It’s been a crazy and controversial offseason for the Washington Nationals, but on Monday they made a very shrewd move to help bolster their bench.
According to Jim Bowden, the Nationals have signed first baseman Adam Lind.
Source confirms: #Nationals signing Lind to one-year deal with club option, pending physical. First reported: @JimBowden_ESPN.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 13, 2017
Lind comes to the nation’s capital on a one-year deal.
Washington Nationals Sign Adam Lind
In 2016, Lind didn’t have his greatest year in terms of consistency. Hitting just .239, Lind struggled to get on base; however, he did provide power at the plate. Lind hit 20 home runs in 2016. While he wasn’t a force to be reckoned with at the plate, his power output was a bright spot. His new role with the Nationals will also help if he struggles a bit.
With Spring Training on the horizon, the Nationals roster is likely set in stone, but there’s always more room for depth; that’s where Lind can help out. Currently, the Nationals will be going with longtime infielder Ryan Zimmerman at first base, but Zimmerman has been very injury prone over the last few years. He’s missed over 45 games per season since 2014. If injuries present themselves yet again for Zimmerman, Lind can come in and start at first. Lind is also yet another new face for this National team.
In addition to acquiring Lind, the Nationals recently re-signed infielder Stephen Drew to a one-year deal. They also traded for Chicago White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton, who will serve as their center fielder in 2017.
The addition of Lind gives the Nationals a power bat off their bench, as well as a safety net for Ryan Zimmerman at first base. Lind makes the Nationals a bit more balanced in terms of lineups. While they do have a number of impact bats in their lineup, Lind helps make the Nationals order a bit more flexible when planning for righty and lefty matchups.
Overall, Lind should be a good pickup for the Nationals.
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