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Nationals Sign Kurt Suzuki

By Steve Adams | November 20, 2018 at 11:36am CDT

Nov. 20: The Nationals have formally announced Suzuki’s two-year deal.

Nov. 19, 11:10am: Suzuki’s contract is a two-year, $10MM deal that’ll pay him $4MM in 2019 and $6MM in 2020, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic tweets.

10:24am: The Nationals have agreed to a two-year contract with free-agent catcher Kurt Suzuki, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com (via Twitter). The deal is pending a physical. Suzuki is represented by the MVP Sports Group.

Kurt Suzuki | Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Long a sturdy option, the veteran Suzuki took his offensive game to new heights over the past couple of seasons, hitting at a .276/.341/.485 clip with 31 homers over the course of 697 plate appearances while sharing time with Tyler Flowers.

Unlike many players who experience a significant jump in power production, the 35-year-old Suzuki hasn’t simply “sold out” in terms of sacrificing his typically excellent contact rate for some additional pop. He’s fanned at just an 11.8 percent clip over the past two years — the ninth-lowest among all MLB hitters in that time (min. 600 plate appearances). Suzuki upped his hard-hit rate and homer-to-fly-ball ratio in significant fashion and will look to carry that improved production over to a return stint with the Nationals, for whom he played in 2012-13.

In Suzuki, the Nats will likely find an offensive upgrade over the production (or lack thereof) that they received from Matt Wieters over a previous two-year deal of his own. Getting some help behind the plate was imperative for the Nats, who saw Wieters and a slew of backup options combine to bat just .211/.290/.319 through 1259 plate appearances in 2017-18. Even with some regression in his bat — Nationals Park, notably, is not as hitter-friendly as SunTrust Park — Suzuki should be able to provide an uptick in offensive output at the position.

Defensively, Suzuki hasn’t generated the same level of results. His throwing improved with the Braves after a poor two-year stretch with Minnesota in that regard, but Suzuki’s 21.3 percent caught-stealing rate (25-for-117) over the past two seasons still checks in well below the league average of about 27.5 percent. To Suzuki’s credit, Baseball Prospectus has graded him among the best in the game at blocking pitches in the dirt over the past two seasons, but B-Pro has also rated his framing skills to be below-average in each season dating back to 2008.

It’s not yet clear if Suzuki will represent the Nationals’ sole addition at catcher. Solid as his bat was with the Braves, Suzuki averaged 85 games caught between the two seasons and hasn’t topped 100 games behind the dish since serving as the Twins’ primary backstop in 2015. Pedro Severino, Spencer Kieboom and Raudy Read represent the organization’s other three catching options on 40-man roster, and while any could conceivably serve as a backup to Suzuki, none has experienced big league success to date. Suzuki’s excellent production in 2017-18 should assure him of a prominent role in the Washington lineup, but the rest of the outfit still looks uncertain.

The addition of Suzuki is the third notable pickup in what has been an active offseason for Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and his front office. The Nats have already acquired righty Kyle Barraclough from the Marlins in exchange for international bonus allotments, and Washington also rolled the dice on a one-year deal with former Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal, who’ll be returning from Tommy John surgery in 2019. Of course, the biggest question surrounding the Nats will be whether they retain former NL MVP Bryce Harper in free agency or if they let him sign with another organization. Certainly, the money promised to Suzuki on this new contract won’t stand as any real impediment to those efforts, but the Nats have holes to fill in the rotation and possibly at second base, as well.

As for the Braves, they won’t receive compensation for the loss of Suzuki, and they’ll now have to watch the former fan and clubhouse favorite suit up for one of their top division rivals. Atlanta already extended Flowers through the 2019 season, but it seems quite likely that they’ll be adding a catcher of some note to step up and handle a significant chunk  — if not the vast majority — of playing time for the 2019 season.

Suzuki checked in 46th on MLBTR’s ranking of the Top 50 free agents this offseason, with an estimated two-year pact worth a total of $8MM. In our corresponding Free Agent Prediction Contest, just 3.87 percent of respondents correctly guessed that he’d return to the Nats.

