Washington Nationals trade David Freitas to Oakland Athletics for catcher Kurt Suzuki - MLB News
In a deal involving two catchers, the Washington Nationals have obtained an experienced Major Leaguer Kurt Suzuki while sending their Minor League prospect David Freitas to the Oakland Athletics. The trade underscores the injuries the Nationals' catchers
suffered in the season and the plan by the club to have all issues addressed before they play important games ahead.
The Nationals are currently the most successful side in the National League East Division, which also means that if they falter during the crucial phase of the season, their whole effort can be destroyed in a matter of days.
This calls for the meticulous handling of the affairs. Any area which can potentially become a cause of their downfall must be given proper attention in advance.
Therefore, the catcher Suzuki that they have acquired now is meant to keep the Nationals afloat even in the face of injuries occurring to the players. The club has already lost their catcher Ramos Wilson to injury, who has been replaced by Jesus Flores.
The fact Flores is also prone to injuries can be another reason that the Nationals considered fixing a potential loop-hole at this time.
Meanwhile, Washington’s manager Davey Johnson is quick to hail the latest move by the General Manager Mike Rizzo, believing that the catching department will be strengthened by it now.
Suzuki is enthusiastic about the idea of gloving the starters like Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg behind the plate for the Nationals. He wants to contribute as much as he can toward the Washington’s quest for winning the World Series.
"Obviously, I'm looking forward to the opportunity working with that pitching staff in Washington and doing whatever I can to help that team win and go to the World Series," Suzuki said.
Oakland’s General Manager Billy Beane is of the view that sending Kurt to the Nationals is better for him as he can have more playing time there.
"I think this will be good for Kurt," Beane said. "He gets a chance to play every day. And we get to show some commitment to Derek. It's probably best for both guys."
The Nationals will be looking forward to see Kurt helping the club offensively as well as defensively. Certainly, this will be a challenge for Kurt.
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