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Danny Espinosa Unhappy With Nationals

By Connor Byrne | December 10, 2016 at 6:59pm CDT

On the heels of the Nationals’ acquisition of center fielder Adam Eaton, shortstop Danny Espinosa skipped the team’s annual Winterfest this weekend because he’s unhappy with his likely relegation to a bench role, a source told Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post. With Eaton in the field, 2016 center fielder Trea Turner is set to take over at short next year, leaving Espinosa without an everyday spot.

The Nats do value Espinosa, evidenced by their unwillingness to non-tender him, but general manager Mike Rizzo didn’t rule out trading the 29-year-old even before the club landed Eaton.

“I could see him as utility player. I could see him as a player you could utilize in a trade context to get another piece that you need,” Rizzo said last month.

If Washington does shop Espinosa, it shouldn’t have difficulty finding a taker, tweets Chelsea Janes of the Post. Espinosa is reasonably priced – he’s due an estimated $5.3MM in his final arbitration year – and has combined for 4.0 fWAR since 2015. The switch-hitter batted a modest .209/.306/.378 in 601 plate appearances last season, but he did club a career-high 24 home runs.

While right-handed pitchers have confounded Espinosa, who has slashed just .216/.294/.367 in 1,967 career PAs against them, he has been useful versus southpaws with a .257/.327/.454 line in 736 trips to the plate. Most of Espinosa’s value, though, has come in the middle infield, where he has totaled 35 Defensive Runs Saved and a 31.9 Ultimate Zone Rating.

By moving Espinosa, the Nats would likely turn to the 24-year-old Wilmer Difo as their primary reserve behind Turner and second baseman Daniel Murphy. They also haven’t closed the door on re-signing free agent Stephen Drew, as FanRag’s Jon Heyman tweeted earlier this week.

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Washington Nationals Danny Espinosa Stephen Drew

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Sale, Eaton, Chapman, Hill, Sox, Yanks, Astros
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92 Comments

  1. mrnatewalter

    9 years ago

    I’m sure the Nationals aren’t terribly thrilled by the 86 wRC+ he’s posted in his career, either.

    He should be happy they tendered him a contract. They shouldn’t have.

    Reply
    • sddew

      9 years ago

      I agree with you 100%!

      Reply
    • LaFlamaBlanca

      9 years ago

      Come on guys think a little before replying with nonsense comments. It’s pretty simple Espinosa is mad because the Nationals didn’t just non tender him instead and let him become a free agent in a think market for shortstops. It has nothing to do with him losing his starting gig to superior players such as eaton and turner. If they already knew they had no plans in starting him why keep him around? Espinosa is going to be a free agent soon, if he was given a starting gig even with a last place team (which is a very realistic possibility considering his elite defense & cannon arm) it would allow him to maximize his asking price in free agency . If he is relegated to a bench role this season it will only affect his earning potential. please stop and think a little before sounding like total homers.

      Reply
      • pk4nats

        9 years ago

        They didn’t know they’d be able to get a cf, thus pushing Turner back to ss. Nats did the right thing.

        Reply
        • Vedder80

          9 years ago

          With what they were willing to give up, as evidenced by what they did give up for Eaton, they knew quite well that they would be able to get a CFer.

          Reply
      • FenwayFaithfulDevilsFan

        9 years ago

        This just came down to the Nationals taking a gamble that there are multiple teams with needs for his services and versatility and they wanted to get something back for him rather then just dump him. Clearly, it was the right decision on their part as though they didn’t get back much, they got back something. That’s usually better than just non-tendering him and getting nothing.

        Reply
  2. thor would look better in red

    9 years ago

    who can blame the guy

    Reply
    • Cam

      9 years ago

      He needs to take responsibility for the consequences of his poor play.. Adam Eaton is better than he is – if he doesn’t like it, he should have played better.

      He’s got some value because of his glove, but..every team is looking to get better. And the Nats are better with Eaton over Espinosa.

      Reply
      • thor would look better in red

        9 years ago

        agreed but 24 bombs and gold glove play is worth a lot these days

        Reply
  3. joe 44

    9 years ago

    hahaha a .209 hitter unhappy with bench role thats funny

    Reply
    • pukelit

      9 years ago

      Got him

      Reply
    • myaccount

      9 years ago

      A .209 hitter who smacked 24 bombs and is a top 5 defensive SS in the league. Espinosa isn’t great, but let’s not act like he has zero value.