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Kurt Suzuki Newsstand Transactions Washington Nationals

Projecting Payrolls: Los Angeles Angels
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Diamondbacks Outright Braden Shipley, Artie Lewicki
125 comments
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Comments

  1. txtgab

    2 years ago

    0-1

    19 Like
    Reply
    • nawx

      2 years ago

      haha same

      5 Like
      Reply
    • acarneglia

      2 years ago

      Ugh same. I picked the Braves

      4 Like
      Reply
      • Rbase

        2 years ago

        Yep, had them too. Now I wonder where the Braves will go…

        Like
        Reply
        • DarkSide830

          2 years ago

          I’m felling Maldonado to the Braves for some reason.

          Like
          Reply
        • Chewbacca

          2 years ago

          I picked Maldonado for the Braves too

          Like
          Reply
        • sufferfortribe

          2 years ago

          Trade with Cleveland?

          1 Like
          Reply
        • 54scooterb54scooterb

          2 years ago

          Could there be a fit on a Corey Kluber, Yan Gomes trade?

          I had Suzuki signing with Arizona. 0-1

          Like
          Reply
      • TheBoatmen

        2 years ago

        0-2 really because the catcher I thought would go to the Nats obviously is not.

        10 Like
        Reply
      • Michael Talarico

        2 years ago

        I thought about the Braves too tbh, but when you look at their other needs this offseason, you can clearly tell where they’ll be throwing most of their money(pitching).

        Like
        Reply
        • RunDMCRunDMC

          2 years ago

          That’s not clear at all because AA overpaying TOR pitching is the reason they’ve invested so heavily in high-ceiling pitching. I would see them overpaying in prospects more than overpaying in dollars.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • bigkempin

          2 years ago

          And which pitchers did AA overpay for? AA made some odd trades but he didn’t overpay in FA for pitchers. You could argue that Dickey was overpaid but he stayed healthy and ended up with decent results. Same goes for Buerhle

          Like
          Reply
        • TrimReaper

          2 years ago

          Overvalue, but not overpay.

          Like
          Reply
    • ScottRC

      2 years ago

      I had Milwaukee

      Like
      Reply
    • Michael Chaney

      2 years ago

      I picked the Braves and had Ramos going back to the Nationals so I’m likely 0-2 now

      5 Like
      Reply
      • MWeller77

        2 years ago

        Lol…I had Grandal to the Nats so I’m in the same boat. I wonder if “getting all the catchers right” will be the key to winning?

        3 Like
        Reply
        • Michael Chaney

          2 years ago

          I picked the Astros getting Grandal, but yeah at this point the catchers are probably the key just because if a team gets one they probably won’t get another

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Pads Fans

          2 years ago

          Grandal may still go to the Nats. Suzuki is a backup catcher. He is going to be sharing time with someone who gets close to 90 starts while Suzuki gets his 70-74 starts.

          Like
          Reply
      • scottstots

        2 years ago

        same

        Like
        Reply
    • strostro

      2 years ago

      I had Mariners for some reason

      Like
      Reply
    • DarkSide830

      2 years ago

      Dang, really thought A’s were the go here. Wrong former team.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • sacball

        2 years ago

        same…I think the A’s are strictly looking for a one year contract to ease Murphy into the picture.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • bluemoonpoongoon

          2 years ago

          Yeah he would have been a great fit. Im Hoping for Maldonaldo personally

          Like
          Reply
        • Ruff Kuntry

          2 years ago

          I’m hoping for Maldonaldo too. He would bring a lot of valuable insight playing with the angels and astros. He also was teammates with Khris Davis.

          Like
          Reply
      • Ruff Kuntry

        2 years ago

        Don’t worry, the Nats will trade him to the A’s mid season. Again.

        1 Like
        Reply
    • iverbure

      2 years ago

      I can’t remember where I had Suzuki going. Is there somewhere where I can see who I picked to go where again.

