Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ updated shopping list; Starlin Castro in 2021 + more Nats links

One of the links below is a Q&A with MLB.com’s Nationals beat writer answering a question about Starlin Castro, whose first season in D.C. ended with a broken wrist which required a surgical procedure. Nationals’ manager Davey Martinez told reporters earlier this winter he thinks the veteran infielder will come back strong in 2021.

“He’s full go,” Martinez said. “He’s been hitting. He’s itching to get back on the field and play. Talked a little bit about maybe playing winter ball, and I told him I said, ‘Just take it easy. Get ready for Spring Training,’ but he’s itching to go.”

From the look of the workout videos he’s been posting, Castro is determined to come back strong in his second run with the Nationals.

What are you expecting from Castro in the second year of the 2-year/$12M deal he signed with the Nationals last winter?

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Inbox: Castro eyeing healthy 2021 return - (MLB.com)
"[Starlin] Castro has been posting videos of his offseason workouts in the Dominican Republic on his Instagram, from taking swings to strength and conditioning drills to … pushing a car."

Phillies, Braves play waiting game on top free agents while Mets strike out - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Washington is only a year removed from winning the World Series, intending to make another playoff push after acquiring Josh Bell, Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester."

What's still left on the Nationals' shopping list? - (MASN)
"The Nationals have made three significant acquisitions so far this offseason, and they addressed unquestionably the club’s three biggest needs."

Previewing the 2021 Nationals - (MLB.com)
"Jessica Camerato provides an update on the Nationals' offseason moves and previews the upcoming 2021 season."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Liam Hendriks on What ‘Little Gnat’ Adam Eaton Brings to White Sox Lineup – (NBC Chicago)
"But Hendriks is all for Eaton being a part of the White Sox lineup, mostly because it means he won't have to face Eaton anymore."

Realmuto, Bauer, Ozuna will sign with … - (MLB.com)
"J.T. Realmuto - Watch out for a late test from the Nationals -- a club never afraid to spend -- but Philadelphia just has more room below the luxury tax threshold to make the best offer."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies could go to six-man rotation for part of the season - (The Morning Call)
"Prominent on Phillies general manager Sam Fuld’s calendar this week is an interdepartmental meeting involving, among others, manager Joe Girardi to essentially discuss whether the team has enough pitching to get through a 162-game season."

Was signing George Springer really what the Mets needed in the long term? - (SNY - YouTube)
"On BNNY, Sal Licata is adamant that the Mets should have made George Springer their main free agency target while Anthony Recker and Anthony McCarron argue that not signing Springer might be a blessing in disguise."

Reunion Candidate: Yusmeiro Petit - (Fish Stripes)
"After parts of 13 seasons in the majors, what are the chances of a reunion between Yusmeiro Petit?"

Would extension make sense for Mike Soroka, Braves? - (AJC.com)
"Whether it’s in the next few weeks or down the line, the Braves would be wise to explore an early extension with their budding ace, who as a Super-Two player will be eligible for arbitration four times."