5 potential free agent suitors for George Springer
3. Washington Nationals
The Nationals are sure to decline right fielder Adam Eaton‘s $10.5 million option for next year, which would create a rare spot for someone. As NBC Sports Washington noted, only four players have played 100 or more games over a season in either right or left field for the Nationals since 2013: Eaton, Juan Soto, Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper. Soto has left field locked down until further notice, and Victor Robles looks like the present and future in center. That leaves right field for Springer, as the shift away from playing center field in the future gets accelerated in Washington.
Imagine a top of the lineup for the Nationals that looked like this.
- SS Trea Turner
- RF George Springer
- LF Juan Soto
That would be downright scary for opposing pitchers, leaving aside any question marks down the lineup for manager Dave Martinez.
With arbitration estimates and options accounted for on Eaton, Howie Kendrick and Anibal Sanchez, the Nationals have the fifth-highest projected payroll for 2021 (according to Spotrac). A decision to not pick up Eaton’s $10.5 million option would ease that some. It will be hard to justify picking up Sanchez’s $12 million option and wanting to take on a $6.5 million mutual option for Kendrick, though both could be brought back a cheaper rates.
The Nationals are not afraid to spend and give out big contracts, even if we always hear word about deferred money. Adding Springer should be on their radar, if only as an obvious upgrade over Eaton and to add much-needed bat.