Spencer

Kieboom

Kieboom, 29, detailed his story to Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post. He’s now focused on being a dad while finishing his degree with a focus on his own business in retail. Kieboom appeared in 53 games with the Nationals (one in the 2016 season, 52 in the 2019 season), batting .232/.326/.320 with two home runs in 144 plate appearances. His brother, Carter, is currently trying to find his footing in the big leagues.

Kieboom was outrighted off the Nationals’ 40-man roster earlier this month and had the option of testing the open market. The 28-year-old catcher owns a career .232/.326/.320 batting line at the major league level.

The move clears him from the 40-man roster. Kieboom, the brother of Nats’ top prospect Carter Kieboom, has the ability to opt for free agency. The 28-year-old had a couple of call-ups with the Nats this season, but didn’t appear in a game. He played in 52 games with the Nationals in 2018 while batting .232/.322/.320 in 143 plate appearances.

The Nats needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Tres Barrera. Kieboom is done for the season.

Kieboom was up in the majors for a couple of games but did not see any playing time. He figures to be brought back up as an emergency third catcher soon after MLB rosters expand next month.

With Hunter Strickland going on the paternity list, the Nationals opted to add another catcher rather than an additional arm for their bullpen. Of course, Strickland should be back in the next day or so and rosters are set to expand later this week.

Kieboom is set to replace Hunter Strickland, who is going on paternity leave. He’ll provide some depth behind the plate for the next day or so.

Kieboom was only up in the majors for a couple of days and did not see any action. The 28-year-old catcher returns to an uninspiring .213/.257/.291 batting line at the Triple-A level.

Kieboom has posted a weak .213/.257/.291 batting line with one home run in 136 plate appearances this season at the Double-A level. He probably won’t be up in the majors for very long.

Kieboom was not going to beat out Yan Gomes or Kurt Suzuki for one of the backup spots at the catcher position to open the year. He see time if either was injured, but there won’t be any fantasy value in that role.