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Early Monday afternoon the Nationals announced that they had come to terms with veteran free agent outfielder Nate Schierholtz on a minor league contract. Schierholtz was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on August 6th after batting .192/.240/.300 with 6 home runs in 313 at-bats this season. He cleared waivers late last week, meaning the Nationals will be responsible for only the prorated league minimum portion of his 2014 $5 million dollar salary if the team promotes him to Washington.

The 30-year-old left-handed hitter has fallen short this season of his breakout 2013, in which he hit .251/.301/.470 with 21 home runs and 6 stolen bases. During his career Schierholtz has batted .254/.303/.406 and has shown a strong platoon split with a .722 OPS (On-Base Percentage Plus Slugging) verses righties and a .650 OPS against lefties. Schierholtz has also performed better on the road in his career with a .728 Home OPS verses a .687 Road OPS, understandable due to playing in San Francisco and Chicago most of his career – this trend has continued in 2014, as he has a .427 OPS at home against .622 OPS on the road. Finally Schierholtz has a .228 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) in 2014, more than 60 points below his career average and a sign he has been unlucky this season. No question his surface numbers are underwhelming, but the statistics above do give some reason for optimism for improved performance.
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This signing makes perfect sense for Washington, considering Nate McLouth’s questionable health status for the rest of the season. In addition, Jayson Werth has struggled with nagging injuries recently, and the best available minor league outfield options Michael Taylor, Steven Souza, Tyler Moore, and Jeff Kobernus all bat right-handed. Not to mention the Nationals currently lack a left-handed hitting outfielder on the bench, which could give Schierholtz potential at-bats if he can regain his previous form. Take all that into consideration, not to mention Schierholtz’s strong arm and average defensive skills in right field, and the team was wise to sign him.

In view of his impending free agent status, severely low BABIP, and past big league track record of quality play, Schierholtz could be due for a hot streak and make the Nationals look quite smart. There is little to no risk involved with this signing, and a reasonable amount of potential upside, making this another quality depth maneuver this month for the Nationals’ front office.