Danny Espinosa’s eight-year run as part of the Washington Nationals organization is over.
Saturday night, they traded Espinosa to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for two right-handed pitchers, Austin Adams and Kyle McGowin.
Espinosa’s departure was not a surprise following the Nationals’ acquisition of outfielder Adam Eaton. Eaton pushes Trea Turner back to the infield to play his natural position of shortstop. Espinosa seemed unlikely to accept an utility role with team after stumping to be its starting shortstop and holding that position throughout last season.
He was an excellent fielder who could hit for power, but also often struck out. Espinosa averaged 173 strikeouts per 162 games played during seven seasons with the Nationals. He also had a woeful 2016 NLDS in which he hit .143 and struck out eight times in 14 at-bats.
Adams is a 25-year-old reliever who has a 3.75 ERA in 166 minor league appearances. He strikes out 11.6 batters per nine innings, but also walked 24 batters in 44 1/3 innings last season, which he spent the majority of with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers.
McGowin is a 25 year old who has a 4.77 ERA across four minor league levels in his career. He finished last season with Triple-A Salt Lake. His ERA was 6.11 there.
SEE ALSO: Adam Eaton is sure what kind of defensive player he is
The Nationals still need a backup infielder. They are interested in re-signing Stephen Drew, who had an .864 OPS last season in 143 at-bats and is a free agent. Wilmer Difo is also an option at that spot.
Turner was moved to center field midseason because the Nationals were in search of solving two issues: Turner’s bat was not in the lineup, and their center field play was poor. He learned the basics of the position while with Triple-A Syracuse before being recalled July 15 and remaining with the Nationals for the remainder of the season.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.