Wire Taps: Washington Nationals Rumors - Talking Eugenio Suárez with Reds? Yadier Molina in D.C. a possibility? Ryan Zimmerman wants to play + more...

Ryan Zimmerman told Washington Post columnist Barry Svrluga on Friday that he wants to come back to play in 2021 after opting out of the 2020 campaign, and the Nationals surely will consider bringing the face of the franchise, and the organization’s first first round pick, back for a 16th season in the nation’s capital.

As of earlier this week, however, Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo said he hadn’t “talked” to Zim in a while to see where things stood.

“I haven’t spoken to Zim in a couple of — it’s been weeks,” Rizzo explained.

“But I’ve communicated with him via text messages and ‘Happy Thanksgiving’-type of messages, and we always seem to keep in contact pretty good.”

Now that he knows (if he wasn’t already aware) that Zimmerman wants to play in ‘21, will Rizzo make a call to see if it makes sense for the Nationals to bring Zim back?

While you consider what’s best for the club and Zimmerman... go read your links.

NATS BEAT:

The Washington Nationals need a first baseman and Ryan Zimmerman wants to play - (WaPost)
“But if Rizzo plans to spend big on a first baseman — or even trade for a full-time starter there — it could leave just one bench role for Zimmerman or Kendrick.”

Max Scherzer wants (some) fans back in the stands in 2021 - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Scherzer was in the stands because fans were not. No fans attended regular-season games in 2020, though Commissioner Rob Manfred said they could have allowed a portion of fans into certain stadiums had they chosen to."

What do Nats expect from Kieboom and García in 2021? - (MASN)
"There appears to be more of an opening on the 26-man roster for Kieboom, who at the moment remains atop the depth chart at third base. That could change, of course..."

The Players Alliance tour visits Cincinnati - (MLB.com)
“'When this pop-up tour came and I saw it was coming to Cincinnati, I said it’s a no-brainer for me to come,' Nationals second baseman Josh Harrison said."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Are the Nationals a major threat to sign J.T. Realmuto? - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"With the Mets signing James McCann and seemingly removing themselves from the race for J.T. Realmuto, two of the Phillies' biggest threats in retaining their star catcher appear to be the Nationals and Angels."

The Hall of Fame Outsiders: No. 25, Felipe Alou & Dusty Baker – (The Athletic)
"Baker, I think, will make it eventually as a manager, though there could be some winds blowing against him since he has not yet won a World Series."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Philadelphia Phillies' Dave Dombrowski’s creativity will be tested as he looks to make the team a winner - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"After taking teams to the World Series in Detroit and Boston, Dombrowski left those organizations in varying states of flux and disrepair. Can he build something in Philadelphia that lasts?"

Arenado a long shot worth taking for Mets - (MLB.com)
"The other day I asked a baseball executive I trust about the chances of the Mets making a trade for Nolan Arenado, who would be the greatest Mets third baseman since David Wright, who was the best third baseman in team history. 'Long shot' was the answer."

4 Points Highlight Don Mattingly’s Virtual Media Session During MLB’s 2020 Managers Week - (Forbes)
"After deciding not to pick up the 2021 club option on right-handed pitcher Brandon Kintzler for $4 million ($250,000 buyout), the Marlins traded for right-handed pitcher Adam Cimber from the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations."

Brian Snitker discusses Braves’ offseason, MLB’s outlook - (AJC.com)
"Braves manager Brian Snitker spoke with reporters Friday morning for the first time since his post-season debriefing. Every manager spoke this week as part of the virtual winter meetings."