17. Jose Vidro

Jose Vidro, a proud Mayagüez native from Puerto Rico, was a switch-hitting second baseman who became one of the most challenging batters in the National League around the turn of the century. Although he didn't draw as much national attention as some of his more flamboyant, power-hitting peers, Vidro’s exceptional wrists and outstanding hand-eye coordination made the batter's box his domain of precise line-drive hitting.

His progression from a minor role to a key player peaked during an outstanding 2000 season. Vidro overwhelmed National League pitchers with a smooth, level swing from both sides of the plate, hitting an impressive 200 times and leading the league with 51 doubles. He also added a career-best 24 home runs and 97 RBIs, maintaining a hot .330 batting average. These achievements earned him his first All-Star appearance and cemented his status as a vital part of the organization.

Vidro consistently upheld an elite offensive level well beyond a single summer, demonstrating notable reliability. He showcased a series of high-average seasons, earning back-to-back All-Star selections in 2002 and 2003. His outstanding 2003 season—batting .310 with 36 doubles and a.397 on-base percentage—earned him the National League Silver Slugger Award as the league's top offensive second baseman. When the franchise moved to Washington before the 2005 season, Vidro played a vital role as a cultural link, anchoring the middle of the lineup during the Nationals' first season.

However, when considering the overall historical record, Vidro’s highest potential can sometimes be viewed with nuance. His bat was undeniably exceptional, yet his all-time franchise ranking is hampered by his weaker defensive stats. His bulky physique and ongoing lower-body injuries, such as chronic knee and ankle issues, notably restricted his lateral movement, making it difficult to reliably execute impressive double plays or make defensive plays that save runs.

Following the 2006 season, the front office traded the veteran infielder to the Seattle Mariners for Chris Snelling and Emiliano Fruto. Vidro hit 1,280 times with the Expos/Nationals, including 293 doubles, 115 home runs, and 549 RBIs, with a .301/.364/459 slash line (113 OPS+).