Mike Rizzo finds speedy leadoff hitter in trade for Ben Revere

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo was serious about adding a starting outfielder all offseason. He positioned the Nationals into finalists for All-Star Jason Heyward - reportedly making a highly competitive offer - before the three-time Gold Glove Award winner signed a $184 million contract with the Cubs last month. Several other trades and free agents were also discussed.

But as late as Thursday, Rizzo remained coy in discussing further pursuits of outfielders, sounding confident with a crew of Jayson Werth in left, Michael A. Taylor in center and National League Most Valuable Player Bryce Harper in right.

"We like our outfield depth," Rizzo said following Daniel Murphy's introductory press conference at Nationals Park. "Do we need to acquire an outfielder? I would say 'No, we do not need to acquire an outfielder.' If there's a value out there that could help the ballclub, then we would certainly look into it."

A day later, Rizzo found the value he was looking for, acquiring 27-year-old outfielder Ben Revere from the Blue Jays in a trade for right-hander Drew Storen. Revere brings many attractive intangibles: leadoff man with speed, left-handed bat and the ability to play all three outfield positions, especially center. He batted over .300 his last three seasons and tied for the NL lead in hits with 184 in 2014.

Revere's arrival alleviates concerns of Taylor's still developing offense and Werth's increasing age. The 24-year-old Taylor dazzled in the field, but struggled at the plate during his first full year in the majors, slashing .229/.282/.358 with 158 strikeouts in 511 plate appearances.

Meanwhile, recovery from offseason shoulder surgery followed by a broken left wrist limited Werth to only 88 games. The 36-year-old batted just .221 with 12 homers while having a difficult time in left field.

The Nationals certainly lose pop in their lineup without Taylor as an everyday player. Revere isn't a power threat, having left the yard just four times in his five-plus years in the majors, while Taylor jacked 14 homers in 2015. But Revere batted .306/.342/.377 with 22 doubles, seven triples and only 64 strikeouts in 634 plate appearances last season for the Phillies and Blue Jays. The aggressive swinger walked just 32 times last year.

Taylor figures to receive plenty of starts, but also now gives manager Dusty Baker a powerful right-handed weapon with speed and stellar defense off the bench. Despite his low average and on-base percentage, Taylor excelled in high pressure situations during his rookie campaign, batting .317/.397/.500 with 47 RBIs with runners in scoring position. His heroics included a ninth-inning game-winning grand slam in Arizona and an epic three-run walk-off homer against the Braves in September.

"I love Michael Taylor," Rizzo said on Thursday. "I love him in center field. I think he will improve from last year. He had a heck of a year for us last year, first of all. He was a player probably three or four months ahead of schedule and forced into an everyday role that he probably developmentally wasn't prepared for. But mentally, he came through. He was extremely prepared mentally for it.

"As the season wore on, he got better and better each and every month. This guy, when the pressure was the biggest, he performed at his best. This guy got as many big hits for us as anybody on the ballclub did last year and performed extremely well for us. Very high hopes for Michael Taylor and a guy that we really like."

So with the additions of Murphy and Revere - both contact hitters - the Nationals have changed the dynamic of their lineup, which now appears to be taking shape for Baker with just under three months left before opening day.