Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ 2021 rotation; Luis García in 2020 + more Nats news...

As noted in an article below, Joe Ross is expected to come back to the Nationals’ rotation in 2021, which will help, but will GM Mike Rizzo and Co. in Washington attempt to bolster their starting staff and sign a No. 4 starter behind Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and lefty Patrick Corbin, allowing Ross to take the 5th spot, or will they stick with what they’ve got in-house and left Ross be the No. 4 with Austin Voth and Erick Fedde filling out the starting mix in the nation’s capital? We think a team that’s stressed pitching and defense in the Rizzo era, is going to add a starter after Voth and Fedde battled all season in 2020, but (it could really be argued) failed to establish themselves as legitimate options for a contending team. You can argue about that amongst yourselves.

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals World Series flashback: Joe Ross gets his chance - (NBC Sports Washington)
"A year ago, the Nationals were crossing their fingers a day after scratching Max Scherzer from his Game 5 World Series start."

Luis García dazzled at times, but still has a lot of room to grow - (MASN)
"García didn’t come out of nowhere. The Nationals had been touting the explosive young infielder since signing him as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic for a cool $1.3 million."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Oakland A’s third base coach will not return for 2021 season – (San Jose Mercury News)
"Former A’s coach Chip Hale, who was recently let go as the Washington Nationals’ bench coach, could also be considered."

Baseball fans will have to settle for early voting at Nationals Park - (Roll Call)
"Last year’s champions couldn’t even clear the low bar required to make the 16-team Major League Baseball playoffs during this odd, COVID-shortened season."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Will Phillies try to retain Didi Gregorius with one-year, $18.9 million qualifying offer? - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Gregorius proved to be an excellent fit with the Phillies. The team benefited from his energy and upbeat leadership, and, of course, from his bat."

Jeff Wilpon says goodbye to Mets employees in strong sign - (NY Post)
"The Wilpons are putting the finishing touches on their long-standing ownership of the Mets."

Is Mike Foltynewicz a free agent?
Last winter, right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz agreed to a one-year contract for $6.425 million, avoiding arbitration.