5 Washington Nationals Free Agent Targets

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

This week Major League Baseball held their General Manager’s meetings, which is the unofficial start to the offseason and free agency. Washington enters this offseason with much of their roster settled, yet with obvious issues at closer, catcher and depth throughout the roster, there is plenty of work to be done by the Nationals’ front office.

While big name free agents such as Yoenis Cespedes, Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen have been linked with Washington, I wanted to highlight five cheaper options that could also bolster Washington’s roster next season.

Jon Jay OF San Diego Padres

A steady left-handed hitting outfielder, Jay has quietly produced a solid 7-year major league career, hitting .287/.352/.384 while playing all three outfield positions. The almost 32-year-old was hitting .296/.345/.407 for the Padres last season before injuring himself in June. Primarily a center fielder, Jay profiles best as a 4^th outfielder at this point in his career due to his declining foot speed, range and lack of home run power. That said Jay is a consistent, productive player and would fit well in Ben Revere’s role for Washington next year. He might command a multiyear contract in this market, but could serve as a nice fallback option if Washington fails to acquire a long-term solution in center field this winter.

Steve Pearce 1B/2B/LF Baltimore Orioles

This 10-year veteran had another productive major league season in 2016, hitting .288/.374/.492 with 13 home runs in 85 games for Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an injury to his forearm, an injury that should be healed before spring training. The 33-year-old Pearce has a career .852 OPS against left-handed pitching, which when coupled with his defensive versatility makes him an ideal bench player. His injury last season should keep his salary demands reasonable and Washington would be wise to sign him.

Jason Castro Catcher Houston Astros

The 29-year-old Castro finds himself in a unique position this winter, as he is probably the best free agent catcher behind the pricey Matt Wieters and the injured Wilson Ramos. In addition, many teams, including the Nationals, need catchers this winter, making this a potentially expensive market with limited supply and high demand.

Sex will become less pleasurable but you will best viagra in uk get absolutely complete recovery. There are very little chances buying that purchase generic cialis to cure the erectile dysfunction of men. It has the viagra price signature Pfizer name that is impressed on one side. As they say, educate a teacher and thereby, you educate viagra samples an entire community. A former all-star, Castro has the reputation as a solid defensive catcher with strong framing skills. Offensively Castro hit .210/.307/.377 in 113 games for Houston last year, in line with his career .232/.309/.390 batting line. He struggles mightily against left-handed pitching with a career .536 OPS, making him an ideal platoon candidate. If he can be had on a 2-year contract for $6-$7 million annually he could be a nice value, but odds are his numerous suitors drive that price significantly higher.

Greg Holland RHP Kansas City Royals

Certainly Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon are the top closers on the market this winter and will receive consideration, but their potential salaries could have Washington seeking alternate options. The almost 31-year-old Holland was one of the top relievers in baseball from 2011-2015, saving 145 games and making two all-star appearances before having Tommy John surgery in October 2015. Holland spent all of last season recovering from surgery before performing earlier this week for scouts.

Assuming he is healthy, there should be enough interest for him to sign a multiyear deal, likely filled with contract incentives. Holland is one of the more intriguing risk verses reward options in free agency this year and could be a nice option for Washington in the late innings.

Brad Ziegler RHP Boston Red Sox / Arizona Diamondbacks

Although the primary bullpen need is at closer, do not be surprised if the Nationals also look for additional help for right-handed setup men Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen. Somewhat quietly the 37-year-old Ziegler has been one of the better relievers in baseball, posting a 2.44 ERA, 1.228 WHIP and 3.38 FIP over his 9-year career. In addition he has notched 85 career saves, giving him experience as a closer.

Due to his age and unique side-arm throwing motion, most teams will view him as a right-handed specialist and set-up man, likely putting a ceiling on his salary demands. However, as one of the better relievers on the market, he should have 10+ teams seeking his services, giving him a chance to sign a multiyear contract at $7 million or more per year. If Washington does not bust their bullpen budget signing a closer, Ziegler could be a tremendous addition to the Nationals’ relief corps.

