Nationals Add Matt Wieters on Two Year Deal

The Nationals addressed one of their most glaring needs by adding star catcher Matt Wieters on a two year contract. Wieters won't have to travel far, having played the past eight seasons in Baltimore. Before signing Wieters, the Nationals were set to have Derek Norris catch, with some combination of Jose Lobaton, Pedro Severino, and Spencer Kieboom backing him up. Throwing Wieters into the mix certainly changes that discussion, as he will likely take over as the every day catcher. However, Norris is superior defensively, and it is not hard to envision Norris getting regular starts while Wieters spells Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Lind at first base. Between the four of them, the Nats should always have some nice power coming from the lower part of their lineup. Wieters, who hit over 20 home runs in three straight seasons from 2011-2013, is unlikely to put up huge numbers, but he is certainly an upgrade to Norris at the plate and he won't be a liability in the lineup. His 2016 season was just about what we can expect out of him this coming season, as he hit .243 with 17 home runs and 17 doubles over 124 games. His best season came back in 2011, before injuries began to take their toll, as he hit .262 with 22 home runs and 28 doubles over 139 games. For his career, the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket has 117 home runs, 157 doubles, and a .256 batting average over 882 games, all with the Orioles.