The Nationals have signed 2B Brian Dozier to a 1-year, $9 million contract, according to multiple sources.
This is a potentially big signing for the Nats. Despite a slight regression in average last year with the Twins and Dodgers, the power was still there for Dozier (21 HRs, 72 RBIs), and he’s been one of the top offensive second basemen in the league over the past few seasons, with a 21.8 oWAR from 2013-17.
Washington struggled offensively at the position in 2018, as Daniel Murphy was injured for much of the first part of the year, before being eventually traded. Everyday second baseman Wilmer Difo has never been much of a threat at the plate (.250/.310/.358 over 898 career PAs), but has been more touted for his speed (10 SBs each in 2017 and 2018) and his defensive versatility.
In the bigger picture, the Nats are likely looking for Dozier to serve as a bridge between Daniel Murphy’s departure and the beginning of the Carter Kieboom era, a top infield prospect who has been shooting through Washington’s minor league system, and appears to be the Nationals’ long-term solution at second base.
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