Wire Taps: Will the Washington Nationals extend Anthony Rendon? AFL highlights + more...

It’s not going to generate the headlines that Bryce Harper’s free agency is, but Anthony Rendon’s impending free agency, after the 2019 campaign, is just as big a deal for the Washington Nationals.

Will they keep their homegrown stars as the core of their lineup, or will Mike Rizzo and Co. in the Nationals’ front office trust in the organization’s ability to keep developing talent?

We don’t have the answers to those questions. All we have is links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals fans ask about staff, Bryce Harper - (MLB.com)
"General manager Mike Rizzo also threw his support behind the coaching staff, praising their communication skills and work ethic while adding he did not anticipate any changes to the staff."

Instructional league wrap-up: three collegiate hurlers - (MASN)
"Nationals pitching coordinator Paul Menhart had some nice words on the progress of three pitchers fresh out of college: left-hander Tim Cate and right-handers Jake Irvin and Reid Schaller."

2018 Nationals Position Review: The Nationals outfield is built to succeed - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Fittingly, we'll start our position review series taking a look at the most talented group of players on the Nationals."

What can Nats expect from Kendrick after Achilles rupture? - (MASN)
"We tend to forget about him because of the injury, but Kendrick will be back with the Nationals next season, thanks to that two-year deal the club gave him last winter."

Anthony Rendon is entering his final season before free agency. Will the Nats extend his contract? - (WaPost)
"While the industry buzzed for years about what Harper might get on the open market, no one seems to talk about Rendon..."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Arizona Fall League roundup for October 19 - (MLB.com)
"Washington No. 15 prospect Tres Barrera was 0-for-3."

Every Baseball Team’s Best Season - (24/7 Wall St.)
"Only two current teams, the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals, have never made it to the World Series. Still, all seven of the teams without titles have at least reached the playoffs."

Gary LaRocque, De Jon Watson out of running in Mets GM search - (SNY)
"As for Watson, he was recently hired to the Nationals' scouting department as the special assistant to GM Mike Rizzo back in 2017 after his two seasons with the Diamondbacks."

D-backs' Duplantier throws 1-hit start in AFL - (MLB.com)
"[Kyle] Zurak took the mound and immediately balked home Carter Kieboom (Nationals) with the winning run."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies loaded with quality pitching at every level of their farm system - (Philly.com)
"Pitching was the Phillies' greatest strength during the 2018 season and that was also true in the minor leagues."

Mets GM: Brodie Van Wagenen, Doug Melvin interview, Gary LaRocque cut - (NorthJersey.com)
"The Mets have interviewed CAA Baseball co-head Brodie Van Wagenen for their general manager vacancy, according to a source."

At least 4 Miami Marlins logo designs being considered for 2019 rebrand - (Fish Stripes)
"On the heels of Monday’s “Slater Scoop” describing the upcoming Miami Marlins logo change, we now have a sneak peek at the franchise’s potential color schemes for 2019 and beyond."

Braves ‘open-minded’ on retaining Markakis, Suzuki - (AJC.com)
"The Braves are preparing for a busy winter, with two key free agents creating a critical subplot."