Wire Taps: Washington Nationals sign Kyle Schwarber; add another big bat to middle of lineup...

Kyle Schwarber has played some good, competitive games against the Nationals over the last few years, in the regular season and the playoffs, and the fight he saw his new team in those matchups played a role in his decision to sign on in D.C., as well as his history with a certain someone on the bench in Washington, Davey Martinez, who served as the bench coach in Chicago when Schwarber was a Cub.

“Davey was a big factor,” Schwarber said on Saturday, after what is reportedly a 1-year/$10M deal with the Nats was announced, “and once I heard that they had interest, it was definitely something I wanted to pursue and we were able to work everything out and as soon as everything was in line I was ready to say yes right away and get this thing going and make this thing official.

“So, I’m honored to be here. I’m in the business of winning baseball games and I’m pretty sure that this group is all in that business as well from all the veterans on their staff to some of the most young, exciting players in this game on the offensive side of the baseball.

“It’s going to be a fun time.”

Your links are going to be a fun time too. Or something. Whatever. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Schwarber signs in D.C.:

Schwarber has "chip on my shoulder" as he arrives in D.C. - (MASN)
"Schwarber mentioned his excitement to go back and break down his swing from start to finish, analyzing his approach at the plate."

Kyle Schwarber excited to reunite with Dave Martinez on Nationals - (Washington Times)
"When Kyle Schwarber looks back at his development as a major leaguer, many of those memories involve Dave Martinez."

Kyle Schwarber: Nationals were 'the No. 1 place on my list to be' - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Despite interest from the New York Yankees, left fielder Kyle Schwarber told media in his introductory press conference on Saturday that he's happy to be in the place where he wanted to go the most."

For Schwarber, Nats were always "my No. 1 choice" - (MASN)
"And with no shortage of options on the table, he didn’t have to think long and hard about it. Schwarber wanted to be a National."

Nationals to sign outfielder Kyle Schwarber to one-year deal - (WaPost)
“It took one month and six days for Kyle Schwarber to go from on the Washington Nationals’ radar to being a fixed part of their short-term future.”

Other Nats Links:

The Washington Nationals’ bullpen doesn’t need a makeover - (WaPost)
“Manager Dave Martinez has felt little need for a matchup lefty since MLB adopted the three-batter minimum rule before last season.”

How Turner went from PTBN to spark plug - (MLB.com)
"Trea Turner was already off the board when the Nationals made their first selection of the 2014 Major League Draft with the 18th pick, but they found a way to still get him on their roster."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Why Kyle Schwarber Signing Could Backfire On Washington Nationals - (Forbes)
"They think they did Saturday by signing Kyle Schwarber, a one-time slugger who was non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs, to a one-year, $10 million contract. But not so fast."

Washington Nationals adding Kyle Schwarber is a reminder NL East isn't just a two-team race - (ESPN)
"Before we declare the National League East a two-team race between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets, let us consider the Washington Nationals."

2021 breakout prospects -- 1 for each team - (MLB.com)
"Nationals: Yasel Antuna, INF (No. 10) - '... he has long been viewed as a potential impact hitter and was perhaps the most advanced bat the Nats had at their alternate training site over the summer.'"

MLBTR Poll: Will Nationals Unlock Kyle Schwarber's Potential? - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"Then 2020 happened. His launch angle plummeted, and his .219 BABIP, .204 ISO, .188/.308/.393 line, and 90 wRC+ were all career-worst numbers."

NL EAST UPDATES:

MLB trade rumors: Could, should Phillies make a move for Kris Bryant? Andrew Benintendi? - (PhillyVoice)
"And as the Phillies sit quietly, considering how much to offer free agents such as J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius, spring training quickly approaches."

Lindor’s Mind Blowing Defensive Stats - (New York Mets YouTube)
"Tom Verducci of MLB Network breaks down how insanely good of a defender Francisco Lindor is."

Tom Glavine on his career, HOF - (MLB.com)
"Tom Glavine joins Hot Stove to discuss his induction to the Hall of Fame, as well as the mentality of top-line starting pitchers."

South Florida kids to play for the Marlins - (MLB.com)
"Below is a list of players who either were born in or went to high school in South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties) and appeared for the hometown team, as listed in alphabetical order..."