Nationals Reportedly Looking to Keep Strasburg and Rendon While Interested in Bumgarner and Wheeler
By Parker White
The Washington Nationals may be celebrating their first World Series title in franchise history, but GM Mike Rizzo has to set his sights on the offseason, especially with all the big names coming off their books.
Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon, two of Washington's best players, are both hitting the open market, but according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Nationals are keen on retaining both parties.
FWIW Nats are trying on Strasburg already. Uncertain how likely a quick deal is tho. They also want to retain Rendon obvs and from outside like MadBum and Wheeler
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 4, 2019
Heyman also reported that the Nats are interested in starters Madison Bumgarner and Zack Wheeler, who could be fallback options if Strasburg signs elsewhere. The World Series MVP opted out of the remaining four years at $100 million left on his previous deal in hopes of landing a more lucrative contract as a free agent.
Nice that Strasburg gets a car for MVP. But of course he opts out now and turns the $100M over 4 into many millions more. Would be nice to see him stay with Nats, who treated him extremely well. Don’t count out his hometown Padres, though.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 31, 2019
You can bet the Nationals will do the best they can to re-sign both, but it'll be hard to do when you consider that Rendon is one of the best third basemen in the sport (think Nolan Arenado-type money, possibly more) and Strasburg is coming off a brilliant (and healthy!) 2019 campaign that includes a World Series MVP.
If they whiff on retaining their star duo, the Nats will be at the forefront of Wheeler and Bumgarner's free agency, competing with various teams in need of some starting pitching.