Nationals signing Brian Dozier would be low-risk, high reward move

By Zach Houle | Dec 24, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 16: Brian Dozier #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits an rbi single to left field during the first inning of Game Four of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

The Washington Nationals have already improved this offseason, and now they are targeting second baseman Brian Dozier.

The Washington Nationals have made several moves that will benefit the club for 2019 already. The signings of Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez, and Matt Adams will bulk the Nats to stay in the conversation. Not to mention their acquisition of backstop Yan Gomes earlier in the offseason. Now, they have reportedly shown interest in second baseman Brian Dozier and starting pitcher Wade Miley.

The interest in Miley is reasonable, but the Nationals have already added Corbin and Sanchez to the rotation this winter. Adding pitching on pitching isn’t a bad idea, but their more pressing need is second base. That’s why Dozier is the likely and realistic target to be signed. The second baseman didn’t have that great of a year in 2018 by his standards, hitting .215 with 21 home runs and 72 RBI.

So, the right-handed hitter will most likely settle for a one-year deal. The Nationals can get Dozier for around $10 million since he made $9 million in 2018. He hit 104 home runs between 2015-2017. Dozier is a rare power-hitting second baseman who still has the potential to hit 30 or more homers in a season.

He is due to have a bounce back year next season and the Nationals would be smart to give him that opportunity. The Nats have less to nothing exciting at second base at the moment between Wilmer Difo, Howie Kendrick and Adrian Sanchez, so Dozier would be a nice upgrade. Also, D.C. would still have money left over to go and get another player such as Miley, who shouldn’t command that much.

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This is just a match that is the best for both parties and also the most realistic possibility. The production in 2018 from second base was 11 homers with a .270 average. With Dozier, the Nats would get a big bat threat and veteran clubhouse guy. He has postseason experience already and would fit right in for the title-hungry players in D.C. since they haven’t gotten past the first round.

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