Wire Taps: Washington Nationals not willing to trade top prospects; Michael A. Taylor signs with Kansas City Royals + more...

Michael A. Taylor, who signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals on Monday, told reporters on a Zoom call after the contract was announced that he knows he needs to cut down on the strikeouts if he’s going to play every day with his new club. His approach to a problem that’s plagued him throughout his big league career?

“Putting the ball in play earlier in the count is one way,” he said, as quoted by MLB.com’s Jeffrey Flanagan.

“I get to too many two-strike counts. Shortening up my swing, and not trying to hit the long ball on every at-bat. Cutting down on strikeouts is a huge thing.”

Best of luck, Michael. Watching you patrol the outfield for Washington was a pleasure and we’ll always have those postseason performances. See you, MAT.

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Taylor signs with Royals, officially ending 11-year run with Nats - (MASN)
"The soon-to-be 30-year-old will hope to get an opportunity in Kansas City he forever was seeking in Washington: a chance to play every day for the long haul."

Looking back on Michael A. Taylor’s best (and worst) moments with the Nats - (NBC Sports Washington)
"An era of Nationals baseball officially came to an end Monday when outfielder Michael A. Taylor signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals."

There’s a long line of ‘untouchable’ Nationals prospects - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Here’s the conundrum for the Nationals on the trade front: they are not going to trade any of their young, top-tier pitching prospects. Other teams will want these prospects."

Which Nat owns the best offensive season? - (MLB.com)
"Soto established himself as a future MVP candidate with a monstrous hitting performance in 2020."

Monday morning Nats Q&A - (MASN)
"Hope everyone had a nice, safe Thanksgiving weekend. As you’d expect, there was no significant news about the Nationals, who like most teams have been ..."

Why catcher Spencer Kieboom walked away from baseball and Washington Nationals - (WaPost)
“He is happy and at peace with retiring at 28 — even if there was no ovation, no coverage, no ceremony to offer tear-filled gratitude to his teammates, family or fans.”

Nationals unwilling to give up top pitching prospects for Kris Bryant - (Washington Times)
"MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported Monday that Washington is 'determined to keep' Jackson Rutledge and Cade Cavalli in any potential deal."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Steven Fuentes Rides Breakout To 40-Man Spot - (Baseball America)
"Right-hander Steven Fuentes made his case for joining the Nationals’ 40-man roster so clear that he was added on Oct. 30. Otherwise, he would have qualified for minor league free agency."

Washington Nationals end minor-league affiliation with Hagerstown Suns - (Delmarva Now)
"Historic Municipal Stadium, the home of the Suns, is the third oldest stadium in Minor League Baseball."

How Adam Wainwright's love for fantasy football has benefited more than 30 charities - (ESPN)
"'Max [Scherzer] is a great trash talker,' Wainwright said. 'No doubt about it. We've had battles on the baseball field, pre- and postgame. This was big for me. It's not as important as baseball, but it's pretty close as far as bragging rights go.'"

Transaction Retrospection: Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann Signing - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"The Wisconsin native expressed a preference to return to the Midwest after spending the first eight-plus years of his pro career in the Nationals’ organization."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Mets trying to be 'more aggressive' in MLB free agency - (NY Post)
"As the Mets look to remake the organization, it sounds like they are more likely to take advantage of Steve Cohen’s billions rather than sacrificing young assets, according to new team president Sandy Alderson."

AP source: Phillies lost $145 million during pandemic season - (WHYY)
"A person familiar with the Philadelphia Phillies’ finances says the team lost $145 million during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season played without fans."

How Marlins’ Disastrous 1998 season Led to Their Second World Series - (Fish Stripes)
"While 1997 was a year marred by surprise and wonder, 1998 was anything but. Five years later, the franchise’s worst season would make for their best moment yet."

Of 8 arbitration eligible Braves, who’ll be tendered offers? - (AJC.com)
"This winter’s non-tender deadline is Wednesday. The Braves have eight players eligible for arbitration, and while half are certainties to receive tenders, the team might cut loose two or three players."