Nationals outfielder Jesse Winker looking like his old self
After looking like he was on his way out of the league, Washington Nationals outfielder Jesse Winker has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball to begin the 2024 season.
An All-Star in 2021 as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, Winker had slashed .288/.385/.504 with 66 home runs and 190 RBI during his five-year tenure with the Reds.
After being traded to the Seattle Mariners before the 2022 season, he was downright terrible for the Mariners and eventually the Milwaukee Brewers the past two seasons.
The 30-year-old slashed .214/.337/.318 with 15 home runs and 76 RBI in 197 games played from 2022-23.
After his struggles, Winker agreed to a minor-league contract with the Nationals in February hoping to prove he still had what it took to play in the majors.
Earning a spot on the big league roster after a good spring, Winker is providing instant offense out of the gates this season.
In 16 games this season, he is slashing .373/.500/.608 with six doubles, two home runs, five RBI and two stolen bases while getting most of his playing time in left field. He's also shown a good eye at the plate, walking nine times.
While the season is still young, the early returns from Winker are promising.
Currently ranked fourth in MLB with his .373 batting average, he is also tied for fourth with his six doubles.
On a one-year deal, Winker could be a prime player to get dealt at the trade deadline to a contending team needing outfield help as the Nationals are still a few years away from competing. Or he could be a veteran they keep around for their young talent to learn from. Either way, he's providing some great value to the Nats.
One of the feel-good stories to begin the season, Winker is on pace for one of the best seasons in his major league career after being on the brink of not having a team to play for in 2024.
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