Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ arbitration eligible players; Michael A. Taylor gets deal for 2020 + more Nats links...

Michael A. Taylor has a deal for 2020 now. Trea Turner, Joe Ross, and Roenis Elías remain unsigned as of now, but they’ll work out deals eventually, either avoiding arbitration or, in rare cases with the Nationals, actually going to arbitration over their salary for the season.

Also, WinterFest is this weekend. Will any new deals be announced while the club and its fans are all together in Nationals Park? While you’re waiting to find out, go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Three Nationals head into arbitration deadline day - (MASN)
"Truthfully, this is one of the most annoying days of the baseball year. All the players involved are staying with their current clubs."

Nationals and Michael A. Taylor avoid salary arbitration with $3.3 million deal - (WaPost)
"The Washington Nationals and Michael A. Taylor avoided salary arbitration for the second straight year by striking a deal late Thursday night."

Taylor avoids arbitration with $3.325 million deal - (MASN)
"Trea Turner, Roenis Elías and Joe Ross are all attempting to sign their deals without going to arbitration."

Nationals choose risk in age over risk in recent results when building bullpen - (NBC Sports Washington)
"This year, Mike Rizzo pivoted. In are known commodities. The risk rests with their age."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Nationals To Sign Tyler Eppler To Minors Contract - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"The Nationals have agreed to a minor league deal with right-hander Tyler Eppler, MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams reports."

What will the Nationals do about the infield? - (106.7 The Fan)
"Now, the big question on Nationals' fans lips: If they don't make any other moves (or at least any other big-time moves) is the 2020 lineup worse than the 2019 lineup?"

Who will still be on each team in 2030? - (MLB.com)
"Nationals -- Juan Soto, LF, age 21: Can the Nats get this phenom sewn up long term?"

NL EAST UPDATES:

Interesting change to Phillies' 2020 schedule - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"When the Phillies are home for the weekend this season, all but two of their Saturday games begin at 4:05 or 6:05."

Top 31 Prospects: New York Mets - (Fangraphs)
"Similar to the way Andres Gimenez skipped over short season ball (though, he also skipped over the GCL), the Mets pushed [Ronny] Mauricio to Low-A after he had spent just a year on the complex."

Marlins make veteran Cervelli signing official - (MLB.com)
"On Thursday, the organization solidified its catching position by officially announcing the free-agent signing of Francisco Cervelli to a one-year contract."

Swanson, Foltynewicz among Braves eligible for arbitration - (AJC.com)
"As the Braves await Josh Donaldson’s decision, they’re tasked with taking care of seven players already with the club."