The Morning Briefing: MLB Economics and the Cold Winter

Good Monday Morning, Washington Nationals Fans.

Thank you for starting the week with us.

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Top Washington Nationals Story is the weekend signing of OF Kyle Schwarber

Just in case you missed the news from over the weekend. Here are the details: the Washington Nationals signed OF Kyle Schwarber to a 1-year deal, pending a physical. Kyle Schwarber was tendered this offseason by the Chicago Cubs. Manager Davey Martinez is familiar with OF Kyle Schwarber due to his time with the Chicago Cubs. Click here to read the full article with salary details.

The more and more we think about the signing, it is an excellent signing for the Washington Nationals. You have a player who is motivated to play well, and he is familiar with the head coach. Read Richard's thoughts on the signing and weigh in yourself.

Today's Top MLB Story: Why a painfully slow winter could get even uglier for free agents.

ESPN Senior Writer Buster Olney wrote an interesting piece about the slow winter with not many free-agent signings so far. It will have a considerable impact on the big-name free agents. It is worth the read.

Additionally, Major League Baseball is bracing to reduce rights fees in negotiations with ESPN on a new television contract, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required). Current discussions surround a seven-year deal that would see ESPN pay approximately $550MM per season in exchange for the right to continue to broadcast Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and a to-be-determined number of postseason games. As Rosenthal notes, this will significantly reduce the parties' last rights contract, which covered eight years at $700MM per season. That's a disappointing turn for MLB, which had picked up considerable increases in rights fees (relative to previous contracts) from both Turner and FOX in recent years.

International Signing Period: We will publish an in-depth look at the history of the Washington Nationals international signings and how international signings work. Don't miss this article.