      Reply
    • chaffed_nutsack

      9 years ago

      Obv he’s no stud, but cherry-picking stats that he doesn’t play to doesn’t make you look too smart.

      Reply
  4. jmacss29

    9 years ago

    If you hit more than you weigh, this doesn’t become an issue.

    Reply
    • 888sports

      9 years ago

      lol

      Reply
    • RaysFan2021

      9 years ago

      Lol

      Reply
    • stryk3istrukuout

      9 years ago

      Unless you’re Kyle Blanks

      Reply
    • seanwh01

      9 years ago

      It was an issue for John Kruk.

      Reply
  5. Vbradshaw61

    9 years ago

    Dusty made the ss job was espinosa’s to lose. he lost it by piling up K after K. take away 2 hot weeks after Turner, the ghost of SS future, was briefly brought up and he hits in the 180s for the year with 1+ K a game. he can be mad, but he has no case.

    Reply
  6. Stro-Show

    9 years ago

    Could be a good pick up for the Jay’s

    Reply
    • TennVol

      9 years ago

      Please, just no!

      Reply
      • Doc Halladay

        9 years ago

        Agreed with Frank. Espinosa is essentially Justin Smoak with the ability to play a good SS and 2B. I’d rather just keep Barney and Goins for half the salary.

        Reply
    • 888sports

      9 years ago

      That’s a hard no!

      Reply
  7. HOUShadows

    9 years ago

    Can’t blame Espinosa or The Nationals. He just came off one of his best season a team like the pirates might be a good suitor for him bud I don’t know

    Reply
    • Ry.the.Stunner

      9 years ago

      When a .684 OPS is considered one of his “best seasons”, then yes, you can blame him.

      Reply
      • myaccount

        9 years ago

        He’s not great with the stick, but you’re giving his top 5 glove at SS zero credit

        Reply
  8. Matt Galvin

    9 years ago

    Padres?
    Cardinals?
    Royals?

    Reply
    • makaio6

      9 years ago

      Cards don’t need him.

      Reply
      • Bank On It

        9 years ago

        They could use him shift Diaz to 3rd which they talked about they would like to do in the future..trade peralta or use him off the bench

        Reply
    • The Oregonian

      9 years ago

      Padres seem like the likeliest spot to me.

      Reply
    • AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres

      9 years ago

      Why on Earth would the rebuilding Padres trade for him when he only has one more year left on his contract!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

      Reply
      • mrnatewalter

        9 years ago

        He’s not locked down to a lengthy contract and is a guy they can use without having to start someone’s service clock?

        Actually, someone with just a year left makes more sense.

        Reply
        • AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres

          9 years ago

          The projected starter is Luis Sardiñas. Not a guy whose service time we are worried about wasting

          Reply
      • davidcoonce74

        9 years ago

        Padres spent more than that on Alexei Ramirez and Alexi Amarista last year. Somebody has to stand at shortstop. Might as well be a really good one.

        Reply
        • AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres

          9 years ago

          Not if we have to give up anything with control and upside to get him

          Reply
      • Cleviski

        9 years ago

        Chapman, cubs, 1 year

        Reply
        • Cleviski

          9 years ago

          Clearly worked

          Reply
        • AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres

          9 years ago

          Omg… Did you just… The Cubs were going for the title in 2016! They needed every edge they could get. The 2016 World Series came down to the wire. It’s entirely possible that if they hadn’t made that trade, the Indians would have come out on top. The Padres aren’t going to win the World Series in 2017 with or without Espinosa. Don’t compare them to the 2016 Cubs.

          Reply
  9. batfl1ps

    9 years ago

    LOL is this really a headline?

    The team added better hitters to all of the positions he could play, so he’s mad at the team for improving? He has a better chance winning a championship With this team as a bench player than as a starter. If You’re mad, GTFO Danny!

    Reply
    • AidanVega123

      9 years ago

      Exactly!!

