Wire Taps: Washington Nationals claim starter Rogelio Armenteros off waivers; Howie Kendrick on Adam Eaton + more

Washington Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo added pitching depth via the waiver wire on Monday, claiming right-handed starter Rogelio Armenteros from the Arizona Diamondbacks, just a few short weeks after the D-backs claimed him off waivers from the Houston Astros. It’s the latest in a series of low-profile moves Rizzo and Co. in the front office in D.C. have made to start the offseason building. Is there a big move coming this winter, or will the architect of the organization continue with the under-the-radar sort of deals we’ve seen thus far in this Hot Stove season? While you wait to find out, go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Josh Harrison’s return to Nationals was ‘organic’ - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Harrison fits multiple needs for the Nationals. His positional versatility is a benefit."

Howie Kendrick understood Nationals’ decision to move on from Adam Eaton - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Adam Eaton is a free agent for the first time in his career after the Nationals declined his team option for next season, but former teammate Howie Kendrick doesn’t expect him to remain unemployed for long."

Nats claim righty Armenteros, adding starter with options - (MASN)
"Seeking more rotation depth, especially those with minor league options, the Nationals have claimed right-hander Rogelio Armenteros off waivers from the Diamondbacks."

Nationals’ Josh Harrison avoided uncertain offseason by signing early - (WaPost)
“Since the end of 2017, the when and where of Harrison’s next at-bat were unclear.”

Nationals all in on developing pitching - (MASN)
"General manager Mike Rizzo built a championship team on starting pitching, and it is clear that he hopes to eventually turn over the spots of his aging rotation at the big league level to guys within his own system."

Nationals' 5 biggest Winter Meetings moves - (MLB.com)
"1. Nationals acquire Trea Turner and Joe Ross in three-team deal (San Diego, 2014) - Technically, Turner was not acquired by the Nationals until June 14, 2015, but the deal that landed the star shortstop was put in the works during the '14 Winter Meetings."

Lack of Winter Meetings reminds us things aren't normal yet - (MASN)
"The coronavirus has claimed another victim, and while this one obviously isn’t as devastating as those whose lives are truly at stake, it’s yet another reminder that we, as a society, aren’t back to normal yet. Not even close."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Zack Wheeler won't be traded, Mets talk Matz deal, Chris Young – (The Athletic)
"Middleton said he did not authorize anyone with the Phillies to engage in a conversation about trading Wheeler."

MLB free agency: Why Adam Eaton could be White Sox answer in right field - (NBC Sports Chicago)
"But what about the player who brought Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning and Reynaldo López to the South Side in the blockbuster trade with the Washington Nationals at the Winter Meetings four years ago, as the White Sox embarked on their rebuild?"

Chicago Cubs: Winter meeting needs to fill - (Chicago Tribune)
"The Nationals have been linked to Bryant, but Bowden added his former team isn’t about to surrender 6-foot-8 pitcher Jackson Rutledge, their top pitching prospect, who has pitched in 10 games — none above Class A."

Joshua Stevenson leans on brother for advice - (Baseball Prospect Journal)
"Joshua Stevenson has looked to his brother, Andrew, for advice throughout his baseball career."

Victor Robles: 2020 Season in Review - (RotoBaller)
"The first aspect worth pointing out from a plate discipline perspective is that Robles chased more pitches outside of the strike zone while being (slightly) less aggressive against pitches inside of the strike zone."

NL EAST UPDATES:

MLB trade rumors: Phillies eyeing a full rebuild, taking offers for Zack Wheeler - (PhillyVoice)
"Remember how it felt just two years ago, when the Phillies were eager to hand out 'stupid money' to become contenders and spent an entire offseason wooing Bryce Harper?"

Mets target Jake Odorizzi deserves mulligan for 2020: Twins exec - (NY Post)
"Jake Odorizzi bet on himself last offseason and accepted the Twins’ qualifying offer. Even after a disappointing 2020 season, he stands to cash in among the top starting pitchers available on the free-agent market."

New education program turning Marlins into a bilingual organization - (Fish Stripes)
"The Marlins have been implementing an interesting educational approach to help Latin players learn English, and vice versa."

Questions remain for Braves heading into the Winter Meetings - (Talking Chop)
"The Atlanta Braves have not announced any additions during the Winter Meetings the last couple of years, but it has been a important time for Alex Anthopoulos and his staff as they take in the scope of the league and lay the foundation for future moves."