      Like
      Reply
      • turner9

        2 years ago

        They should have sent u an email with your picks

        1 Like
        Reply
    • EndinStealth

      2 years ago

      Probably means I’ll be 0-2. I had Grandal going to Nats.

      Like
      Reply
  2. bronxbombers99

    2 years ago

    Free agents picks not going good so far

    4 Like
    Reply
  3. Kenleyfornia74

    2 years ago

    They couldn’t announce this 12 hours ago and give everyone a freebie

    10 Like
    Reply
    • Michael Chaney

      2 years ago

      On the bright side since everyone else got it wrong it doesn’t make as much of a difference

      2 Like
      Reply
      • xabial

        2 years ago

        Speak for yourself and everyone else. ;P

        Since waited 100+ posts to correct false info, gonna get ripped for ‘bragging’ now

        1 Like
        Reply
  4. southi

    2 years ago

    Not surprising that Suzuki signs with a former team. As a Braves fan I’ll miss his bat, but not his time behind the dish. Of course there are far worse options.

    Like
    Reply
    • Sid BreamSid Bream

      2 years ago

      “I’ll miss his bat, but not his time behind the dish”

      Go and look at Foltynewicz ERA when Suzuki caught him as opposed to when Flowers caught him. Irrespective of what all the ‘experts’ say about pitch framing and the like, I prefer a catcher than can hit a bit.

      Flowers had 5 more PB than Suzuki, and there is only a 4% difference in caught stealing percentage, Suzuki 19%, Flowers 23%, Flowers stats are also down in OBP, OPS, and SLG. Suzuki is the better player, regardless of his 3 year age difference.

      Sean Newcomb, Era when he pitches to Suzuki 3.24-when he pitches to Flowers ERA 4.60, .228 Ba with Suzuki and with Flowers .245 and 19 home runs conceded as opposed to 8 with Suzuki catching and only +20 innings pitched difference with Flowers catching.

      Suzuki is a big loss to the Braves.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Pads Fans

        2 years ago

        Ok, let’s look at Folty’s numbers.

        Over the past two seasons, Folty walked a higher percentage 67/641 vs 52/576 or 10.5% vs 9.0% and struck out a lower percentage 165/641 or 25.7% with Suzuki behind the plate vs 161/576 or 27.95% with Flowers behind the plate.

        Folty gave up 76 runs in 167 2/3 IP for a 4.08 ERA with Suzuki behind the plate and 63 in 152 2/3 IP for a 3.71 ERA with Flowers behind the plate.

        Flowers superior pitch framing is evident in those numbers. It’s not close.

        Like
        Reply
        • Samuel

          2 years ago

          I don’t think the way pitch framing statistics are calculated is what you think it is.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Samuel

          2 years ago

          lol

          Pads Fans;

          If Flowers is a better pitch framer, and pitch framing is so evident and so effective, then why did Newcomb have better results with Suzuki then Flowers?

          And I keep asking…….where are the stats of how many strikes were called balls?

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Rex Block

          2 years ago

          Suzuki calls a better game. That’s his inside trade skill. Pitch framing only gets you so far.

          2 Like
          Reply
  5. Christian Larsen

    2 years ago

    Would’ve liked to see another term with the A’s

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Waitings The Hardest Part

      2 years ago

      That’s what I thought as I dont see the A’s as suitors for grandal or ramos figured Suzuki was a great idea.

      Like
      Reply
  6. ksbywaino

    2 years ago

    Aye 1-1 so far

    Like
    Reply
    • MWeller77

      2 years ago

      You appear to be the leader early on

      2 Like
      Reply
  7. JDGoat

    2 years ago

    Stupid Nationals you couldn’t do this yesterday and give us a freebie?

    2 Like
    Reply
    • TrimReaper

      2 years ago

      How dare they not consider your feelings.

