Wire Taps: Washington Nationals add both Will Harris & Starlin Castro; What do Nats do next?

“That’s the first Game 7 World Series home run I’ve ever given up, and I plan on it being the last,” Will Harris said of Howie Kendrick’s two-run blast to right field in the decisive game of the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros’ battle in the Fall Classic.

A little over two months after Harris faced the Nats in the World Series, the reliever signed a three-year deal with the 2019 champs. Starlin Castro is coming to the nation’s capital too. It was a busy day in D.C. on Friday. Catch up on the latest news. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Will Harris Talks:

Will Harris' improbable journey to the Nationals - (MLB.com)
"First, there’s this: The Nationals' bullpen is getting one of baseball’s best relievers in 2019 -- a 1.50 ERA (second-lowest among Major League relievers) and a 0.933 WHIP in 68 regular season appearances."

Will Harris joined the Nats, the team that beat him, after getting over World Series loss - (WaPost)
"In 65 days, Harris went from pitching for the Houston Astros to testing free agency for two months to landing with the Washington Nationals, a club in need of bullpen help."

A mere $36 million suddenly makes Nationals feel much more whole - (NBC Sports Washington)
"A replication of his average season since becoming a full-time major-leaguer would have made him the best reliever on the 2019 Nationals."

Harris doesn't shy from role in Game 7, thrilled to join Nats - (MASN)
"Harris figures to serve primarily as the Nationals’ setup man, occasionally filling in as closer when Sean Doolittle is not available."

Starlin Castro Signs:

Nats to sign infielder Starlin Castro (source) - (MLB.com)
"Castro made 42 starts at third base last season -- the first time he played the position in his 10-year career -- but the Nationals plan to utilize the four-time All-Star at his more natural second base."

Nats, Starlin Castro agree to deal, and where he plays could depend on Josh Donaldson - (WaPost)
"The Washington Nationals added versatility to an evolving infield, agreeing to a two-year, $12 million contract with Starlin Castro, according to a person with knowledge of the deal."

Source: Nats sign infielder Castro to two-year deal - (MASN)
"The Nationals, according to the source, view Castro mostly as a second baseman at this point while still valuing his ability to play both third base and shortstop if needed."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Here's how the Nats could replace Rendon at 3B - (MLB.com)
"Anthony Rendon has moved on to the Angels, meaning the production from Washington's top position player and National League Most Valuable Player Award finalist from a year ago needs to be replaced."

Will Harris Can’t Beat Them, Joins Them - (Fangraphs)
"The Washington Nationals didn’t set out to win the World Series in spite of their bullpen."

The Nationals Twitter account is having the most fun celebrating their title - (SBNation.com)
"The Washington Nationals won the World Series in 2019, an unforgettable moment in franchise history. It’s especially unforgettable if you follow the Nationals on Twitter."

Hoover honors Jeremy Hellickson - (KCCI.com)
"Hellickson was the guest of honor Friday night as Hoover High School celebrated his World Series championship with the Washington Nationals."