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So, one day the Washington Nationals are confident in Carter Kieboom, the next there are rumors that the club is talking to the Reds about third baseman Eugenio Suárez, and a few days later, the club’s reportedly open to the idea of trading their 2016 1st Round pick this winter. What’s that all about, right?
The Athletic’s Britt Ghiroli reported on Tuesday that she was hearing the Nationals are, “... definitely open to trading Carter Kieboom,” while noting that, “... as previously reported, young pitchers Cade Cavalli & Jackson Rutledge (their last two top draft picks) are not,” believed to be available. Will Mike Rizzo and Co. in the D.C. front office find the bat they’re after this winter with a prospect package built around Kieboom? Will they give Kieboom an opportunity to grow at the hot corner in the nation’s capital? How many more minor league deals and invites will go out before they get the big bat they’re after? Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Nationals must consider Carter Kieboom’s future with title window in mind - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals still believe in Carter Kieboom, they just might not have enough time to let him figure things out."
Hearing the Nationals are definitely open to trading Carter Kieboom. As previously reported, young pitchers Cade Cavalli & Jackson Rutledge (their last two top draft picks) are not.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) December 22, 2020
Notes on Soto and Zimmerman - (MASN)
"Most times when Nationals manager Davey Martinez is made available to the national media, there will be a question about the potential of Juan Soto."
Fan Question — Holiday Edition: Your Favorite Nationals Items! - (Curly W Live)
"From 2019 World Series Champions gear, rally towels and autographed memorabilia to sentimental and personal items, we love how different items hold such special meaning to each of you."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Stevenson on playing with Soto - (MLB.com)
"Nationals' left fielder Andrew Stevenson discusses his approach and mentality at the plate, and playing with Juan Soto."
Here's what #Nats' outfielder Andrew Stevenson (@astevenson6) said on @MLBNetworkRadio about what he learned from Howie Kendrick (who officially retired last night) during their time together with the #Nationals: https://t.co/fwHTLcdr3F pic.twitter.com/ouMMJwTUqB
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) December 22, 2020
Nationals Open To Moving Carter Kieboom In Trade Talks - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"Washington went into the 2020 season hoping Kieboom could step in as the new everyday third baseman, after Anthony Rendon left for the Angels in free agency."
NL EAST UPDATES:
Lines of communication are open between the Phillies and J.T. Realmuto's camp - (NBC Sports Washington)
"As the final week of December approaches, there hasn’t been a whole lot of buzz on the state of Realmuto’s free agency."
The Phillies have an offer on the table for J.T. Realmuto but the other offers for baseball’s best all-around catcher remain unknown #mysterymarket
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 23, 2020
Noah Syndergaard, Mets avoid arbitration with $9.7 million deal - (NY Post)
"Noah Syndergaard will be returning to the Mets next season for the same salary he agreed to for 2020."
Inbox: Frisaro's farewell thoughts on Marlins - (MLB.com)
"Since 2002, I’ve had the privilege of being the Marlins reporter for MLB.com."
Hank Aaron reflects on Negro Leagues start - (MLB.com)
"When I asked him about Negro Leagues statistics now being folded into official history of the game, Aaron laughed again. 'I was only there a few months, but I sure wish they could find all of mine,' Aaron said."