Volume 1 Issue 5

I apologize for not sending out my reporter's notes over the past few days. I took the opportunity to spend some quality time with my wife before the start of the season.

Now, I'm back and fully prepared to cover the remainder of Spring Training and dive into the 2024 MLB season with you.

In today’s Reporters Notebook, I am going to take a look at position battle that is shaping up at Centerfield for the Nationals.

Before I start two quick housekeeping items:

1. Don't forget to subscribe to the Morning Briefing, where we provide the latest headlines, analysis, and much more every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until the start of the season. Once the 2024 season kicks off, we'll be delivering updates every morning.
2. An important note: During the 2024 season, my reporter's notebook will be exclusive to paid subscribers of the Nats Report. If you're enjoying the valuable insights from my Reporter's Notebook during Spring Training and wish to delve deeper with me during the season, be sure to subscribe today!

Position Battle: Robles vs the New Guys

One of the intriguing narratives emerging from this year's spring training revolves around the Nationals' promising prospects and their potential inclusion in the team, particularly considering the composition of the opening-day 40-man roster. A particular focus for me is the outfield, specifically the center-field position, and the decisions the Nationals will make regarding Victor Robles.

Robles has been the Nationals' starting centerfielder since his debut in 2019; however, a change in this role is plausible for the upcoming 2024 season. According to MASN's Mark Zuckerman, manager Dave Martinez recently informed reporters about a "battle" between Robles and 24-year-old rookie Jacob Young for the starting center field position.

Martinez acknowledged that Robles holds "a little bit of an upper hand" entering camp. An intriguing perspective, presented by the folks at Talk Nats, suggests that Robles might secure the opening day starter position due to his $2.65 million deal, whereas Young is on a minimum player contract. In a scenario where both players are healthy, Robles could have the edge as the team aims to showcase him and potentially trade him during the season, considering it is his final year under team control before reaching free agency.

Despite spending a significant portion of the 2023 season on the injured list due to back issues, Robles showed improvement, delivering a solid .299/.385/.364 performance in just 126 plate appearances. On the other hand, Jacob Young displayed a commendable performance in his 33-game stint in the majors last year, achieving a respectable .252/.322/.336 in 122 plate appearances.

As the competition for the center-field spot unfolds, it raises the question of whether there might be another prospect or player, like Dylan Crews, who could impact Robles' quest to regain the position in the upcoming season.

Should Victor Robles make the Opening Day Roster?

Nationals to kick off Spring Training Games on Saturday, February 24

Well after a long, cold and slow winter baseball is going to be played this Saturday! Sounds like a lot of fun right?

The Nationals begin their 2024 Spring Training schedule on February 24th at home against the Astros! LET’s GO!!

You watch the first Spring Training game via NATS.com and then the first televised Nationals Spring Training game will be on February 28th at 1:05 p.m. as the Nationals face the Boston Red Sox.

The first radio broadcasted Spring Training game will be on Sunday, February 25th at 1:10 p.m. as the Nationals face the Miami Marlins.

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