Headlines

  • Matt Carpenter Suffers Foot Fracture
  • Cubs To Release Jason Heyward At End Of Season
  • Cubs Claim Franmil Reyes From Guardians
  • Fernando Tatis Jr. To Begin Rehab Assignment
  • Rockies Claim Dinelson Lamet, Designate Ashton Goudeau
  • Cubs Release Andrelton Simmons
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2022
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

NL Notes: Nationals, Third Base, Coaching Announcements, Reds, Cubs

By TC Zencka | February 15, 2021 at 10:34am CDT

The Nationals have no qualms about Carter Kieboom as their starting third baseman despite an alarming lack of power, writes Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com. The 23-year-old has produced a meager .051 ISO over his first 165 plate appearances, including just a solitary double in 122 plate appearances in 2020. Kieboom hit 16 home runs in 2019 at Triple-A with a respectable .189 ISO, and Fangraphs gives him a 55-potential in-game power grade on a 20-80 scale. The Nationals believe the power will come. Luis Garcia, the Nats’ top offensive prospect after Kieboom, was rushed to the Majors in 2020, but he does not appear to be in serious consideration for an everyday role on the 2020 roster, notes Zuckerman. Starlin Castro enters camp as the starter at second base, while Josh Harrison lines up as the primary backup at all three non-first-base infield spots. The Nationals aren’t famous for boasting tremendous depth, though they do have non-roster invitees Jordy Mercer, Adrián Sanchez, and Hernán Pérez also in camp. Let’s check in on some coaching announcements in the National League…

  • Jose Moreno, the Manager of the Year in the Venezuelan Winter League this season, will take over as manager for the High-A Dayton Dragons in the Reds’ system, per the Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans (via Twitter) and a press release from Dayton. It will be Moreno’s second season with the Reds after spending 19 years in the Seattle Mariners’ organization. As the Dragons make the move from Low-A to High-A, they’ll do so with with Darren Bragg, Brian Garman, and Daryle Ward on Moreno’s staff as a development coach, pitching coach, and hitting coach, respectively. Ward returns as the Dragons hitting coach after serving in the same role with the club in 2016 and 2017. Garman, meanwhile, was hired for the 2020 season before the cancellation.
  • The Cubs announced their minor league coaches and coordinators for the 2021 season today. Among the additions, Dustin Kelly has taken over as minor league hitting coordinator after three seasons as a hitting coach in the Dodgers’ organization. He played three seasons in the minors after being drafted in 2004 by the Red Sox. Kelly replaces Chris Valaika, who was promoted to assistant hitting coach for the big league club, notes the Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma (via Twitter).
Share 0 Retweet 6 Send via email0

Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Notes Washington Nationals Winter League Carter Kieboom Daryle Ward Luis Garcia

Minor MLB Transactions: 2/15/2021
Main
Rockies Sign C.J. Cron To Minor League Contract
View Comments (35)

Comments

  1. ba2929

    1 year ago

    165 plate appearances lol

    Reply
    • Dunk Dunkington

      1 year ago

      Seriously. Lol

      Reply
    • DTDATL

      1 year ago

      Why the lol? He sucked miserably over those plate appearances. When you’re trying to return to being a contender, those numbers won’t cut it.

      Reply
      • Ducky Buckin Fent

        1 year ago

        I get it, @dtdatl –

        But, ya gotta give these guys a chance, man. When Aaron Judge came up in ’16, he struck out 42 times in 84(!) at bats. I was so onboard with trading him for Qintana.

        Ooof.
        That would have been disastrous. In a baseball sense, anyway.

        Reply
        • PeteWard8

          1 year ago

          Mike Schmidt had a rough start too.

      • goalieguy41

        1 year ago

        Says the guy whose never played pro ball

        Reply
      • Dunk Dunkington

        1 year ago

        So you think a 165 PA is enough to consider him a bust? Dang! That is harsh.

        Reply
      • SoxRewl

        1 year ago

        Mike trout had a disappointing start to his career. Dustin Pedroia another that comes to mind. I’m sure there are dozens I’m not thinking of.

        I think Kieboom will be fine, I feel he has a floor as a solid big league regular with some all star potential

        Reply
    • DarkSide830

      1 year ago

      still believe in the guy, but he has looked flat out miserable in those PAs. bordering on Brinson and Urias bad. (and some know how quickly i soured on them)

      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        1 year ago

        though i guess looking back at them now they arent quite as bad and did improve from 2019-2020.

        Reply
  2. Luc 2

    1 year ago

    I need Kieboom to be at least decent to help our offense Like 265 20hrs 875 rbi

    Reply
    • DTDATL

      1 year ago

      Well, he gets 875 rbi, he’ll be the MVP so that will help haha

      Reply
      • Luc 2

        1 year ago

        Im an idiot meant to put 75 rbi but 875 wouldnt be to shabby

        Reply
    • nats3256

      1 year ago

      I would love to see him get 875 rbi!!!!!

      Reply
      • believeitornot

        1 year ago

        That would be an all time record. More than five a game. I don’t see how they could lose a game if it happened.

        Reply
    • Cobe821

      1 year ago

      Any above average player can get 875 RBI, why not dream big?

      Reply
    • Bill M

      1 year ago

      Why stop at 875? He’s clearly capable of breaking 1,000.

      Reply
    • curlydub

      1 year ago

      875 kinda meager, need a least 1015 for playoff contention.

      Reply
    • carlote

      1 year ago

      Ok, 5 Rbis per game, no problem….

      Reply
  3. lordd99

    1 year ago

    Mike Schmidt hit .197 and slugged .360 in 1972/73 in nearly 150 games as a 22/23-year-old before realizing he was Michael Jack Schmidt, the greatest 3B’man in MLB history. Kieboom is a year younger and has barely 150 MLB ABs. No, he’s not Schmidt, but it’s waaaayy too early to be writing him off.

