Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche told Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post that he’d prefer to re-sign in Washington this coming offseason when his two-year contract expires. LaRoche has yet to talk to the Nationals about his contract, which includes a $10MM mutual option for 2013. He declined to say how he intends to handle his side of the option, but acknowledged he’d “love to stay” in Washington, ideally for more than one year.
“On the other hand, I’m not going to do something stupid where I turn down what could be two or three more extra years somewhere else,” he added.
The Nationals see LaRoche as a good fit on defense, on offense and off the field, Kilgore writes. The team would like to keep LaRoche, especially for the one year option. However, team executives would understand if the SFX client pursues multiyear opportunities elsewhere.
If LaRoche returns to Washington in 2013, Michael Morse and Tyler Moore would be candidates for playing time as corner outfielders and Bryce Harper could stay in center field. Otherwise the Nationals could fill first base internally and pursue a free agent center fielder. I discussed LaRoche’s 2013 option two weeks ago, explaining the potential impact of a qualifying offer.
He fits so well in that lineup and has a great calming effect in everyone there. If they can sign him for two years with a vesting third, that would be worth it. The Nats payroll is still relatively modest, and Laroche can likely be traded for something more than a bag of balls if Tyler Moore really starts hitting the cover off the ball (even more than he is right now).
I am a defense first mentality guy so I would love to have him for next few years because none of his replacement (in or outside our minors) can field the position like he does. One other concern would be our other infielders making more errors without him. his offense is not bad for a 1b.
He is actually very underrated all around IMO. Over the life of his career he has given the same thing each and every year. He’s not a superstar first baseman by any means, but he’s above average and has been consistent throughout his career with the exception of last season.
With the exception of last season because he was hurt……
I wasn’t taking a shot at him, I was just saying. I’m aware he was hurt.
Nawwww, come (“back”) to Boston, Adam! We won’t flip you after like 5 games this time, okay? :D
Ben!? What the…. You forgot out dramatically overpaid and thus undoubtedly playing everyday RF Jayon The Wolfman Werth? With the infield depth so awful in free agency and LaRoche wanting and likely to get three years, I say decline the option and give him a qualifying offer (13M). He accepts, we have him for 13M on a one year, we win. He declines and someones goes all-in we get a draft pick. Personally, I want Morse at 1B and let Lombo, Moore, and Perez battle it out for LF.
Ummmmm.. ! i think this is a news for the better future.. :)