      Like
      Reply
  8. johnny53811

    2 years ago

    I picked the Mariners… I didn’t know the Nats were gonna be cheap. I thought they’d get JT but I guess the price was too high

    2 Like
    Reply
    • Slipknot37

      2 years ago

      Me too. Looks like the mariners Will get some other free agent catcher though

      2 Like
      Reply
      • Christian Larsen

        2 years ago

        Lucroy, Chirinos, Wieters, or Maldonado now

        Like
        Reply
    • southi

      2 years ago

      Yeah I picked the Mariners too as the destination for Suzuki.

      Like
      Reply
    • strostro

      2 years ago

      Same I did mariners

      Like
      Reply
  9. ScottRC

    2 years ago

    Dammit! 0-1

    Like
    Reply
  10. Michael Talarico

    2 years ago

    Wow, not a bad signing by the Nats at all. Sure he maybe 35-36, but he still has great hitting and defensive attributes to go along with him. However, I honestly predicted the Oakland A’s would sign him since they also need a catcher and had some good years with Suzuki. The Nats would sign Yasmani Grandal to plug in at catcher.

    1 Like
    Reply
  11. raytown17

    2 years ago

    Would’ve been a nice acquisition for the Yankees

    Like
    Reply
    • Waitings The Hardest Part

      2 years ago

      You picked the yankees signing all top 50 free agents didnt you.

      10 Like
      Reply
      • Knowthemarket

        2 years ago

        Well, that does mean he will get 1 or 2 right. =}

        1 Like
        Reply
  12. Samuel

    2 years ago

    Kurt’s happy. Teammates are happy. Nationals fans are very happy.

    Yes, his defense is not good. But he’s always called games and handled pitchers well – which is the major responsibility of a catcher. He’s experienced, which is worth a lot.

    Now get him a platoon partner. Very few can handle the wear and tear of catching full-time anymore. The Braves were smart to use Kurt and Flowers in tandem. The Indians do a similar thing with Gomes and Perez. Keeps the catchers fresh – if one is injured for a few weeks, the other plays full-time. The pitchers don’t have to learn to work with a guy from Triple-A.

    4 Like
    Reply
    • Waitings The Hardest Part

      2 years ago

      Mlbtr free agent prediction contestants are not happy.

      4 Like
      Reply
  13. nelsonj6

    2 years ago

    Hate to see him go to the bad guys.

    1 Like
    Reply
  14. rycm131

    2 years ago

    Stud!

    Like
    Reply
  15. Senioreditor

    2 years ago

    Grandal just lost a lot of money. One of the big suitors is out. Maybe a return to LA?

    Like
    Reply
    • Waitings The Hardest Part

      2 years ago

      Mariners*

      Like
      Reply
    • DarkSide830

      2 years ago

      Yeah, I picked Yas to the Nats

      1 Like
      Reply
      • downsr30

        2 years ago

        I’ve got Grandal to the Mets

        Like
        Reply
        • DarkSide830

          2 years ago

          Mets need a catcher, but so do a lot of teams. I picked only Brach to the Mets

          Like
          Reply
        • downsr30

          2 years ago

          I gave them Kimbrel, Ramos, Maldanado, Kelly and Justin Wilson.

          Figured I’d get at least two of them right:)

          Like
          Reply
  16. Royalsfan12

    2 years ago

    Damnit, I picked that Angels

    Like
    Reply
  17. Michael Talarico

    2 years ago

    About time the Nats replaced Wieters. The guy was a walking disaster for the team. The Nats letting Wilson Ramos walk in the 2016 offseason was one of the dumbest moves they’ve made as a franchise. Especially when you consider game 5 of the 2017 NLDS. Where Wieters made defensive errors,that practically along with the pitching, cost them the game.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Rex Block

      2 years ago

      Ramos was hurt bad at the end of 2016 and would not have been ready for 2017. He didn’t start for the Rays until June that year. The Nats had to move on.

      Wieters, on paper, was a solid deal. Career 256 / 318 / 421 for the Orioles, 2016 All-Star rep, good replacement for the injured Ramos, no? But alas, they don’t play games on paper, and when the season was underway, it was obvious he was not going to cut it.

