Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ arbitration-eligible players; top international signings + more Nats links...

Josh Bell has goals. Once the whole arbitration process is taken care of, the Nationals’ new first baseman wants to get to work on getting to the postseason for what would be his first taste of playoff baseball in his five seasons in the majors.

“Obviously I think first and foremost, every baseball player, especially that hasn’t been to the postseason in the past, wants to get to the postseason,” Bell said.

“You want to taste the champagne. You want to have all the hard work feel like it’s starting to pay off, and then you hunt for more than that. You hunt for one win at a time afterwards.”

“In regards to my own results, I think they will take care of themselves.”

A return to his 2019 form would give the Nationals a serious bat in the middle of their lineup, which was in need of some additional pop.

If Bell and Kyle Schwarber bounce back? Look out. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Soto, Bell, Turner await arbitration deadline - (MLB.com)
"The team has to reach a deal with outfielder Juan Soto, shortstop Trea Turner and first baseman Josh Bell ahead of Friday’s cutoff to avoid arbitration, or the sides must swap salary arbitration figures."

Arbitration process is complicated for three Nats stars - (MASN)
"Three of the Nats’ biggest stars - Juan Soto, Trea Turner and Josh Bell - must agree to terms on their 2021 salaries before Friday’s 1 p.m. deadline."

As MLB arbitration deadline nears, Nationals contend with increasingly odd process - (WaPost)
“And this is a chance to further sow relationships with players who, conceivably, the Nationals eventually want to sign to long-term contracts.”

Victor Robles the prospect was untouchable. Should Nationals trade him now? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Washington could upgrade its offense — an area GM Mike Rizzo identified as his top priority this winter — by trading Robles for a more established hitter."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Here is each team's top int'l prospect - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals viewed Lara as the top pitching prospect in the 2019-20 international class and made the Venezuelan right-hander their top target, signing him for $1.25 million at the start of the July 2 period."

MLB international signings: Hits and misses over the last 10 years - (mlive.com)
"Notable: The Washington Nationals got star outfielder Juan Soto out of the Dominican Republic for $1.5 million."

Hagerstown weighs options for Municipal Stadium's future - (heraldmailmedia.com)
"The future of Hagerstown's Municipal Stadium is uncertain, but several short- and long-term options are up for debate — including the potential for more professional baseball."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Alec Bohm on experience, 2021 - (MLB.com)
"Alec Bohm joins MLB Tonight to talk about his MLB experience with the Phillies in 2020, as well as the upcoming 2021 season."

What does Corey Kluber need to do to pique the Mets’ interest? - (SNY - YouTube)
"On BNNY, Anthony Recker breaks down what he would be looking for out of Corey Kluber’s pitching showcase and Sarah Langs determines if the Mets should be interested in pursuing him this offseason."

Anderson leads group of arb-eligible Marlins - (MLB.com)
"If Marlins fans had their say, the organization would come to terms on an extension with Anderson, who cannot become a free agent until after the 2023 season."

Around the NL East: What Braves’ rivals have done this offseason - (AJC.com)
"But the big-market trio of the Mets, Nationals and Phillies hope to surge past the Braves, who seem primed for their next great run of postseason berths."