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Washington Nationals: Time is now for Victor Robles

By David Hill |
Aug 17, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Victor Robles (16) rounds third base en route to scoring a run on a two RBI double by Nationals shortstop Alcides Escobar (not pictured) against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Victor Robles (16) rounds third base en route to scoring a run on a two RBI double by Nationals shortstop Alcides Escobar (not pictured) against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Robles should have been a star by now. The Washington Nationals centerfielder was a consensus top prospect for four consecutive seasons, a five tool player who was expected to lead the franchise for the next decade. Although the Nationals have found that superstar in Juan Soto, the same cannot be said for Robles.

He had his moments. In 2019, Robles produced a respectable .255/.326/.419 batting line over his 617 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and 33 doubles while stealing 28 bases. While there may have been some concern about his drawing just 35 walks while striking out 140 times, he was also just 22 years old. The sky was seemingly the limit.

Victor Robles needs to prove himself for Washington Nationals

But that has not been the case since. From the beginning of 2020, Robles has produced a .209/.304/.302 batting line in his 558 plate appearances, hitting just five homers and 26 doubles while stealing 12 bases. His plate discipline has not shown any indication of improving, as he has drawn 42 walks with 138 strikeouts. Robles struggled to the point where the Nationals even sent him back to the minors in 2021.

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The Nationals may have the key to unlocking his potential. Darnell Coles was announced as their new hitting coach on Monday, a well respected baseball lifer who has been around the block. His tutelage helped transform Christian Yelich into an MVP caliber player, and after leaving the Brewers in 2018, Coles helped turn Ketel Marte into a star.

Now he has his latest project. The tools are there, as there is no question about his power and speed. He simply needs to make more consistent contact, something that could be corrected with coaching. Coles has the type of track record to show that he could be that coach.

Time is running out for Robles. That former top prospect pedigree can only last for so long. He will turn 25 years old next season, and has already spent parts of five years in the majors. Eventually, those tools will need to translate. If that is ever going to happen, Coles might be the answer.

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There are no more excuses for Victor Robles. With the Washington Nationals hiring of Darnell Coles, his potential may finally be unlocked.

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