      Reply
  10. PassiveMN1987Twins

    9 years ago

    Twins should put something involving Santana and Kintzler (throw in Perkins?) for this guy and junk prospects. Move could also shed some payroll dollars…. cuz you know, the Twins needed a new ballpark to compete financially.

    Reply
    • Bank On It

      9 years ago

      lol Espinosa isn’t even worth that

      Reply
    • mitt24

      9 years ago

      Target field isn’t new?

      Reply
    • 888sports

      9 years ago

      That’s an extreme overpayment. Not even worth the junk prospects the Twins could offer

      Reply
  11. 2016aAintSoBad

    9 years ago

    He’s gone for sure.

    Reply
  12. HarveyD82

    9 years ago

    buccos. why not. could be insurance in case jung ho screws up again

    Reply
    • Ry.the.Stunner

      9 years ago

      Jung is the Pirates 3B. Espinosa has only played 9 games at 3B in his career. They can do better.

      Reply
      • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

        9 years ago

        Jaso is going to learn to play 3B this winter. Essentially the 1B platoon is moving over to third and Bell is going to be the 1B.

        Reply
  13. willi

    9 years ago

    I could see Danny complaining if he hit his weight !

    Reply
  14. TradeAcuna

    9 years ago

    Calling trade to Mets!

    Reply
    • ExileInLA 2

      9 years ago

      Wrong. Mets are loaded with IFs, for once.

      Dodgers are better bet. 2B is open, and they need RH bats. And it lets them keep Utley for platoon w Espinoza.

      Reply
    • JKurk22

      9 years ago

      WRONG (Donald Trump voice)

      He’s gong to LAA

      Reply
  15. beauvandertulip

    9 years ago

    When the stove is so cold that this is a headline. Hey Danny, jimmy rollins had a better season than you, and he got released

    Reply
  16. realgone2

    9 years ago

    Well he probably won’t be with the team for long

    Reply
  17. angels fan 3

    9 years ago

    Maybe 2B for the Angels

    Reply
    • angelsfan4life

      9 years ago

      No absolutely not

      Reply
      • realgone2

        9 years ago

        Who is slated to play 2B for LAA, anyway?

        Reply
        • angels fan 3

          9 years ago

          Cliff Pennington

          Reply
        • AddisonStreet

          9 years ago

          Lol

          Reply
      • dodgerfan711

        9 years ago

        Yes. Espinosa is anaheim bound

        Reply
  18. Ash20707

    9 years ago

    He damm luck to have a MLB job with that Batting Average. If he thinks he can do better, Good Luck with that.

    Reply
  19. felinelopez2

    9 years ago

    Pirates or blue Jays are my best guess for a deal that involves Espinosa. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind either destination.

    Reply
    • jaysfan77

      9 years ago

      I can’t see why the blue Jays would be interested. They have good infield depth and aren’t interested in high strike out low obp guys.

      Reply
  20. ottomatic

    9 years ago

    Time to abandon switch hitting. past due, actually

    Reply
    • angels fan 3

      9 years ago

      Do you know which side of the plate he hits better ?

      Reply
      • drazthegr8 2

        9 years ago

        Far better hitting righty (against lefty pitchers)

        Reply
  21. SimplyAmazin91

    9 years ago

    .209, lucky he is making 5 million no matter how many homers he has.

    Reply
    • LaFlamaBlanca

      9 years ago

      He makes 2 million The 5 million is an estimation after arbitration, once again please read before commenting.

      Reply
      • natsgm

        9 years ago

        Pretty commonplace to quote what a player will make in the next season. And to use arb. estimate since they are usually pretty. accurate. So your snark just looks silly

        Reply
  22. Ash20707

    9 years ago

    Espinosa should be happy he has a MLB job. Who would want him as a starting SS with that batting average, Good luck with that Danny.

    Reply
  23. reflect

    9 years ago

    I don’t know about this Danny guy. I’d rather be on the bench for a playoff team than on the infield for the Angels or Marlins.

    Reply
  24. cazzatta

    9 years ago

    So damn funny! He’s angry?? How many times did he K vs. LA? Didn’t he K 3x in game 1 leaving a total of 6 men on?

    Reply
  25. AddisonStreet

    9 years ago

    Boohoo, you make millions of bucks to play a game. Grow up and do what the team needs you to do.

