Washington Nationals Add Depth with Stephen Drew

The Washington Nationals add infield depth by signing veteran Stephen Drew. There were some positives and negatives about his 2015 campaign. How will 2016 look for Drew?

As we come to a close on this year, the baseball news keeping rolling in. The Washington Nationals continue to make moves in order to compete for a division title. After adding postseason monster Daniel Murphy, the team struck a deal with veteran infielder Stephen Drew. While there is no starting job available, he will get some playing time throughout the season. What kind of fantasy value does he have heading into next season?

Drew spent six and a half seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, half a season in Oakland, and one and a half seasons with both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. And throughout his career, his numbers declined at each stop. In this past season in New York, he played in 131 games (most since 2010) with 17 home runs, 44 RBI and a .201 batting average.

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While the power still exists, long are the days of a .280/.330/.450 line. Over the last five seasons, he averages a .222/.297/.381 line with 49 home runs and 210 RBI. If you are looking for help in batting average or OBP, you may want to look elsewhere.

Signing with the Nationals is an interesting choice. Second and third base are locked up with Murphy and Anthony Rendon, respectively. As of now, Danny Espinosa is atop the shortstop depth chart with prospect Trea Turner waiting for his chance. As a result, Drew is likely to get at-bats against right-handed pitching.

In 1071 games against righties, Stephen Drew has 88 home runs, 347 RBI and a .260 batting average. On the other hand, Espinosa hit 50 home runs, 160 RBI and a .217 average in 558 games versus right-handers. Drew also provides versatility for Murphy and Rendon if either needs a rest day.

Stephen Drew has seen a drop in production over his last two seasons, in which most of the time was spent in New York where hitters succeed. He had a 15.7 line drive rate and 21.3 hard hit rate last season, compared to a career 20.3 and 30.2 respectively.

This signing also all but confirms that Ian Desmond will not be back in Washington D.C, so we’ll keep you up to date on his value if/when he signs.

Next: Dodgers Sign Scott Kazmir

Stephen Drew’s fantasy value drops now that he doesn’t have a starting job. Even with his low numbers in New York, the everyday at bats helped his value. In standard leagues he should not be drafted. In deeper or NL-only leagues, he has some value. He will likely play shortstop against right-handed pitching, against whom he has great success. If you draft Espinosa, Drew should be a handcuff. Other than that, he remains on the waiver wire.

Projections: 60 hits, eight home runs, 38 RBI, .240 average

Draft: N/A