      Like
      Reply
    • Rex Block

      2 years ago

      One other item regarding that 2017 Game 5, Wieters knew the rule for interference and tried to argue it to the HPU, but Dusty didn’t come out of the dugout to back him up. IMO Dusty lost that game by not forcing the crew to apply the correct rule.

      Like
      Reply
  18. Waitings The Hardest Part

    2 years ago

    Darn had athletics reunion.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • DarkSide830

      2 years ago

      I figured A’s or Braves was a lock.

      Like
      Reply
  19. c1234

    2 years ago

    I had the mets

    Like
    Reply
  20. HalosHeavenJJ

    2 years ago

    Would’ve been a nice signing for the Angels who got no offense from catcher last year.

    Like
    Reply
  21. beardedface_killah

    2 years ago

    I like Suzuki. Great bench player.

    1 Like
    Reply
  22. Steve Adams

    2 years ago

    For those lamenting the miss in the Free Agent Prediction Contest, you’re far from alone! We don’t have the leaderboard functionality fully developed yet, but I went into the back end and quickly was able to tabulate the number of contestants who correctly guessed Suzuki: 3.87 percent.

    Added a note to the end of the post, and will try to do so throughout the winter with these signings to add some context.

    11 Like
    Reply
    • DarkSide830

      2 years ago

      Thanks Steve!

      Like
      Reply
    • Waitings The Hardest Part

      2 years ago

      Lol 1 out of every 25 people lol. Please do a prediction percentage piece of all top 50 at the end. Please.

      Like
      Reply
    • batty

      2 years ago

      Sadly, i never got my email from MLBTR for my picks. I know i didn’t have Suzuki going to the Nats, but i could have at least looked at it and cussed thoroughly.

      Like
      Reply
      • Steve Adams

        2 years ago

        Your picks were submitted. I just searched for your email address in the results, and they’re in there. You did have Suzuki going to the Angels, so you’re correct that you could look and cuss thoroughly, ha.

        I’m not sure why Google didn’t send you a confirmation that your picks were submitted. Mine was auto-generated, as were the others from our team. Maybe check your Spam filter? They could’ve gotten stuck in there, I suppose.

        At any rate, if you don’t have them, I can send you a rundown of your picks.

        4 Like
        Reply
        • batty

          2 years ago

          I did check both spam and every other processed meat folder in my email. Unfortunately, no luck.

          I’d very much appreciate your sending me my picks rundown.

          Thanks, Steve!

          Like
          Reply
        • Steve Adams

          2 years ago

          Sent them to the email you have associated with your account here. Hopefully that helps!

          4 Like
          Reply
        • batty

          2 years ago

          That did the trick!You are a gentleman & scholar, Steve. Much appreciated.

          Like
          Reply
  23. lefty177

    2 years ago

    Yes! I’m 1-for-1! Now I’m gonna go 0-for-49 for the rest

    3 Like
    Reply
  24. Wolf Hoffmann

    2 years ago

    2-0 so far. I don’t really need the money so when I win I am going to donate half to the local animal shelter and the other half to Wound Warriors.

    3 Like
    Reply
    • baseball1600

      2 years ago

      I’m giving half of mine to Slevin and half of mine to Xabial. The 2 reasons why I’m still on this page.

      Like
      Reply
      • xabial

        2 years ago

        Need the money to pay rent, living in ur head 24/7

        1 Like
        Reply
  25. mmarinersfan

    2 years ago

    Anyone who chose the nationals didn’t actually mean to choose them don’t give me that.
    Should be a good signing. At least an offensive improvement but I don’t think this doesn’t put them out of the Ramos/Grandal market,though.

    Like
    Reply
  26. bravesfan

    2 years ago

    Good for him. I don’t think he’ll maintain but he’s been playing at a different lvl, so who knows

    Like
    Reply
  27. antsmith7

    2 years ago

    The off-season has begun!

    Like
    Reply
  28. jakethesnizake

    2 years ago

    What a nothing move. This guy is a jagoff.

