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Well the Washington Nationals’ bullpen has been bolstered. Now about third base? What will GM Mike Rizzo do next to add to the roster for the defense of the Nats’ World Series title?
Will Rizzo and Co. in the Nationals front office give Josh Donaldson a 4-year/$100M-ish deal to replace Anthony Rendon at third base and in the middle of the lineup?
Was the Harris signing a signal that something big is coming at third base too, whether it’s a deal with Donaldson or a trade for a hot-corner glove? Maybe we’ll find out soon...
Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Will Harris signs 3-year/$24M deal:
Three-year deal for Harris is worth the risk for Nationals - (MASN)
"Try to forget for a moment the name of the reliever the Nationals just signed, who he previously pitched for and what happened the last time he took the mound."
Will Harris to join Washington Nationals - (WTOP)
"The multiyear commitment to the 35-year-old Harris emphasizes the Nationals need to strengthen the bullpen."
Free agent reliever Will Harris confirms he’s reached a 3-year deal with @Nationals worth $24 million. 3 years was critical for Will: “The Nationals knew the importance of that & they kept that on the table & made the decision that much easier. We agreed to terms last weekend.”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 3, 2020
Nationals agree to deal with reliever Will Harris, who allowed World Series-winning home run - (WaPost)
"On Thursday night, the Nationals agreed to sign Harris, pending a physical, to a three-year, $24 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal."
Source: Nats signing reliever Will Harris to three-year deal - (MASN)
"In their quest to fix the most notable hole in an otherwise talented and deep roster, the Nationals have signed the veteran reliever who gave up the home run that propelled them to their first World Series title only nine weeks ago."
Free agent reliever Will Harris on agreeing to a deal w/ @Nationals: “From the beginning of the process the Nationals were pretty high on me.The interest was mutual.Obviously Houston was on my list too. It’s a little strange to move on from the Astros where I’ve been for 5 years”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 3, 2020
Other Nats Links:
Why Victor Robles is not a viable option in a Kris Bryant trade - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Robles was attached to trade rumors for Kris Bryant by a national reporter Thursday. It’s standard to ask for him -- or the highest possible return when starting negotiations -- in any prospective trade."
First 2020 Nationals Q&A - (MASN)
"Happy new year! It’s a brand-new year, and even though we’re basking in the achievement of a World Series victory - and will be for ..."
MLB Rumors: The Nationals are one of three teams to reportedly offer Josh Donaldson a $100 million contract - (NBC Sports Washington)
"When it was reported that Donaldson could end up with a four-year deal, it was difficult to determine what team would be willing to go that far for a player past his prime."
Nationals' bullpen ERA in 2019: 5.66
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 3, 2020
Will Harris's ERA in 2019: 1.50 @Nationals | #Nationals pic.twitter.com/Q75hSX2CyH
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
The Five Best Remaining MLB Free Agents - (Forbes)
"Donaldson reportedly has a list of suitors that includes two teams willing to go to four years in the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals."
New year starts baseball countdown - (SI.com)
"Reports have the Twins and Nationals going to four years, while the belief is the Braves have stopped at a three-year offer."
Will Harris excited to head to Nats, thanks Astros - (MLB.com)
“'I felt like the whole process was kind of trending toward the Nationals maybe from the beginning,' Harris said from his home in Louisiana."