How will Nats address these questions in new year?
This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat e-newsletter. To learn the complete e-newsletter, click on right here. And subscribe to get it repeatedly in your inbox.
As we attain the tip of the 12 months, Spring Training is true across the nook. It gained’t be lengthy earlier than the Nationals are again in motion in Florida making ready for the 2023 season.
There nonetheless are inquiries to be answered — some earlier than the group heads to West Palm Beach and others as soon as camp is underway. Let’s check out three of those query marks:
1. Who will begin at third base?
The beginning third-base position will probably be decided in Spring Training as soon as once more. Said normal supervisor Mike Rizzo on the Winter Meetings, “The best player will play third, and we’ll make other arrangements for the other players.”
Veteran Jeimer Candelario, who signed a one-year contract in November, is probably the most skilled candidate. Candelario, 29, has logged 4,427 1/3 innings on the place over his seven-year profession, together with 112 begins this previous season with the Tigers. Candelario expressed curiosity within the on a regular basis beginning job as he eyes a bounceback 12 months.
Carter Kieboom additionally will contend for the beginning position as he has completed in earlier camps. Kieboom, 25, missed all of final season due to Tommy John surgical procedure, and he’s anticipated to be prepared for Spring Training. He performed 763 frames at third base for the Nationals from 2020-21.
There are eventualities during which Candelario and Kieboom may each be within the beginning lineup. Candelario has the flexibility to play first base, and he might be an choice to DH as wanted.
2. Will the Nationals add extra beginning pitching?
Bolstering beginning pitching was atop the Nationals’ offseason to-do record. They signed Trevor Williams to hitch the rotation on a two-year deal, including a fifth starter to the returning group of Patrick Corbin, Josiah Gray, Cade Cavalli and MacKenzie Gore.
There are, nevertheless, nonetheless inquiries to be answered inside the beginning employees, one which posted the best ERA within the Majors (5.97) in 2022. Corbin struggled once more final season, and Cavalli and Gore have been restricted of their first Major League seasons due to accidents. The Nationals will want their starters to remain on the mound deeper into video games to keep away from taxing the bullpen.
Rizzo famous in San Diego, “Few seasons you go through a season with five starting pitchers. You never have enough depth. You never have enough innings that need to be pitched. We’re always looking to upgrade.”
3. Will the Nationals purchase one other lefty bat?
In addition to beginning pitching, supervisor Dave Martinez stated on the Winter Meetings that the Nationals’ areas of want included “probably adding another left-handed bat.”
Free-agent signing Candelario is a switch-hitter who has batted .270 righty vs. .230 lefty over his profession. Washington additionally signed veteran left-handed hitter Matt Adams to a Minor League contract, and he could have a chance to make the group throughout Spring Training.
The Nationals may proceed exploring their choices to reinforce their offense. Check out this up-to-date tracker of obtainable batters within the free-agent market.