    Can we please start seeing some actual real players sign/move? Sheesh.

    Last season’s pace was unbearable and this one is shaping up to be similar. I won’t be the least bit surprised if guys like Harper don’t sign until mid January.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • baseball1600

      2 years ago

      Naw man Harper already signed a 1 year deal with the Nationals to boost his stock, the guy in the Giants thread said he knew it for a fact.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • c1234

        2 years ago

        He could also hurt his stock, I would say he doesn’t do a 1 year deal.

        Like
        Reply
  29. fs54

    2 years ago

    I think Nationals still need a catcher that can handle good chunk of games. Suzuki started about 70-80 games last two seasons. I hope they aren’t planning for him to be primary.

    Like
    Reply
    • jakethesnizake

      2 years ago

      Suzuki is a turd. Never liked the guy.

      Like
      Reply
      • MWeller77

        2 years ago

        Clearly someone lost the election to be Kurt Suzuki Fan Club Prez

        Like
        Reply
  30. MJ

    2 years ago

    Braves gonna run al over this guy with the speed we have

    I loved Kurt so not knocking him but he won’t throw anyone out and Atlanta has a lot of guys who can steal now so there’s a silver lining to Nats picking him up when we play them

    1 Like
    Reply
    • MarlinsFanBase

      2 years ago

      Sour grapes sometimes do make for a good whine.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • southi

      2 years ago

      Yeah I thought about the Braves baserunners should like this. The only thing is Suzuki murders fastballs inside. Most of Atlanta’s pitchers don’t posses enough control to sneak a heater past him.

      Like
      Reply
    • dcrising

      2 years ago

      Yea, but Trea Turner, Victor Robles and Michael Taylor will single-handedly have more steals than the entire Braves regardless of whose back there for them.

      Like
      Reply
  31. MJ

    2 years ago

    Also Grandal to Braves for those who missed on the FA prediction contest

    Like
    Reply
  32. gofishgofish

    2 years ago

    Oakland here

    Like
    Reply
  33. jboll74

    2 years ago

    0-1 , On the Road to 0-50

    Like
    Reply
  34. MarlinsFanBase

    2 years ago

    One team out of the JT Realmuto sweepstakes; one team now more desperate as they lose their catcher. Not that this matters because the Marlins aren’t likely to trade Realmuto to a division rival any way, unless one of them empties out the farm to where the Marlins can’t pass it up.

    With regard to the other non-NL East teams, this means one less catching option on the market, as JT remains available for the right prospect haul.

    Like
    Reply
  35. Jake

    2 years ago

    Damnit i had Suzuki to the marlins wrong NL East team, i didnt give the nationals a catcher for some reason so im not automatically 0-2.

    Like
    Reply
    • MarlinsFanBase

      2 years ago

      He couldn’t take the gamble of signing with them, when there is a chance that nobody meets the Marlins’ demands for JT. On top of that, Suzuki is a bit better and in a part of his career, where his only option would be a rebuilding team that is looking to keep payroll down until they can compete again.

      Like
      Reply
      • BasedBallGuru

        2 years ago

        Suzuki has the 3rd highest wRC+ of all catchers over the last 2 seasons with at least 500 AB’s along ; Tied with Realmuto and just behind Posey and Ramos by 2 points. I dont know who you’re referring to as only being an option for cheap rebuilding teams, but Suzuki has been a great hitter who can be a very good secondary catcher and Bench bat or a decent starter.

        3 Like
        Reply
        • MarlinsFanBase

          2 years ago

          OK, I may have miswrote that or not clear enough. I was pointing out that Suzuki is a bit good and in a point in his career where he wouldn’t be signing with the Marlins in their current situation because they wouldn’t be his only option, which is the case for any catcher that signs with them at this point. Essentially it would be a guy that has not very many options/offers, which isn’t the case for Suzuki who has multiple options from contending teams (a lot of the teams that are currently looking into Realmuto).

