Outfield Help Needed

The Nationals NEED an outfielder. No one seems to think this is a pressing issue but I think it's one of their three major needs, the others being closer and, of course, a catcher.

Many people just say they should roll with the punches with Jayson Werth being an everyday player. I agree that Werth has proved himself time and again that he can still produce as he ages and should be respected as an everyday player. However, his injury history isn't questionable. If you're being realistic, you can expect anywhere from 80 to 120 games next year. I'd prefer to not leave up to half a season with a bench player playing everyday in the outfield. Adding another outfielder gives you the luxury of having Werth serve as either a 4th outfielder or, more likely, an everyday one when healthy and Dusty can use the versatility of some players (a la, Trea Turner) to switch the lineup around and keep everyone fresh.

This is why I want Ian Desmond back. In case you lived under a rock last year, Desmond followed up a terrible first month of the season with 5 months of All-Star baseball. Not to mention the defensive stats love him as a CF. This move makes the most sense; he has a playing history with the Nats, he can play CF or SS, allowing Werth to still play when healthy, and he can add pop to either the top or the bottom of the order. One bad season in DC shouldn't blind Rizzo or us as fans to how good Desmond has consistently been throughout his career. Although he's a streaky hitter, he can completely carry a team when he's on which is what you saw this year in Texas.

Yoenis Cespedes is obviously another top target the Nats can (and I think will) go for. If you believe the reports, he almost signed with DC last offseason before coming back to the Mets on a one year deal. All he did was hit .280 with 31 HRs and 86 RBI. He's a quality, consistent power hitter who can ideally play any outfield position. He's not gonna be cheap but considering the Nats threw a lot of money at players last offseason before coming up empty on Zobrist and Heyward, I have reason to believe that not only do they have lots of money left in the bank, but the Lerners appear to be willing to open up the check book for a few big deals. If Cespedes happens, I see Turner moving back to SS and having an OF of Werth/Harper/Cespedes left to right (although Cespedes and Harper will probably switch between CF and RF). This allows Espinosa to become exactly what he should be: a solid third middle infielder with some pop off the bench and who can make a solid defensive play late in the game. This would be a great situation to be in.

Personally, my money is on Cespedes specifically because I believe the Lerners want to make a splash and robbing another key performer from your biggest rival is a good way to do it. Either move is great with me, I'm just hoping one of those two happens.