Kebert-Lewis was poised to sign a reported 8-year/$50M extension with the Washington Nationals this weekend as soon as he saw the offer from the club. los angeles dodgers With the 2021 trade deadline, he made him their No. 1 catcher in his first full season in the majors last summer.
“I immediately said yes!” The 24-year-old catcher, who turns 25 in July, told reporters at a news conference in West Palm Beach on Saturday that he had announced a long-term contract extension. rice field.
“But we waited a bit. And I’m happy with this moment and everything. We have to move on and keep working hard.”
Lewis appeared in a total of 112 games in 2022, his first full season in the majors, appearing in 98 total games with a .251/.313/. 50 strikeouts, threw 20 of 71 potential stolen bases (CS% 28%), had a .992 fld%, and had seven errors during the season (3 defenders, 4 pitchers), 4 passed balls, and a -5 DRS (defensive runs defended) as a rookie.
He also “.. picked four runners at first base,” as the club noted in its review of the 2022 season, “with Elias Diaz of Colorado and (AL) Jose Trevino of New York and Major League Baseball. And he said, “In Nationals history with Brian Schneider in 2005 (2005-pres.) tied for the most four pickoffs in a single season.” .”
Although his season ended prematurely, he suffered a testicle contusion in early September that ended the year for the young catcher. [high] in [NL] A hit (5, 99), double (5, 22), and slugging (6, 29) catcher, he was rolling at bat when he was injured.300 (18-60) in his last 19 games, with 4 doubles, 1 homer, and 6 RBIs[s]6 walks, 1 stolen base, and 7 runs scored. [that] stretch. “
As impressed as they are with what Lewis currently has to offer, GM Mike Rizzo told reporters at a press conference that he’ll be gaining a little more experience he needs in the next few years. said he sees catchers still having an advantage.
“He’s a player who has proven at the minor league level that he’s one of the top prospects in the game,” explained Rizzo, seated to Lewis’ right and manager Davey Martinez to the catcher’s left. rice field.
Lewis will appear in late 2021 after a trade that sent Max Scherzer and Treya Turner to LA, with catcher, right-hander Josiah Gray, prospect Gerald Carrillo and minor league outfielder Donovan Casey. Received 4 leads for Lewis debuted for the Dodgers in his 2021 season, but he’s been DC’s daily receiver since the start of last season.
“We raised him early in his career. He was thrown into a situation with a strange city, a strange organization, a strange pitching staff. I thought he handled it very well last year. ‘ added Rizzo. “I think he went into leadership mode this winter and the offseason and spring training. And I think it’s important when you get players in the middle that they’re guys grow into leadership roles, and you can see that with Keevert.”
It’s not just his work behind the plate or his work with the bat in hand, but those skills are there too.
“Athletic as well. He’s a switch-hitting catcher, makes good contact, threw out a potential base stealer last year, and had a good season working with Davey. [Catching and Strategy Coach] Henry Blanco has a really hard time being a catcher every day, and it’s very difficult. “
“The character and composition alone gave me confidence that this would be a good move for the organization.”
His manager took a closer look at what the catcher had to offer last season and watched him grow and develop as the years went by.
Martínez said, “I’ve often mentioned that he’s grown up and matured a bit over the last year. .
“He’s very soft-spoken, but when he speaks he’s really good and what he says really makes sense.
“I’m really happy for him, I’m really happy for his family. We talk a lot about how we invest in players, but I think it’s kind of the opposite.” is investing in us for the long term and it means a lot.
After six seasons in the minors after signing with LA from Venezuela in 2014, Lewis was happy to play in the majors last season.
“It was my first experience playing in the big leagues, and if I can do that, I can do more than that,” Lewis said.
“I know I can do it. I have to work hard every day. The effort will pay off. First of all, I want to defend and then attack.
Learn more about Keibert Ruiz’s contract here. Perhaps if salaries were higher during free agency (if so?), it would be a creative deal to front-load it for more spending. https://t.co/CB7d1NHO1B
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) March 11, 2023
“If you can help the pitcher pitch five or six innings, you’ll do well and you’ll win the game.”
“Seven,” joked his manager. This means getting the starter to finish in 7 innings instead of his 5-6.
“Seven, eight,” Lewis said. “But yeah, that’s my goal this year. Make the pitcher look good and you know the bat is there.”
He has the long-term goal of winning the World Series and bringing another championship back to the capital, but he also understands that it’s a day-to-day effort and will stay focused on it.
“Step by step, season after season, doing my job every day, this team world seriesThat’s my goal as well,” Lewis said.
“I have worked my whole life for this moment and you just have to keep going. must contribute to the victory of
What’s the first thing he buys after signing a $50 million contract extension?
“Taco Bell,” Lewis joked. “Maybe I want to buy a house for my family, my mother and my father, to keep them safe.”
