The Nationals found the asking price right for Matt Wieters, and reached an agreement with him pending a physical:
But his arrival also provides complication, because Derek Norris was set to be the Nationals’ starting catcher, and now must almost certainly move aside. The Nationals reacquired Norris for a low-level prospect earlier this winter, when it seemed like the price for Wieters would be too high. Norris once won the Nationals’ Minor League Player of the Year Award, and is a favorite among those within the organization. Now, he could become a power-hitting backup — or, perhaps, trade bait.
The Nationals have a surplus of catchers now, with Wieters, Norris, Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino all in the big league mix. The White Sox have been hunting catching depth, according to multiple reports this winter, so perhaps the Nationals could use that surplus to acquire a proven closer like David Robertson.
Wieters is getting $10 million this season and $11 million next season if he exercises the option. That’s about what he’s worth. It’s not a bargain basement signing. Wieters might have thought he was worth more, but there is just two much uncertainty surrounding him. The Nationals now have enough talent at the position that they might be able to flip someone for a prospect or to cover a major injury.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2kIvdLz
No comments:
Post a Comment