Wire Taps: Washington Nationals with Juan Soto in right; Sean Doolittle on time with the Nats + more...

The MLB Network’s Shredder ranked Juan Soto as the second-best right fielder in baseball in spite of his relative lack of experience in that corner in the majors. Nats’ manager Davey Martinez told reporters earlier this winter that he’s perfectly comfortable with Soto in right after he sent him out there late last season.

“He was really good,” Martinez said. “That’s his natural position. He played right field the short stint that he had in the minor leagues. He feels comfortable over there, so I had conversations with him after we did that and he likes it. He loves it over there, he wants to stay there. I feel comfortable leaving him there. So you know, but he said he’s willing to do anything to help this team win.

“If we got another outfielder that played right field, he’d go back to left field. He’s open to doing whatever we need him to do.”

Soto’s the best. Go read your links.

NATS BEAT:

Sean Doolittle gets a fresh start with Cincinnati Reds - (WaPost)
“In his retelling, the Nationals reached out at the start of free agency — some time in November — and expressed interest in bringing him back.”

Juan Soto's all-around power - (MLB.com)
"Take a look across the career of Juan Soto to see the home runs he has hit to all corners of the ballpark."

Friday morning Nats Q&A - (MASN)
"Are the Nationals done building their 2021 roster? Is the lineup deep enough?"

5 players who may be entering their final season with the Nationals in 2021- (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals enter the 2021 season with World Series aspirations, hoping to compete in the tightly contested NL East with a revamped roster."

Nationals’ Juan Soto emerges as betting favorite to win 2021 NL MVP - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Juan Soto is still just 22 years old, but even oddsmakers have started to recognize him as one of the best players in the game."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Holden Powell's Slight Frame Belies His Talent - (Baseball America)
"The Nationals already like what they see from former UCLA closer Holden Powell, their third-round pick in 2020."

Bauer on cusp of decision: Mets vs. Dodgers - (MLB.com)
"The Mets continued to engage in talks with Bauer’s camp on Thursday, according to sources, while the Dodgers remain in the mix to sign the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner."

Nationals Sign Jordy Mercer To Minor League Deal - (MLB Trade Rumors)
“The Nationals have agreed to a minor league contract and Major League Spring Training invite with veteran shortstop Jordy Mercer, tweets Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post.”

Seriously, why can’t MLB owners and players agree on ANYTHING? - (nj.com)
"Oblivious as ever, neither side could agree how to protect the season while COVID still hangs over us like an anvil."

New York Mets Need Trevor Bauer To Compete In National League’s Arms Race - (Forbes)
"Granted, there is risk in the Mets committing more than one year to Bauer at massive money."

Alex Avila to pursue Alabama MLB home run record with Nationals - (al.com)
"Alex Avila’s chance to become sole owner of the Alabama record for MLB home runs will come with the Washington Nationals."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Atlanta Braves announce the Henry Aaron Fellowship - (MLB.com)
"The Atlanta Braves announced the creation of their new, year-long executive leadership program, the Henry Aaron Fellowship."

What to do with all these starting pitchers? - (The Good Phight)
"The Phillies have a problem. Let’s re-phrase that. The Phillies have a good problem right now."

The only contract Mets should use to sign Trevor Bauer - (NY Post)
"I would not sign Trevor Bauer if I ran the Mets. My rule: When it comes to players with whom there is great concern, I would rather they succeed for a competitor than fail for me..."

How 'Marley & Me' was shot at Marlins game - (MLB.com)
"After discussing logistics with film production and stadium operations, the Marlins notified Major League Baseball of the idea."