5 Players Washington Should Target In Trade Discussions

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

The Washington Nationals enter this offseason riding high after a 95 win season and their 3^rd division championship in 5 years. Unfortunately the team’s loss in the NLCS exposed their need for additional depth both offensively and in the bullpen. Furthermore, with Wilson Ramos and Mark Melancon as key free agents, Washington has obvious needs at catcher and the closer position.

Considering the free agent market is softer this winter than in previous years, one might anticipate a busy winter with trade activity as teams attempt to fill the voids on their roster. As the front office begins finalizing their offseason plans, these are five players I expect (and encourage) Washington to target in forthcoming trade discussions.

Brian McCann Catcher New York Yankees

As mentioned above, Wilson Ramos is a free agent and reported to be seeking a multiyear contract, making it possible Washington will need to move on from the Buffalo behind the dish. New York is reportedly shopping McCann this winter, after the emergence of young backstop Gary Sanchez this year and the presence of backup Austin Romine. McCann has 2 more years on his contract, with a team option for 2019, and while he is still quite productive, the Yankees may seek to re-allocate the remaining $34 million toward other roster weaknesses.

Could Gio Gonzalez for Brian McCann be the framework for a beneficial trade for both teams?

John Jaso 1B/OF Pittsburgh Pirates

Ryan Zimmerman is Washington’s starting first baseman, but he has struggled the past several seasons with injuries and mediocre offensive numbers. Also, backup first baseman Clint Robinson scuffled in his sophomore campaign with a woeful .637 OPS, leading many to believe an upgrade this winter is necessary. Jaso was productive for Pittsburgh last season in the first year of a 2-year $8 million contract, hitting .268/.353/.413 with 8 home runs in 132 games played.

Considering the presence of veterans David Freese and Jung Ho Kang plus the emergence of prospect Josh Bell, Jaso is projected as a bench player for Pittsburgh next year. The small market Pirates could seek to deal Jaso this winter to save some money or fill another roster spot. Jaso would provide a nice backup for Zimmerman and a quality left-handed bat for Washington’s bench at an affordable price.

Wade Davis RHP Kansas City Royals
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While rumors will link Washington with top free agent closers Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon, do not be surprised if the Nationals tap into the trade market to fill the closer role. Options such as Oakland’s Sean Doolittle, St. Louis’s Trevor Rosenthal and Chicago’s David Robertson might be available, but if Kansas City is willing to trade Wade Davis, expect Mike Rizzo to make a strong offer.

Kansas City is likely reluctant to part with such a top relief arm, especially in this environment, but as a small market club, the Royals may decide to trade the final year on his contract for future help. Not to mention, the Royals still have the presence of Kelvin Herrara to act as closer and several arms to concoct a still impressive bullpen. I fully expect Kansas City to capitalize on the demand for top relief arms and trade Davis this winter.

Charlie Blackmon OF Colorado Rockies

The Nationals face one major decision offensively this winter – where do they play Trea Turner defensively next season and long-term, shortstop or center field? The answer to this question will reflect how the front office feels about Danny Espinosa and how easily they can find a center fielder.

Colorado might decide to trade the 30-year-old Blackmon this winter as he is only under contract for 2 more seasons, will see his salary jump from $3.5 million to close to $9 million, and they have several talented young outfielders. If Colorado is willing to trade this talented, left-handed hitting outfielder, Washington might have the young pitchers to entice the Rockies to part with Blackmon.

Jonathan Villar SS Milwaukee Brewers

Understandably it feels unlikely that the rebuilding Brewers would trade a 25-year-old shortstop coming off a season with an .826 OPS and 62 stolen bases. In addition Villar is expected to make near league minimum as he is under contract for four more seasons. But Milwaukee appears to want Orlando Arcia as their future shortstop and Villar struggled defensively last season when he shifted to the hot corner, meaning the Brewers must decide whether to move him to second base or trade him.

Obviously many teams would be interested if Villar was made available this winter, but the combination of young pitching prospects and perhaps a young infielder like Wilmer Difo could make Washington competitive in trade discussions. While a long-shot, do not be surprised if Villar is dealt this offseason.

