Wire Taps: Washington Nationals at the 2018 MLB Winter Meetings; Bryce Harper chatter + more...

With the majority of the baseball world either in or arriving in Las Vegas this weekend for the start of the 2018 Winter Meetings, there aren’t a whole lot of links to share with you this morning, but we found what we could and threw them together to get you updated on the goings on in the baseball world.

Before things start getting hectic out in the desert, get caught up on the latest Nationals and Nats-related news out there...

NATS BEAT:

Corbin on why he took a step forward in 2018 - (MASN)
"Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo, citing his scouting experience, realized how good Corbin has been since seeing him at a Florida junior college."

Nats head to Vegas having already filled most roster holes - (MASN)
"They identified three particular areas of need - rotation, catcher, bullpen - and already made significant moves to address them."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Here’s what could happen at baseball’s Winter Meetings - (Boston Globe)
"Will [the Nationals’] remaining resources go toward a second baseman or an elite reliever? Not sure they’ll be all-in with someone such as Kimbrel, but more on the Britton, Miller, and Adam Ottavino level."

Agent Scott Boras calls recent contracts baseball's 'analytic catastrophe' - (Fancred Sports)
"Boras talks about what he sees as the 'analytic catastrophe' now, after some top players performances veered wildly in contrast to their contracts during the odd market last winter."

Each MLB team's needs ahead of Winter Meetings - (MLB.com)
"The Nats didn't wait for the Winter Meetings to snatch the top free-agent starter on the market, Corbin. And that's only one of the additions they've already made."

MLB -- Never say never on Bryce Harper going back to the Washington Nationals - (ESPN)
"Negotiations take many twists and turns, and if there is one lasting tether between any organization and a particular agent right now, it's between Harper's representative, Scott Boras, and the Nationals."

Washington Nationals reportedly sign Patrick Corbin - (SI.com)
"It’s shaping up to be a legitimate four-way race, and Washington’s acquisition of Corbin just might put them in front. For now, at least."

MLB Winter Meetings: St Louis Cardinals target bullpen, bench - (Belleville News-Democrat)
"Matt Wieters struggled during his time with the Nationals — so much so that Washington didn’t even consider bringing him back, instead signing Kurt Suzuki and trading for Yan Gomes in an effort to upgrade the position."

What to watch as Orioles head to first winter meetings led by GM Mike Elias - (Baltimore Sun)
"Earlier this week, The Athletic reported four names — Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde, Washington Nationals bench coach Chip Hale, Arizona Diamondbacks vice president of player development Mike Bell and Kansas City Royals quality control/catching coach Pedro Grifol."

MLB Winter Meetings: St Louis Cardinals target bullpen, bench - (Belleville News-Democrat)
”Matt Wieters struggled during his time with the Nationals — so much so that Washington didn’t even consider bringing him back, instead signing Kurt Suzuki and trading for Yan Gomes in an effort to upgrade the position.”

What to watch as Orioles head to first winter meetings led by GM Mike Elias - (Baltimore Sun)
”Earlier this week, The Athletic reported four names — Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde, Washington Nationals bench coach Chip Hale, Arizona Diamondbacks vice president of player development Mike Bell and Kansas City Royals quality control/catching coach Pedro Grifol.”

NL EAST UPDATES:

MLB Winter Meetings preview: Will the Marlins deal J.T. Realmuto? - (Sun Sentinel)
"While the most-coveted free agents will be Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Dodgers infielder Manny Machado, the Marlins figure to feature prominently as the hot stove heats up."

MLB hot stove: Realmuto pursuit may shape rest of Mets' offseason - (NY Post)
“'We have a winning mindset and collectively we believe that everything is possible and nothing is impossible,' Van Wagenen said earlier this week."

Rhys Hoskins Looking Forward to Playing First Base Again - (Sports Talk Philly)
"Hoskins is thrilled to return to the position where he has natural instincts and far more experience. He said as much in an interview with the MLB Network."