Good Tuesday Morning Washington Nationals Fans,

Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Thank you for starting your day with us.

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Leading today's Morning Briefing: Welcome to the Dog Days of the offseason

There hasn't been a lot of free agent news coming from South Capitol street these days, actually, there hasn't been a lot of major league free agent news in general. We assume that many teams are waiting for the new CBA to be decided before moving forward. However, the World Series Champions Atlanta Braves made a move yesterday by signing free agent Manny Piña. According to the press release, the Braves signed C Manny Piña to a two-year contract worth $8 million and also includes a $4 million club option for 2024 with no buyout. Manny Piña made his major league debut in 2011 with the Kansas City Royals.

Our 2022 Free Agency Tracker. There is just so much news that is happening during the day around free agency and trades etc.  We have you covered check out and bookmark our Free Agency Rumor, Headline tracker page and check back often so that you never miss a headline.

Must Read. While we all wait for free agent news, check out this must-read profile by the Washington Post on the Nationals 2019 Draft pick Jackson Rutledge. From the article: "Rutledge is now in the process of rejoining Cade Cavalli and Cole Henry in that class. And at the Arizona Fall League, a five-week showcase for baseball’s top young talent, Rutledge has seen mixed results. In 18⅔ innings, tied for the fifth-most of any pitcher there through Sunday, Rutledge has a 5.79 ERA. He has only 16 strikeouts — Henry, by contrast, leads the league with 30 in 19 innings — but he has reached his goal as games wrap up this week."

Must-Have: Local Washington D.C., artist John Yim who is best known for his depictions of various Washington Nationals as Marvel superheroes have created another masterpiece, this time of Ryan Zimmerman aka Employee #11. Purchase yours today by clicking here.

Be Your Own Nats GM. See how cheap of a team you can build in your "rebuilding" phase or try to figure out how to spend into contention, check it out, and don't forget to tag us on social media with your rosters.

New Farm Director. It looks like the Washington Nationals will be hiring De Jon Watson to be the new farm director per Britt Ghiroli from the Athletic. (Twitter link).  Watson was previously a special assistant to GM Mike Rizzo since January 2017. Watson has also held positions with Arizona Diamondbacks as an SVP and was Assistant GM for player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers from November of 2005 to December 2014.

Congratulations to Washington Nationals shortstop prospect Jackson Cluff on his engagement. Click here to see pictures.

Non-Washington Nationals news. Carlos Correa: "Derek Jeter Didn't Deserve Any of the Gold Gloves He Won" In this clip free agent Carlos Correa seems to seemingly trash Derek Jeter. Could this come back and bite him in the butt if he wants to become a New York Yankee? Only time will tell.

Rookie of the Year. Yesterday it was announced that rookie Jonathan India of the Cincinnati Reds won the 2021 Rookie of the Year award for the National League. The 24, infielder appeared in 150 games, compiling a .835 OPS that included 24 home runs and led all rookies in walks and hit-by-pitches, and having a .376 on-base percentage that ranked fifth among all hitters in the NL.

"I said at the beginning of the year, you know, this was my goal, this was my personal goal," said India, who was surrounded by his family during a video call with MLB Network. "And I don't set many personal goals for myself, I just had a feeling this is what I wanted."

In the American League, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena was the winner. Randy Arozarena led all rookies with a 4.1 WAR while hitting a .815 OPS, hitting 20 home runs, and stealing 20 bases which made him the third rookie in the last decade to compile a 20-20 season. He's the first Rays player to win the Rookie of the Year Award since Wil Myers back in 2013.

Award Season. Tonight the BBWA will announce this year's Manager of the Year Award winners for the AL & NL. Here are the finalists for this year's award:

American Leauge

Kevin Cash (Rays), Dusty Baker (Astros), and Scott Servais (Mariners)

National League

Gabe Kapler (Giants), Craig Counsell (Brewers), and Mike Shildt (who has since been fired by the Cardinals).

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