Phillies infielder Josh Harrison (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals have signed infielder Josh Harrison
Despite featuring a pretty deep infield, the Washington Nationals have brought in reinforcements. The Nats already have the likes of Trea Turner, Starlin Castro, Asdrubal Cabrera, Eric Thames and Carter Kieboom to man the positions, but with the uncertainty of an MLB season during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no telling how much depth the World Series champs will need moving forward.
In comes Josh Harrison, who hasn’t been able to return to All-Star form since 2017 with the Pirates. This includes a short stint with the Tigers, and failing to make the Phillies big league roster in summer camp.
Where does Josh Harrison fit in on the Nationals?
Harrison is still just 33 years old, and if he’s finally healthy, can provide addition depth at a multitude of positions. At his best, Harrison played his way onto the field at PNC Park, as he was initially used as a super-utility player. By 2014, however, the Pirates were forced to played him nearly everyday thanks to a productive bat towards the top of the lineup.
Harrison slashed under the Mendoza line in 2019, hitting a rough .175 in Detroit in what proved to be one of the more disappointing moves of the Tigers’ rebuild thus far. On an affordable deal, however, he makes a lot of sense as a plus defender at both second, third and the outfield if called upon.
The Phillies couldn’t find a place for Harrison, but on a division rival and direct competitor in the National League, he can prove they gave up on him far too fast.