Mike Rizzo Likes Nationals Options for Third Base, Including Prospect Carter Kieboom

January 11, 2020

The Washington Nationals are not ruling out landing free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson. However, general manager Mike Rizzo likes the club’s options that are already signed.

“We don’t see it as a hole. We see it as a strength,” Rizzo said during Winterfest, per Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports. “We’ve got versatility. Of course, you’re not going to replace or replicate Anthony Rendon, his numbers on the field, his presence in the clubhouse and the things he does in the community. But we’re going to be a different team. I think we’re going to be a very competitive team and our goal hasn’t changed. We’re here to win a World Series. That’s our focus.”

The Nationals re-signed Asdrubal Cabrera and Howie Kendrick and inked Starlin Castro and Eric Thames. Rizzo confirmed Cabrera and Castro will be options to compete and/or play at third base in lieu of the departure of Anthony Rendon, who signed with the Los Angeles Angels this winter.

Rizzo also threw in young prospect Carter Kieboom as an option at third base.

Kieboom, 21, is a natural shortstop, but with Trea Turner cemented there, Kieboom has played second base and some third base in the minors.

– Rizzo floated Carter Kieboom's name in the 3B discussion. He says that Kieboom is unproven as a major-league 3B, as we know, but they liked what they saw in a small sample size in the minors last year.

– Asdrúbal Cabrera and Starlin Castro are also options there.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) January 11, 2020

“It’s by design that we give our manager flexibility to do what he feels comfortable with that given day,” Rizzo said. “We needed about 48 players last year to win a world title. This thing takes a village. It takes depth. You have to have players that are willing to accept the challenge of being versatile and using multiple lineups.”

As Rizzo stated as the team is currently constructed, there is no way they can fully replace Rendon’s production.

Manager Davey Martinez did a great job towards the end of the season and in the postseason with mix and matching lineups through the flexibility he was given. Just like last season, he will have 162 games to figure it out.

Last season ended in a World Series title. And Rizzo is one of the best GM’s in MLB at finding gems with his available resources. If Donaldson doesn’t come to the Nationals, Rizzo appears to be confident in current makeup of the infield and at third base for Martinez to work with.