Wire Taps: Bryce Harper posted something on Instagram, OMG!! It’s a sign! Also some other Nationals links...

So, yeah, Bryce Harper posted the picture above on Instagram with the words “Top Flight” and a plane emoji in his Instagram stories and the internet started speculatin’. He also had both Juan Soto and Victor Robles’s handles included in the pic. Did it mean something?

Is it a sign that Harper’s staying in D.C. Has GM Mike Rizzo traded Adam Eaton yet?

Jon Heyman did just write last week that there were rumors Eaton was available. It’s all starting to make sense now.

[ed. note - “I think some of this may be sarcasm-ish. Is that what you’re going for?”]

We’ll be holding our breath until the announcement is made... will someone please call a doctor for us if it doesn’t happen before noon-ish today?

NATS BEAT:

Breaking down Bryce Harper’s early years of stardom with the Nationals - (NBC Sports Washington)
”Really, the story of Bryce Harper dates back to 2010, the year in which he was drafted (or possibly back to 2009, the year of his notorious Sports Illustrated cover story).”

Bryce Harper drops ‘top flight’ cryptic Instagram post - (106.7 The Fan)
”At the bare minimum, this is an expert-level troll by Harper, as fans can read into this pretty much any way they want. Correction: Top-flight troll!”

[Adam] Eaton should be healthier in 2019, but Nats still face decision - (MASN)
"It took a lot of time and effort for Eaton to keep himself healthy enough to take the field as much as he did this season."

Introducing Washington Nationals Jefry Rodriguez - (NatsGM)
"Rodriguez diligently climbed Washington’s minor league system before reaching the major leagues and throwing 52 innings for Washington in 2018."

Monday Quickie - Bear Claws - (Nationals Baseball)
"He's probably better than a bunch of guys the Nats trotted out the mound last year."

Matt Wieters could return to the Nationals, though a starting role is quite unlikely - (WaPost)
"What Wieters described is roughly the role he filled down the stretch for the Nationals, who will enter this offseason needing a full-time and productive starting catcher, and perhaps a strong veteran backup"

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Best playoff performer on each team - (MLB.com)
"Nationals: Stephen Strasburg, 2017, 1-1, 14 IP, 0.00 ERA - Since we're excluding the Expos -- if we weren't, Steve Rogers in 1981 would be the obvious answer here..."

2018 MLB Draft: Round three review, spots 97-104 - (Minor League Ball)
"101. Reid Schaller, RHP, Washington Nationals: Right-hander out of Vanderbilt, posted composite 4.65 ERA in 41 innings between GCL and NY-P..."

Arizona Fall League roundup for October 15 - (MLB.com)
"Southpaw Jordan Milles pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in a losing effort for the Rafters, holding Peoria to one hit and a walk while striking out one batter."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Braves Reward Brian Snitker For Steering Young Club Into Playoffs - (Forbes.com)
"Brian Snitker learned that lesson today when the Atlanta Braves gave him a two-year contract extension to manage a team full of 20-somethings."

Phillies coach Dusty Wathan to interview for Rangers manager - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"The Texas Rangers will interview Phillies third base coach Dusty Wathan for their manager opening later this week, according to a baseball source."

NY Mets not enticing GM candidates who already are calling the shots - (NorthJersey.com)
"Jeff Wilpon believes the Mets' general manager job is a premier job."