded walk against the Philadelphia Phillies was the highlight of his season. He was returned to the minors never to be called upon again.

As free agency began, one by one the Nationals signed suitable players to man the position. Howie Kendrick was brought back. Eric Thames was signed. Asdrubal Cabrera, was resigned and with 13 years experience on the infield, had even taken throws at first base the previous year for the Nats.

Next, Ryan Zimmerman was brought back in the fold, which make the prospect of Jake Noll making the club a long shot.

When Zimmerman made the announcement he was opting out of the upcoming season coupled with Kendrick moving into the newly established designated hitter role, some Nats fans began clamoring for Noll to get the nod at first base.

Kendrick and Thames will platoon at the DH/1B role, getting the majority of the starts at each position.

In a sixty game season each at bat is going to be as crucial as the last and running a rookie out to first base would not be the best choice. With rosters starting at 30 players, there is no guarantee Noll will even be on the initial roster, let alone the starter out of the gate.

Unfortunately without minor league baseball this year there is limited opportunity for players not on the active roster to get reps in. Noll is on the 60-man roster and will have access to the training facility and will take part in simulated games.

Shall the injury bug jump up and bite either Kendrick or Thames, Noll would then be forced into action. For the sake of repeating as World Series Champions, we hope this does not happen.