While the Washington Nationals remain in the Josh Donaldson sweepstakes, the World Series champions are adding elsewhere in their infield. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Nationals have agreed to a deal with Starlin Castro. Castro is expected to play second base.
The Nationals were left with a hole at third base with Anthony Rendon signing with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Additionally they have a hole at second base.
Top-prospect Carter Kieboom may not be ready to man second base on a full-time basis, so the Nationals add the veteran Castro.
Last season Brian Dozier started 114 games at second base, hitting .238/.340/.430 with 20 home runs and 50 runs batted in. Dozier is now a free agent and at the tail end of his career.
The Nationals are hoping are hoping Castro can have a bit more magic than Dozier did.
Castro, 29, spent last two seasons with the Miami Marlins. He started 115 games at second base for the woeful Marlins in 2019. He hit .270/.300/.436 with 22 home runs and 86 runs batted in.
Castro also adds versatility in case Kieboom does indeed get called up. Castro played 45 games at third base last season and has played 850 games at shortstop throughout his career.
