The Morning Briefing: All Quiet on South Capitol Street

The latest Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball news, headlines, analysis and rumors for December 3, 2020

by Richard Wachtel

Updated December 03, 2020

The Morning Briefing: All Quiet on South Capitol Street

Good Morning. And welcome to the Nats Report Morning Briefing. Thank you for starting the day with us.

Washington Nationals Headlines and News

On the first day of the non-tender/tender deadline for arbitration-eligible players, the Washington Nationals were pretty quiet. However, there was some news. As expected, the Washington Nationals have tendered contracts to all unsigned players on the 40-man roster, including outfielder Juan Soto and shortstop Trea Turner. Now comes the challenging task of negotiating long term contracts with both of these players.

Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic reported that Nationals general manager spoke with team ownership yesterday so that they can provide "Rizzo with greater clarity on the club's payroll for 2021." Additionally, Rosenthal speculated that the Nationals remain "unlikely" to be a significant player for big-ticket players such as Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant or free-agent infielder DJ LeMahieu. Lastly, Rosenthal notes that "the Nats are at something of a crossroads. Left fielder Juan Soto is one of the top hitters in the game, but shortstop Trea Turner is the team's only other dynamic offensive player. Even the Nats' traditional strength, starting pitching, is in question. Max Scherzer is entering his free-agent year. Patrick Corbin's average fastball velocity declined from 91.8 mph in 2019 to 90.1 last season. Stephen Strasburg is signed through '26, but will be more of an injury risk in his ages 32 through 37 seasons."

In related news, the rumors have increased that the Cubs will try and trade Kris Bryant while Kyle Schwarber might be free to find employment elsewhere. According to a report by Bob Nightengale, the Chicago Cubs are "definitely tendering a contract to Kris Bryant, but barring a change of plans, will cut ties with outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora." So, what does this mean for the Washington Nationals? Well, we aren't sure, but every Washington Nationals fan should be on the lookout for any news. [Read our article on what Kris Bryant can bring to the Washington Nationals]

Some notable players were non-tendered before last night's 8:00 p.m. ET deadline. These players could add some exciting talk over the next few days on where they will play during the 2021 season. It could be possible that one of these players land with the Washington Nationals. In the coming days, we will take a closer look at some of the possibilities. Notable players include:

OF Eddie Rosario
OF Kyle Schwarber
1B/DH Jose Martinez
OF Adam Duvall

A few transactions from last night from around Major League

Former Washington Nationals Outfielder Brian Goodwin was non-tendered by the Cincinnati Reds.
Twins outfielder Eddie Rosario cleared waivers.
Atlanta Braves non-tendered Adam Duvall, making him a free agent.
White Sox non-tendered LHP Carlos Rodón and OF Nomar Mazara.
Chicago Cubs claimed RHP Robert Stock off waivers from the Red Sox.
Oakland Athletics sign All-Star 1B Matt Olson for a one-year deal with the Oakland A's per Bob Nightengale.
Milwaukee Brewers sign C Omar Navarez for a one-year contract per Bob Nightengale.
Milwaukee Brewers sign SS Orlando Arcia for a one-year contract per Mark Feinsand.
Atlanta Braves sign RHP Luke Jackson for a one-year contract per Atlanta Braves.
Philadelphia Phillies sign C Andrew Knapp for a one-year contract per Mark Feinsand.

Major League and Washington Nationals Baseball News & Headlines