Get Me Outta Here – 2016 Change of Scenery Candidates

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

The historic World Series Game 7 is now completely in the rearview mirror and front office personnel has turned their attention toward the forthcoming offseason. Executives are scouring other rosters and free agent lists in search of players who could breakout if they played in a new environment. Perhaps it is a former top prospect who has not yet seen his talent emerge or a journeyman player who fits perfectly elsewhere.

A prime example of this would be Arizona 2B Jean Segura, who was involved in a somewhat overlooked swap last winter before hitting .319/.368/.499 for the Diamondbacks in 2016. An all-star in 2013, Segura struggled through two subpar seasons with Milwaukee before rebounding in Arizona last year.

After examining each team’s roster, here are five ideal Change of Scenery candidates this winter.

Yasiel Puig OF Los Angeles Dodgers

Remember back to 2014 when Meghan Trainor was “All About That Bass” and Yasiel Puig was a 23-year-old 2nd-year outfielder coming off a season where he hit .296/.382/.480 with 16 home runs? Only 24 months have passed and ever since Puig has scuffled through two injury-riddled, mediocre seasons, including a demotion to the minors last summer. Still only 25-years-old, Puig is a possible middle-of-the-order hitter capable of playing all three outfield positions and under contract through 2019.

There are some injury issues and questions (right or wrong) surrounding his character, but there are few players in the majors with his talent level. If he lands in the right situation and stays healthy for 140+ games, he has All-Star, 20-20 potential.

Trevor Rosenthal RHP St. Louis Cardinals

Much like his teammates in St. Louis, Rosenthal struggled through a disappointing, injury-plagued 2016, posting a 4.46 ERA, 3.72 FIP and 56 strikeouts against 29 walks in only 40.1 innings. Prior to 2016, Rosenthal had established himself as one of the top relievers in the National League, with two consecutive seasons of 45+ saves and an all-star appearance in 2015. St. Louis appears to be moving forward with Seung-hwan Oh as their closer plus Kevin Siegrist and Matthew Bowman working as the primary set-up men – perhaps they could seek to move Rosenthal and his projected $6.3 million salary this winter to shore up other roster weaknesses.

Jurickson Profar SS/2B Texas Rangers
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Only 4 years ago, a then 19-year-old Jurickson Profar was the top prospect in baseball and was poised to be one of the top middle infielders in baseball for the rest of the decade. Unfortunately a combination of injuries and the emergence of other players, Profar now finds himself about to hit salary arbitration with only 184 career major league games played. The Rangers are well positioned in the infield with Rougned Odor, Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre for the foreseeable future, leaving Profar on the outside looking in.

Understandably the Rangers will be hesitant to trade Profar, as it would be selling low on a tremendously talented 23-year-old. However, in the best interest of his development and long-term career, Texas should trade Profar this offseason to an organization that can provide him the playing time to blossom.

Shelby Miller RHP Arizona Diamondbacks

After being the centerpiece in one of the most controversial trades in years last winter, Miller struggled through a nightmarish 2016 in Arizona, posting a 6.15 ERA and 1.673 WHIP over 101 innings pitched. However, prior to last year, Miller had posted three consecutive impressive seasons with 30+ starts each and an ERA south of 3.75. Quite frankly, Miller had quietly emerged as one of the top young starters in the National League.

The Diamondbacks are likely to shake up their roster this winter with the arrival of a new front office, and trading Miller to give him a fresh start might be the best thing for the talented 26-year-old.

Michael A. Taylor OF Washington Nationals

Washington’s toolsy outfielder finds himself on this list because he has the defensive ability, speed and occasional home run power to be an asset to many teams, especially as part of a creative outfield platoon. Taylor is an asset at all three outfield positions and owns 20 home run & 20 stolen base potential. Unfortunately, it does not seem like an opportunity exists in D.C. for sufficient playing time, making him a potentially intriguing gamble and Change of Scenery candidate.

THE NatsGM Show #83 – Guest Scott McBrien

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

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This week on Episode #83 of THE NatsGM Show we are proud to welcome former University of Maryland QB and the author of the new book “Terrapin Tales”, Scott McBrien!

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A special “Thank You” goes out to Scott for graciously allowing me to interview him and to you for listening this week. If you enjoy the show, please consider Rating, Reviewing & Subscribing to THE NatsGM Show on iTunes.