    Reply
    • RunDMC

      1 year ago

      Pass the Kool-Aid over here. You’ve sold me. I mean, “boom” is in his name. He is ordained to rake.

      Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      1 year ago

      Probably not a good idea to compare Kieboom to arguably the greatest 3rd baseman of all time, but I do agree with your point. Too early to give up on Kieboom, especially after the odd 2020 season.

      Reply
      • lordd99

        1 year ago

        True, but there’s two ways of looking at comparisons. Never compare anyone to an all-time great, or simply note that even some all-time greats have struggled at the start, so even mortal players can be allowed to struggle before giving up in them. Let’s see. Which struggling pitcher can I compare to Greg Maddox?!

        Reply
        • lordd99

          1 year ago

          Maddux. I still don’t know why the edit feature doesn’t exist on the mobile app.

        • VonPurpleHayes

          1 year ago

          Haha. The lack of edit on mobile kills me. I agree with your reply though. Good post.

    • jekporkins

      1 year ago

      Exactly. I’m a Giants fan and Joey Bart was brought up too soon last year and got 103 ABs. Now everyone is writing him off like he’s a bust.

      Reply
  4. solaris602

    1 year ago

    Nats are kinda stuck with Kieboom at 3B to start the season. No worthwhile options left on the market. They’d have to trade for a Bryant or (God forbid) Longoria at this point if Kieboom crashes and burns in the first half.

    Reply
    • believeitornot

      1 year ago

      There is always Jake Lamb.

      Reply
      • Armaments216

        1 year ago

        Still at least a half dozen decent unsigned veterans available with 3B experience. At least one will end up with an invitation from the Nationals to challenge Kieboom in spring training.

        Reply
  5. jediknight

    1 year ago

    If he gives you .250, double digit home runs and fields somewhere around league average, he would be a useful player and a starter.

    Reply
  6. Armaments216

    1 year ago

    Clever collection of topics in that headline – Nats, 3rd base, Reds, Cubs.

    Reply
  7. tim815

    1 year ago

    Are teams down to one DSL and AZL/GCL team? Or are just the Cubs being stupid?

    Reply
  8. Rsox

    1 year ago

    Hernan Perez should replace Wilmer Difo as the backup to the backup in Washington. Five bench spots and three already taken by Avila, Zimmerman, and Harrison, will the Nats keep an extra Infielder (who like Harrison, can also play corner OF) or carry two Outfielders? (Parra? Stevenson?)

    Reply
  9. Cubs GM

    1 year ago

    That Nats are kidding themselves if they believe Kieboom, Harrison and even other assorted casts of charectors like Castro are the answer at 3rd base. They need to make a bold move to keep up with Atlanta, NY Mets and the Phils. Maybe they are trying squeeze possible trade partners like the Cubs for Bryant and possibly the the Reds for Saurez. As the rosters stand now I have the Nats finishing 3rd behind Atlanta (1st) and the NY Mets (2nd) and therefore missing the playoffs.

    Reply
    • Natsman1

      1 year ago

      Wrong.

      You dont draft a 1st draft round pick, spend years developing him, and then make panicky judgements after 165 ab’s. Give the kid a 400 AB season and then decide. i swear, MLB teams would feast off of some of you GM’s who cut bait on stud prospects after a handful of games.

      Especially guys who were are rumored to have had a groin TEAR (not a pull) in 2020 as the team kept the injury quiet. Which explains his sudden lack of power and speed last year.

      Injury aside, Kieboom also needs to stop striking out and putting pressure on himself. With the return of Castro and the Bell-Scwarber signings, it tales some pressure off him.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Matt Carpenter Suffers Foot Fracture

    Cubs To Release Jason Heyward At End Of Season

    Cubs Claim Franmil Reyes From Guardians

    Fernando Tatis Jr. To Begin Rehab Assignment

    Rockies Claim Dinelson Lamet, Designate Ashton Goudeau

    Cubs Release Andrelton Simmons

    Alex Kirilloff To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

    Guardians Designate Franmil Reyes For Assignment

    Justin Verlander Reaches 130 Innings Pitched, Vests 2023 Player Option

    Red Sox Release Jackie Bradley Jr.

    Phillies Release Didi Gregorius

    Vin Scully Passes Away

    Padres Acquire Juan Soto, Josh Bell; C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Luke Voit Among Six Players Back To Nationals

    Braves To Acquire Raisel Iglesias

    Red Sox Acquire Eric Hosmer

    Blue Jays Acquire Whit Merrifield

    Yankees, Cardinals Swap Jordan Montgomery For Harrison Bader

    Mets To Acquire Mychal Givens

    Phillies Acquire Noah Syndergaard

    Twins Acquire Michael Fulmer From Tigers

    Recent

    A’s Notes: Langeliers, Honeywell, Rotation

    Matt Carpenter Suffers Foot Fracture

    Red Sox Notes: Deadline, Murphy, Payroll, Hosmer, Dalbec

    Yankees, Joey Gerber Agree To Minor League Deal

    The Mariners Shouldn’t Ignore The Free Agent Shortstop Market This Year

    Cubs To Release Jason Heyward At End Of Season

    Reds Planning To Select T.J. Zeuch

    Injury Notes: Gore, Bryant, Flaherty, Twins

    Dodgers Claim Rylan Bannon From Orioles

    Cubs Claim Franmil Reyes From Guardians

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Cubs Decline To Trade Contreras, Happ
    • Giants Keep Rodon, Pederson
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • MLB Player Chats
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2022
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version