Bryce Harper an Option to Bat Leadoff, Nationals Manager Dave Martinez Says

Bryce Harper's keen eye and power make him a natural fit to bat in the heart of the Washington Nationals lineup, though manager Dave Martinez said Thursday he will consider having his superstar hit leadoff this season. 

"Maybe," he said, per ESPN.com's Eddie Matz. "We'll talk about it, play with it. Before I do it, I'll definitely have a conversation with him."

Per Joe Douglas of RotoGraphs, leadoff hitters averaged nearly 29 more plate appearances than No. 3 hitters during the 2016 season. 

Adam Eaton, who had a .393 on-base percentage in 23 games last year, is the most likely candidate to hit leadoff. 

The Nationals have used Harper as their leadoff hitter before, though his last appearance in that spot came on May 25, 2016. 

Harper's primarily been Washington's No. 3 hitter since 2015. The 25-year-old has led the team in on-base percentage twice in the last three years, including an MLB-high .460 mark during his 2015 MVP season.