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Welcome to free agency. If you believe the Hot Stove prognosticators, you shouldn’t hold your breath waiting for the big free agents to start signing, because they’re expecting the market to move slowly coming off the 60-game COVID campaign, and the financial harm that did across the country. Some folks below think it might make sense for the Nationals, (who have a lot of roster spots to fill), to spend big as the try to respond after an ugly-ish follow-up to their World Series win in 2019. What will GM Mike Rizzo do?
You’ll have to wait and see. Until then, go read your links. And apologies for the short supply from the weekend (though we can’t really control that)...
NATS BEAT:
As others cut costs, should Nats look to spend big this winter? - (MASN)
"If anything, we should probably prepare ourselves for a common message coming out of front offices: 'After losing so much money in 2020, we have to watch our budgets in 2021.'"
Nationals' chances to retool depends on willingness to spend, not talent available - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals have multiple needs, a solid chunk of financial space under the Competitive Balance Tax and an ego to reboot."
#MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the concept of a neutral-site #WorldSeries is at least worthy of further discussion after concluding the first in history at @GlobeLifeField (@EricPrisbell).
— Sports Business Journal (@sbjsbd) October 30, 2020
Free to read: https://t.co/cI0qfvtNBB
Nationals have much to do as free agency begins - (WaPost)
“This past season, set against the novel coronavirus pandemic, was a springboard to change for the Nationals.”
One year later, it's time for new-look Nats to look ahead - (MASN)
"The Nats, on the heels of a disappointing follow-up season, are just another team hoping to get back into contention and make a run at another championship."
New dog who dis? This is Fiadh (pronounced “Fee-ah”) - we call her Fee for short. She’s a beautiful angel who will never do anything wrong. She’s already brought so much love into our family and we’re so excited to share this crazy life with her. ♥️ https://t.co/M7QsCzY0WU
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) November 1, 2020
NL EAST UPDATES:
Live MLB free agency rumors: Will Phillies make a move on first day of signings? - (PhillyVoice)
"The team can still try to sign Gregorius in free agency, but are clearly sending the single that they would only be willing to do so at a lesser price tag."
Steve Cohen asking Mets fans for ideas on Twitter - (NY Post)
"One of the first things Steve Cohen did as the Mets new owner was take to Twitter and talk to the fans."
The following players will be extended $18.9M qualifying offers before the 5pm ET deadline, per source:
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 1, 2020
Trevor Bauer, Reds
Kevin Gausman, Giants
DJ LeMahieu, Yankees
JT Realmuto, Phillies
George Springer, Astros
Marcus Stroman, Mets
The Most Surprising Teams Of This Short MLB Season - (FiveThirtyEight)
"Nobody expected much more than another rebuilding season from the Marlins in 2020, given the strength of their division, their low payroll and their lack of established talent."
Braves make no qualifying offers to team’s free agents - (AJC.com)
"The Braves didn’t extend a qualifying offer to any of their free agents ahead of Sunday’s deadline."