Nationals Could Be Closing In On Adam LaRoche

I have been a big proponent of the Nationals signing Adam LaRoche for quite some time, so I was pretty excited to see this post on MLB TradeRumors. While there isn’t any details yet, that is a fairly definitive statement by a veteran reporter. Also it makes a lot of sense. The Nationals were known to be targeting both Carlos Pena and Adam LaRoche. With Pena now signed with the Cubs, the Nationals need to move on LaRoche or be left with lesser options.

Now I know LaRoche won’t make fans forget about Adam Dunn, but he is better than most people give him credit for. No he won’t slug 35-40 HR’s, but 25-30 aren’t too shabby. He will likely post an OPS in the .825-850 range, and is known as a pretty good defensive first baseman. He also gives the Nationals a legit left handed power hitter to split up all the right-handed hitters in the lineup.

Hopefully the Nats can get this deal done soon, which could also help facilitate a Josh Willingham trade, since they will have a real first base option and won’t need to use either Willingham or Morse there. Likely the would deal for pitching though it could be for CF help or even a young 1B to replace LaRoche down the road. Either way a LaRoche signing makes the Nationals stronger, and combined with Werth allows them to move Willingham to further strengthen this team.

What do you guys think?