Uggla to Nationals on MiLB contract

[torts]

The Nationals have signed Dan Uggla to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training, the team announced (on Twitter). Uggla is a client of Turn 2 Sports Management.

 

The Nationals are plenty familiar with Uggla, who turns 35 in March, for a couple of reasons. He’s spent the bulk of his big league career in their division as a member of the Marlins and Braves, and additionally, GM Mike Rizzo drafted Uggla when he was the Diamondbacks’ scouting director back in 2001.

 

Clearly, Uggla’s five-year, $62MM contract extension with Atlanta didn’t pan out as the Braves had hoped. In fact, they’ll pay him $13MM this coming season after releasing him in the fourth year of his contract. Uggla’s bat significantly declined in 2013 and fell off even further in 2014. In total, he batted a mere .171/.291/.326 in 694 plate appearances over the life of those two seasons. While strikeouts have always been a problem for Uggla, his K-rate jumped to 31 percent in 2013-14, and his power vanished entirely in 2014 (two homers in 157 PA, .064 ISO).

 

The Nationals have some uncertainty at second base, as they’ll shift Anthony Rendon to third base full-time in 2015, with Ryan Zimmerman jumping to first base. That leaves Danny Espinosa, who has had offensive struggles of his own, and utility infielder Kevin Frandsen as the primary internal options at the keystone. And while Uggla’s name often invokes cynicism from fans, it’s tough to fault the Nats for taking a low-risk flier on a player that hit 30 or more homers each year from 2007-11 and has been roughly a league-average bat as recently as 2012.

[JohnBriggs12]

Count me in the group that thinks the Nationals will take a significant step backwards. I'm less than impressed with their offseason moves. I think the Marlins will overtake them.

[torts]

have they done anything to replace LaRoche's bat? I cant remember any other moves they've made off hand

[jjgott]

have they done anything to replace LaRoche's bat? I cant remember any other moves they've made off hand

 

Zimmerman is moving to first to replace LaRoche and Rendon will be the 3B. Surprised they didn't keep Asdrubal Cabrera around as he is an upgrade to Espinosa.

[bill hAll Star]

Since about 2011/2012 when Asdrubal's bat decided to cool off, he and Espinosa are close to a wash. I'd still probably take Cabrera but not for a price increase.

[reillymcshane]

Since about 2011/2012 when Asdrubal's bat decided to cool off, he and Espinosa are close to a wash. I'd still probably take Cabrera but not for a price increase.

Exactly. And you're going to have to commit to Cabrera for probably three years. Nats have a lot of quality players looking at free agency after 2015. Save the money for those guys - not mediocre guys like Cabrera.