          Like
          Reply
  36. Dylan

    2 years ago

    Damnit, I picked the Angels

    Like
    Reply
  37. tomv824

    2 years ago

    This means the cost for Realmuto and Grandal is too high. I doubt the Nats would put this kind of money up for a backup if they had other intentions.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • MarlinsFanBase

      2 years ago

      Suzuki makes more sense financially than Grandal. As for Realmuto, it does point to the asking price that the Marlins are asking. If it’s high for non-NL East teams and AL teams, you can imagine the price tag for NL East team for Realmuto is astronomical, and farm depleting. Braves would do themselves a favor by looking elsewhere very fast before they are out of other options, unless they are willing to empty out the farm for Realmuto.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • Knowthemarket

        2 years ago

        The Marlins have already said they would prefer not to trade with division rivals. So the Braves would really have to wow them.

        Like
        Reply
        • Braveslifer

          2 years ago

          I don’t think we will meet their asking price.
          As far as Zuk going to the Nationals, seems like a lot of money for someone on the wrong side of 30 as a catcher. I don’t see his production trending better…

          Like
          Reply
  38. seth3120

    2 years ago

    I like the deal with his current production maybe even with a little regression but he is 35.

    2 Like
    Reply
  39. to4

    2 years ago

    If I was Harper, I would take the offer the Nats gave him. I doubt he gets it any better.

    Like
    Reply
    • BobSacamano

      2 years ago

      I agree..especially if more contracts like these appear. Solid sign for the Nats

      Like
      Reply
    • Pads Fans

      2 years ago

      Congratulations! You win dumb comment of the thread. It was a heavy competition, but your comment wins the prize.

      Like
      Reply
  40. Papabueno

    2 years ago

    Not the former Nats catcher reunion I was looking for (wanted Ramos to return), but this is still an upgrade over Weiters, at a $10M savings. S Kieboom or Raudy Reed could be the other half of the platoon. Nats need to say bye-bye to Bryce and turn their attention to pitching.

    2 Like
    Reply
  41. i hate my father

    2 years ago

    Glad to know we are all still tied in FA contest. Lol

    Like
    Reply
  42. andrewgauldin

    2 years ago

    This is dirt cheap for a fringe starter.

    Like
    Reply
  43. R.D.

    2 years ago

    I assume this means the braves wouldn’t offer him 2 years.

    I hate catchers going to division rivals because they gain a greater unserstanding of the former teams pitching staff.

    I hope jt and zook being no gos puts a fire under aa’s ass to get yasmani.

    2 Like
    Reply
  44. Pads Fans

    2 years ago

    Nats signed a backup catcher. Now who are they going to get to be the starter?

    1 Like
    Reply
    • ZGDC

      2 years ago

      I thought the same at first, but if you look at Suzuki’s recent stats and projections he’s a starting-caliber catcher. A combo of Kieboom, Severino, and Read can back him up.

      (Suzuki has a 1.6 projected WAR for 2019 and .743 OPS, not bad hitting for a catcher)

      His defense is questionable for sure, though.

      2 Like
      Reply
  45. ThatBallwasBryzzoed

    2 years ago

    How is this dude still getting contracts? He’s at best a below average catcher. And an average hitter. I guess he able to handle a pitching staff that’s the only explanation

    Like
    Reply
    • Papabueno

      2 years ago

      Actually, among catchers with at least 300 ABs last season, he ranked 4th.

      2 Like
      Reply
  46. natsfan1066

    2 years ago

    I had this one right. Expected the Nats to go for Kurt or the Buffalo. Both have caught our pitchers before. Look for them to add another backstop as well perhaps Ramos. Kurt isn’t an everyday catcher anymore, but I’m sure glad he’s back on the Nats.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • Papabueno

      2 years ago

      Suzuki didn’t come here, for $4M-$6M to be a backup. Nats need to spend serious dollars on the rotation. Backup catcher will likely be one of our minor league guys (Kieboom, Read, or Severino), or an older vet on the back end of his career.

      1 Like
      Reply

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