Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ plans for third after Josh Donaldson signs with Twins; Daniel Hudson on coming back to D.C.

Josh Donaldson is a Twin. Not a National. Not a Brave. Carter Kieboom’s chances of playing third in D.C. in 2020 just got a lot better. Will he start the season in the Nationals’ lineup? Is he going to start at Triple-A and work his way up? Will Mike Rizzo and Co. pivot to a Plan C or Plan D, or E? Or do they have the roster that’s going to start the defense of the Nationals’ World Series title in place now? Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

No Donaldson For You:

Missing out on Josh Donaldson leaves Nationals crossing fingers about Plan B - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Candidates to hit third include Howie Kendrick, Trea Turner and Starlin Castro (the latter a suggestion from hitting coach Kevin Long when talking to NBC Sports Washington during the weekend)."

With Donaldson off market, where do Nats turn? - (MLB.com)
"Donaldson, who was the closest player to a pure replacement for the Nationals for Anthony Rendon on the open market, is heading to Minnesota on a four-year, $92 million deal..."

Josh Donaldson lands with the Twins — and outside the NL East - (WaPost)
"The best-case scenario for the Washington Nationals was signing Josh Donaldson to play third base. The worst-case scenario was Donaldson returning to the Atlanta Braves."

Hudson Returns to D.C.:

Daniel Hudson cracked up when he saw Sean Doolittle's reaction to his new contract - (NBC Sports Washington)
"When Daniel Hudson re-signed with the Nationals, nobody was more excited about it than fellow relief pitcher Sean Doolittle."

Daniel Hudson’s return to Nationals continues his hunt for World Series ball - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Hudson said he knew his age and injury history were not on his side when asking for multiple years, but credited the Nationals for the offer which made him and his family even more sure he wanted to return."

Daniel Hudson always wanted to return to the Nationals, but the chance to repeat was a main draw - (WaPost)
"There were the practical reasons Daniel Hudson wanted to return to the Washington Nationals this offseason. They had holes in a bullpen that he once filled."

Hudson motivated to recreate 2019 run in return to Nats - (MASN)
"Hudson said during a Tuesday teleconference that he was surprised the negotiations were still in play after the Nationals signed reliever Will Harris."

Turner Long-term:

Trea Turner is 'all ears' when it comes to considering contract extension options - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Players ranging from the minor leagues to their mid-20s are repeatedly being retained with extensions which knock out arbitration years but also keep the player from free agency. Would Turner be interested in such a scenario in Washington?"

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

2020 Prospect Projections: NL East rookies - (MiLB.com)
"Washington GM Mike Rizzo told MLB.com over the weekend that although Kieboom is unproven at any position other than shortstop, the organization is 'comfortable from what we have seen at the Minor Leagues at third and at second from him.'"

NL EAST UPDATES:

Odubel Herrera’s impact on the Phillies will be felt even in his absence - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"The long odds of Odubel Herrera ever getting another at-bat for the Phillies became almost infinitesimal Tuesday with his removal from the 40-man roster."

Mets, Carlos Beltran engulfed by Astros cheating scandal - (NY Post)
"The baseball industry, fixated on the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, turns its eyes to … the Mets?"

Marlins get OF prospect, send Dean to Cards - (MLB.com)
"The Marlins acquired outfield prospect Diowill Burgos from the Cardinals on Tuesday in exchange for Austin Dean."

Life after Donaldson: Braves explore options after slugger departs for... - (AJC.com)
"Josh Donaldson was a Brave for only one season. Yet his fit was so natural, his personality so suitable, his production so solid, he seemed destined to stay part of the family."