MLBTR Originals

Recapping this week’s original content from MLBTR…

• With the Nationals sorely lacking behind the plate, Kyle Downing examined potential catcher upgrades the team could acquire either via free agency or trade. The most enticing option is likely Marlins backstop J.T. Realmuto, who’d require a significant return in a deal. He’d be a vast improvement over the Nationals’ current starter, Matt Wieters, who endured a horrid season in 2017.
• There were three poll questions at MLBTR this week, with Jeff Todd encouraging readers in the first one to grade the Giants’ offseason thus far. As it looks to bounce back from an awful year, San Francisco has added a few highly respected, accomplished veterans in Evan Longoria, Andrew McCutchen and Austin Jackson this winter. The majority of voters are fairly impressed with what they’ve done. In poll No. 2, Steve Adams asked where then-free agent Lorenzo Cain would sign. Shortly after, he joined the Brewers, who received more votes than any other club. Lastly, I requested grades for the Brewers’ acqusitions of both Cain and fellow outfielder Christian Yelich. The Brew Crew did quite well to add both players, according to those who voted in the poll.