Washington Surprises Everyone and Signs Jayson Werth
After two big signings via the draft (Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper) the Washington Nationals made a splash via free agency, signing Jayson Werth to a 7 year, $126 million contract. Over Werth's past three seasons with the Phillies he averaged 29 homers and 84 RBI a season, along with a .279 batting average. While the Nationals are probably overpaying Werth with this new contract this is still huge for the Nationals, as it gives them one of baseball's best groups of young talent. Once Strasburg returns from Tommy John surgery and Harper reaches the big leagues, the Nationals will have Strasburg, Harper, Werth and star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on their 25 man roster, along with other talent such as pitchers Jordan Zimmermann, Ross Detwiler, and Drew Storen.
Not long ago the Nationals were never considered contenders for big name free agents. They have slowly started to compete for better talent, but even today they were not considered front-runners for Werth until they actually signed him. They beat out team's such as the Red Sox, Phillies and Tigers for Werth's services. The Nationals are a long shot to win the National League East next season, but their continued roster improvements could affect next year's standings. If they continue this new trend of signing more talent through free agency, then the Nationals may be contenders for a division title once Strasburg recovers from surgery and Bryce Harper finds his spot in Washington's outfield.
Also, i did mention that the Nationals are probably overpaying Werth. I would have to say more like definitely. It's a big risk, but it's nice to see the Nationals really competing in the free agent pool
I am interested to see how this signing affects the Nationals' ability to resign some of their own top players such as Zimmerman. I don't know when he becomes a free agent, but when he does why shouldn't he expect the Nationals to overpay for him when he's done more for the Nationals than Werth?
Also, i did mention that the Nationals are probably overpaying Werth. I would have to say more like definitely. It's a big risk, but it's nice to see the Nationals really competing in the free agent pool
ReplyDeleteI am interested to see how this signing affects the Nationals' ability to resign some of their own top players such as Zimmerman. I don't know when he becomes a free agent, but when he does why shouldn't he expect the Nationals to overpay for him when he's done more for the Nationals than Werth?
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