    Reply
  26. 1738hotlinebling

    9 years ago

    trade him to the brewers or white sox,, a team more his speed,

    Reply
  27. adriang9823

    9 years ago

    Billy Eppler needs to get on it I think he’d be a great fit for 2nd base with the Angels

    Reply
  28. Cleviski

    9 years ago

    Not a Nats fan. Do not care where he goes, though do hope (if he is traded) he gets a good team.

    Reply
  29. crazysull

    9 years ago

    I say he goes to Padres to be a stop gap until their prospects are ready or the Angles and play him at 2nd until they can find a better fit

    Reply
    • Cleviski

      9 years ago

      Going to the Angels is by now a death sentence

      Reply
      • Cleviski

        9 years ago

        For your career

        Reply
      • LaFlamaBlanca

        9 years ago

        I think bagging on the Angels has just become a trend for people who don’t know s**t about baseball. Yea they’ve given out 3 brutal contracts and have a subpar farm system. But people play them out to be a horrendos team, but they’re not. Last year top pitchers Heaney and Richards, as well as other important players such as tropeano and street all got hurt so they had alot of luck go against them. The team just needs a good defensive 2nd baseman and the pitching staff to finally be healthy and they can start to compete. I mean they’re 2 seasons removed from the best record in the AL but got knocked out in the playoffs by a Royals team who was on a roll coming off a wild card berth. If you check out the roster they have a good young core of players including trout, kalhoun, simmons, cron, maybin, and a young good catching prospect in Taylor Ward. If these guys can finally put it together they have a shot.

        Reply
  30. fs54

    9 years ago

    I think he might be upset about this being his contract year. whatever the reason, as a fan of his, I am upset by his behavior. this is the classic example of putting yourself ahead of team. i wish him all the success but unless he refutes this report or apologizes, I hope he plays elsewhere next season.

    Reply
  31. Zcash10

    9 years ago

    Is it true he is going to the Angels?? Just saw a tweet on bleacher Report

    Reply
    • angels fan 3

      9 years ago

      I believe it’s a fit but have not seen anything about it

      Reply
    • realgone2

      9 years ago

      I take bleacher report with a grain of salt

      Reply
    • angels fan 3

      9 years ago

      I just saw from some writer that he was traded not sure if the guy is credible

      Reply
  32. mike156

    9 years ago

    He’s probably gone, but is trading him for almost nothing (especially after this) to bring in Drew? If I wanted a utility man, why not just sign Drew, for less, and not pay anything in a trade?

    Reply
  33. CursedRangers

    9 years ago

    If he is so mad, he should just retire and forfeit his $5.5M salary. If he likes getting paid way more than I’ll make in my entire life, then he should shut up and gladly ride the bench

    Reply
    • rct222

      9 years ago

      Agreed.

      Reply
  34. Stro-Show

    9 years ago

    He’s now starting 2nd baseman for the angels

    Reply
  35. bonquisha

    9 years ago

    I understand his POV.
    He was worth roughly 2 war, centainly not a world beater or all star. But he is clearly stater worthy, top 60 SS/2B (as in 30 teams 2 starters).
    I’d say he’s more in the 30-40 range, he’s decidedly average.
    24 hrs and is plus on defense at SS.
    If he doesn’t wanna ride the bench, and rather sacrifice clubhouse reputation in exchange for more ABs on another team that’s his perogative.

    If all of us here in the comments were pro players on the biggest stage, I’m sure some of us would also develop egos about being demoted. Defense and 24 hrs he has his merits.

    I’d be discouraged if I was a Nats fan though, not what I want to hear from my guys in terms of being team players. lol

    Seems like if I’m almost on a Nats blog with all the hate on his batting average. He’s really not that bad a player, if he can force himself on to another team and an extra 200 at bats that definitely has to help him if his wish comes true.

    Reply
  36. jlv3gem

    9 years ago

    He’s a bum. And chill with the sabermetrics. They mean nothing.

    Reply
  37. Logjammer D"Baggagecling

    9 years ago

    Does he even have spot to play in Anaheim? Simmons at short. No one special at third. And I doubt the Angels have pujols play 1st given hes gonna be 40 this year.

    Reply

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