The Washington Nationals infield is a gigantic question mark heading into the 2022 season. While Josh Bell may be entrenched at first, the rest of the projected starting infield is not exactly known for its production. That is the case at third base as well, where the Nationals are giving Carter Kieboom yet another chance.
However, the Nationals are making certain that they have depth at the hot corner. They have added another infielder, signing Maikel Franco to a minor league deal.
Sources: The Nationals have signed veteran third baseman Maikel Franco to a minor league contract. Comes a day after they agreed to terms with Dee Strange-Gordon on a minors deal, making use of what they can do during the lockout.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) December 12, 2021
Washington Nationals add more depth with Maikel Franco
Franco and Dee Strange-Gordon, who the Nationals signed on Saturday, are in roughly the same spot. Both players should have the chance to earn a spot on the major league roster as they look to fend off younger players. In Franco’s case, fending off Kieboom could lead to a starting role.
The problem is that Kieboom has not lived up to his former status as a top prospect. He has produced a meager .197/.304/.285 batting line in 414 plate appearances, hitting eight homers and seven doubles. That is simply not enough for any position, let alone third base.
Franco was not much better last season. He produced a mediocre .210/.253/.355 batting line in his 403 plate appearances. Franco, at least, provided some pop, with 22 doubles and 11 homers. He just did not do enough to really justify playing time down the stretch, even in Baltimore.
But Franco does have a history of providing decent power. He hit over 20 homers each year between 2016 and 2018 and has typically been slightly below average in terms of OPS+. As pedestrian as his numbers may be, they are an upgrade over what Kieboom has produced at this point.
The Washington Nationals are taking advantage of the lockout to address their infield depth. Maikel Franco is their latest move to improve the roster.