Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ free agent targets; Minor league affiliates up in the air + more Nats links...

Bullpen and rotation arm(s). A catcher (backup/shared No. 1). A middle-of-the-order bat, at first base or in the outfield most likely. What else is on GM Mike Rizzo’s to-do-list? Did Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez put together their offseason wish list as planned once things wrapped up in late September? No one has heard from Martinez and Rizzo since, so we will wait sort of patiently to see what they do. Josh Harrison is already signed, giving the club a bit of depth in the infield. What’s next? No Robbie Ray for those of you who thought he and the Nationals made sense since they drafted him. Where will the pitching come from? What will Rizzo do next? Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

3 free agency projections for Nationals - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Starting pitcher Robbie Ray re-signed with Toronto. He could have been a fourth starter option for the Nationals. Otherwise, next to nothing has happened."

Nationals could use Blue Jays’ Robbie Ray signing as a template - (WaPost)
"The first free agent signing of a slow winter took one Nationals fit off the market."

Monday morning Nats Q&A - (MASN)
"Not that there’s much of any news of consequence involving the Nationals so far. If anything, this first portion of the offseason has raised more questions than provided answers."

Nationals Baseball: Off-Season Position Discussion : Catcher - (Nationals Baseball)
"Presumed Plan : Gomes and a back-up, unless.... they sign Realmuto. I think they will give that a decent run."

Nationals free agency hunt: Joc Pederson - (NBC Sports Washington)
"All week, we’re going to take a look at individuals who could fit in different places for the Nationals. Here is a look at former Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Running through Squirrels' uncertainty could be path to partner with Nationals - (richmond.com)
"Prepare for anything, Richmond Flying Squirrels fans, with a best-case scenario of becoming the Washington Nationals' Triple-A affiliate next season."

Jeff Luhnow Sues Astros for $22 Million - (The New York Times)
“'The Astros’ termination of Luhnow is an attempt — like the Commissioner before them — to make Luhnow the scapegoat for the organization while the players and video-room staff who devised and executed the schemes went unpunished,' the suit said."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies’ John Middleton and Andy MacPhail vs. Steve Cohen and the Mets is not a fair fight - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"One week after Andy MacPhail said the pandemic has lessened the Phillies urgency to hire a new general manager, Steve Cohen announced that the Mets were open for business."

MLB rumors: N.J. native a candidate to replace Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen - (nj.com)
"MLB.com reports that among the 15 possible candidates to replace Van Wagenen is Cleveland Indians general manager Mike Chernoff."

All-Time Marlins Countdown: Braxton Garrett, Eddy Alvarez & more - (Fish Stripes)
"Eddy Alvarez and Braxton Garrett are featured amongst today’s group of all-time Marlins."

Atlanta Braves 2020 Player Reviews: Ian Anderson - (Talking Chop)
"There might not be a player that contributed more to a team when they least expected it than Ian Anderson in 2020."