Wire Taps: Washington Nationals bringing back Josh Harrison and Kevin Long; Nats’ bullpen arm Tanner Rainey shines + more...

As the 2020 campaign came to an end, Nationals’ skipper Davey Martinez told reporters he would love to have Josh Harrison back in Washington, D.C. in 2021 after the 33-year-old put up a .278/.352/.418 line, two doubles, and three HRs in 33 games and 91 plate appearances over which he was worth +0.2 fWAR.

“I hope that we sit back at the end of this year when we start evaluating these things, and what we need, for me he’s somebody we need,” Martinez said.

“I’d love to have him [back]. He’s great with the young kids, so there will definitely be some conversations about him this winter.”

Early in the process of building the roster for the 2021 campaign, the Nats signed Harrison to a 1-year/$1M deal that will bring him back to the nation’s capital.

What’s next for the Nationals this winter? Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

J-Hay and K-Long:

Nationals bring back utility player Josh Harrison, hitting coach Kevin Long - (WaPost)
“Harrison, a former all-star who originally signed with the Nationals in July after being cut by the Philadelphia Phillies, reached agreement on a $1 million deal that includes incentives for plate appearances...”

Josh Harrison doesn’t make Nationals younger, but does offer needed jolt - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals struck a one-year deal with Josh Harrison on Thursday. He is 33 years old. Harrison will turn 34 in the middle of next season (July 8). He is not part of getting younger..."

Harrison stays with Nats on 1-year contract - (MLB.com)
"On Thursday, the Nationals agreed to terms with Harrison for a one-year contract. The deal is worth $1 million, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand."

In reversal, Long will return as Nationals' hitting coach - (MASN)
"The Nationals had informed Long, the club’s hitting coach the last three seasons, that he was free to pursue other opportunities."

Source: Kevin Long to return as Nationals hitting coach - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Long and the organization could not initially come to terms on a new contract earlier in the month."

Other Nats Stories:

Will a normal spring and more depth help Harris in 2021? - (MASN)
"Harris’ issues were twofold. He lost some velocity on his cutter, the pitch he relies on more than any other. And his other primary pitch, a curveball, was consistently hammered."

Barrera returns from "dark places," thrilled to resume playing baseball - (MASN)
"Barrera filed a class action lawsuit against MLB in July against the commissioner’s office, two drug-testing laboratories endorsed by the league and one of its directors, claiming his test result was a false positive."

After breakthrough season, Rainey looks like future closer - (MASN)
"Compile a list of bright spots for the 2020 Nationals, and Rainey would end up very high on the list."

World Series at a neutral site? Let’s make that one and done - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The World Series typically lands in two frothing towns, not a single pomp-and-circumstance location for more than a week."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Washington Nationals Get to Keep $297 Million in TV Rights Case - (Bloomberg Law)
"The Baltimore Orioles and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network remain on the hook to the Washington Nationals for $297 million for television rights from 2012 to 2016 after an appeals court in New York rejected a challenge to the arbitration award."

Orioles lose appeal in $100 million MASN dispute with Nationals, will challenge in New York’s highest court - (Baltimore Sun)
"The Orioles on Thursday lost their appeal of a decision ordering the team’s regional television network to pay the neighboring Washington Nationals about $100 million more in broadcast rights fees."

NL EAST UPDATES:

How will Bryce Harper, Phillies navigate choppy offseason? – (The Athletic)
"Harper certainly hasn’t hidden his admiration for Realmuto and his desire to see the Phillies sign him to a long-term deal."

Clause in Citi Field Lease Could Impede Steve Cohen’s Mets Purchase - (The New York Times)
"Steven A. Cohen’s long, arduous pursuit of the Mets is headed toward a conclusion, but New York City may throw up a last-minute roadblock."

Mattingly On Marlins' 2021 Rotation Plans - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"While it stands to reason that high-profile youngster Sixto Sanchez will occupy a major role, Mattingly made clear that a the righty will have to earn a rotation spot."

Braves’ Freddie Freeman wins Players Choice award as top player in MLB - (AJC.com)
"Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman won Player of the Year and National League Outstanding Player in the 2020 Players Choice awards."