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Middle of the order bats? ✔️No. 4-5 starter?✔️Bullpen help? 1/2-✔️. Now how about a catcher, a left-handed bullpen arm, and ... let’s see what else do the Nationals need in terms of the offseason checklist? Mike Rizzo and Co. in the front office in D.C. have been hard at work a couple months now, since the 2020 season ended in disappointment for Washington. Will the Nats’ find themselves someone to share catching duties with Yan Gomes? Will they try to find another bullpen arm or two? What else do you want to see Rizzo add before Spring Training starts? Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Lester Stories:
Nats are trying to go for it again behind an elite rotation - (MASN)
"This is the rotation general manager Mike Rizzo is asking to shoulder the weight of his ballclub’s hopes in 2021. It’s risky."
With Jon Lester, Nationals fill out rotation with much-needed stability - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals reportedly signed veteran left-hander Jon Lester to a one-year deal Monday, replacing Aníbal Sánchez to solidify the back-end of their rotation."
Where would you rank the Nationals' rotation following the reported addition of Jon Lester?#MLBNHotStove | @jonmorosi pic.twitter.com/6UDPzjclbk
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 19, 2021
Jon Lester gives the Nationals an identity - (WaPost)
“But here’s the thing: The Nationals under the construction of Mike Rizzo are and always will be built on starting pitching.”
Cubs analyst says letting Jon Lester go to the Nationals is 'embarrassing' - (NBC Sports Washington)
"'He wasn't looking to break the bank. He got $4 million and some incentives from the Nationals. The Cubs' offer wasn't close, that's embarrassing.'"
Jon Lester agrees to one-year deal to join Nationals' rotation - (Washington Times)
"The Nationals have agreed to a one-year deal with left-hander Jon Lester, securing a fourth starter to fill out the rotation."
Other Nats Stories:
Armando Cruz has bright future with Nationals - (WaPost)
“And this is how we meet Armando Cruz, as some sort of teenage magician from the Dominican Republic. Shortstop is just where he does each trick.”
Willson Contreras endorses Nationals signing Jon Lester, takes shot at Cubs - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, a teammate of Lester for the past five seasons, took to Instagram to voice his support for the Nationals taking a chance on the three-time champion."
Washington Nationals fan Peter Vogel gets 2019 World Series ring he won in raffle - (WaPost)
“Vogel was presented the player-grade Nationals 2019 championship ring he won in a raffle to benefit Nationals Philanthropies.”
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Our latest MLB offseason buzz -- Second baseman market after LeMahieu, NL DH waiting game and more - (ESPN)
"Lester isn't returning to the Chicago Cubs, despite his stated desire to win his 200th game in their uniform, because the Cubs are in a money crunch of their own making and decided they couldn't afford to bring back the left-hander."
Cade Cavalli is the first player listed here among the 10 who just missed the Top 100. "He has more upside than many of the pitchers who made the list." #Nats https://t.co/4Po7mNdrCX
— Lacy Lusk (@LacyLuskBA) January 19, 2021
MLB free agency: Nationals, Jon Lester agree to one-year deal - (CBSSports.com)
"The Washington Nationals have added a veteran southpaw with championship pedigree to the rotation."
Philadelphia Phillies want J.T. Realmuto back. The catcher still has some free-agent chips to play - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"At the same price, would the Washington Nationals be more appealing than the Phillies to Realmuto?"
NL EAST UPDATES:
New Phillie Archie Bradley quickly becoming a fan favorite - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Between the beard, the personality, the Ric Flair sweater and the immediate campaigning for J.T. Realmuto, the new Phillie is quickly becoming a fan favorite."
Steve Cohen replies to 'cancel culture' tweet after firing Jared Porter - (NY Post)
"Cohen elaborated on the social media platform Tuesday when one user asked him: 'Caving to cancel culture is abhorrent, now that [Porter’s] life has been ruined, what is his path to redemption Mr. Cohen?'"
Jon Lester actually makes twice as much from his $10 million buyout from the #Cubs in November than he will from the #Nats with his one-year, $5 million contract, paying just $2 million in 2021. https://t.co/hm5exZ3KMo
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 19, 2021
The best international Marlins of all time - (MLB.com)
"Baseball. Béisbol. Yakyū. No matter what you call it, baseball's a global game. Look no further than the Marlins, who have showcased a mini United Nations since their inception in 1993."
Braves potential free agent target: Yasiel Puig - (Talking Chop)
"With Marcell Ozuna currently a free agent, Atlanta pretty clearly needs a big bat as well as some guys with offensive upside going down the lineup."