The Washington Nationals had some of the worst catching production in the big leagues last season, with players at that position combining for just a .209 average, 54 runs and 12 homers. Among would-be contenders, Washington might've had the greatest need at the position as this offseason began, and general manager Mike Rizzo moved quickly to fill it, signing catcher Kurt Suzuki to a two-year deal.
The Nationals had been one of the most aggressive bidders for Miami catcher J.T. Realmuto, who might've represented a tremendous upgrade at the position for Washington. But the Nationals reached a standoff with the Marlins in the asking price for Realmuto, after rejecting Miami's request for star outfield prospect Victor Robles, so they moved on. Other teams that have checked in with Miami on Realmuto are convinced that the Marlins will end up keeping the catcher through the winter, because of the extremely high asking price they've placed on the veteran.
The question is: Why would they keep him into the 2019 season?