Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are reportedly pursuing Josh Donaldson to replace the departed Anthony Rendon at the hot corner.

On Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the defending champions "continue to go hard after" the veteran and would be willing to pay at least $90 million over the course of a four-year deal.

There is a natural hole in Washington's lineup after Rendon agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels this offseason, but that is a serious potential commitment to a 34-year-old who's likely past his prime as a third baseman.

It could also make the difference with a number of suitors on the market.

On Wednesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reported the Atlanta Braves are interested in bringing Donaldson back but are "not likely to get in [a] bidding war" for a four-year deal. O'Brien pointed to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies and Nationals as interested teams, although Levi Weaver of The Athletic reported the price has "exceeded" Texas' comfort level.

Donaldson struggled during an injury-shortened 2018 campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians and hit a total of eight home runs. It was a far cry from his 2015 American League MVP effort when he slashed .297/.371/.568 with 41 home runs and 123 RBI for Toronto.

To his credit, he bounced back last season on a one-year deal with Atlanta.

Donaldson helped lead the Braves to the playoffs as National League East champions and slashed .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs and 94 RBI. He clearly showed enough to garner significant interest this offseason, and Washington is apparently doing what it can to make sure he is in a Nationals uniform for the 2020 season.

The Washington Nationals are looking to fill an open spot at third base with free agent Josh Donaldson, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network and WFAN Radio.

Nats seem focused on Josh Donaldson right now. They love Kris Bryant but the belief is the Cubs want Victor Robles, likely a no go. Could go to 4th year. Also interested in JD: Braves, dodgers, twins, rangers

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2019

Donaldson, 34, had 37 home runs, 94 RBI and a .900 OPS in 155 games for the 97-65 Atlanta Braves last season. His efforts helped Atlanta win its second straight NL East title.

The ex-Oakland Athletic, Toronto Blue Jay and Cleveland Indian has made three All-Star Games in eight MLB seasons and won the 2015 American League MVP.

Donaldson would replace Anthony Rendon if he signed with the defending World Series champions. Rendon inked a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, per Heyman.

Donaldson is the best free-agent third baseman left on the open market. Per Jason Catania and Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com, he ranked second in WAR (wins above replacement) behind only Rendon on the list of free-agent third basemen at the beginning of hot stove season

As Heyman noted, though, the Nationals have competition for Donaldson's services in the form of the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins and Braves.

Washington could also look to deal for Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com reported on Tuesday that the Nats made an "initial inquiry" to the North Siders about a potential deal.

But Heyman said the "belief" is the Cubs would want outfielder Victor Robles in return. That may be a hard sell for the Nats, as Robles is a talented 22-year-old center fielder coming off a season where he smacked 17 homers and swiped 28 bases.

For now, Donaldson appears to be the Nats' best bet to fill the hot corner as Washington looks to make a return trip to the World Series.

The Washington Nationals re-signed Stephen Strasburg Monday on a record-breaking seven-year, $245 million deal, and MASNsports.com's Mark Zuckerman reported Tuesday that the All-Star starting pitcher has now turned his attention toward free-agent third baseman Anthony Rendon returning to Washington as well.

From Zuckerman: "The World Series MVP and new recipient of the largest contract ever given to a pitcher has been actively trying to convince Rendon to return to Washington while also encouraging the Nationals front office to do everything possible to bring the star third baseman back, according to a source who has been in touch with Strasburg."

Strasburg and Rendon were crucial pieces in Washington winning its first World Series title in franchise history last season. Strasburg was named World Series MVP after becoming the first pitcher in league history to post a 5-0 playoff record, while Rendon came up clutch time and time again the plate:

Anthony Rendon's plate appearances in the 7th inning or later of the Nationals' five elimination games this season:

Walk, double, home run, double, home run, double, home run

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) October 31, 2019

In the regular season, Rendon led MLB with 126 RBI and the National League with 44 doubles. The 29-year-old batted .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs across 146 games, earning his first All-Star nod.

Strasburg opted out of his contract, and then he and Rendon rejected the Nats' qualifying offers to become free agents.

Before Strasburg re-signed, Nationals owner Mark Lerner told NBC Sports Washington (h/t ESPN) that the club could "only afford" to keep either Strasburg or Rendon but not both. 

"They're huge numbers," Lerner said. "We already have a really large payroll to begin with. ... It's not up to us. We can give them a great offer, which we've done to both of those players. They're great people. We'd be delighted if they stay. But it's not up to us; it's up to them. That's why they call it free agency."

Sunday, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal relayed what Rendon's price tag might be: 

"Rendon has spoken of retiring at 35, but Boras is asking for seven-year proposals that would take the third baseman through his age 36 season, according to officials with two of his suitors. As I wrote earlier this week, Rendon almost certainly will want to top the guarantee Nolan Arenado landed in his extension with the Rockies without the benefit of free agency — $234 million."

With winter meetings underway in San Diego this week, rumors about potential suitors for Rendon are heating up: 

Nats GM Mike Rizzo excitedly said they feel they got their “big fish” back in Strasburg. They don’t rule out Rendon but it feels like others — led by Rangers, Dodgers — are more in on Rendon

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2019

andThe #Dodgers letting teams know that outfielders A.J. Pollock and Joc Pederson, and infielder/outfielder Enrique Hernandez are available at the right price. They have not engaged with Gerrit Cole, but are in on Anthony Rendon.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 9, 2019

Angels owner Arte Moreno has told folks he loves Anthony Rendon. They haven’t been linked much to AR but word is in they are in.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2019

The #Phillies, luxury tax be damned, are going all in, and plan to pursue free-agent 3B Anthony Rendon. https://t.co/aO2XMU0JPw

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 6, 2019

Braves have checked in on Anthony Rendon. Initial read: waters “a tad deep”

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2019

Rendon, a Houston native, has been with the Nationals his entire MLB career. The organization drafted him sixth overall in the 2011 draft, and he debuted in 2013. 

The Washington Nationals reportedly have a contingency plan in place if they fail to retain Anthony Rendon, and it could shake up the National League picture.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the Nationals have been in contact with the Chicago Cubs about trading for third baseman Kris Bryant in the event Rendon signs elsewhere. The Cubs' level of interest in trading Bryant is unclear, but the potential of a blockbuster continues to show Washington's seriousness about repeating as World Series champions.

The Nationals already lavished World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg with a reported record-setting $245 million contract and are pushing hard to re-sign Rendon, widely considered the best hitter on the market.

The Cubs and Bryant are in the midst of a service time grievance. He is appealing to have his free agency start in the winter of 2020, rather than a year later, because the Cubs "manipulated" service time rules to call him up after the beginning of the 2015 season. An arbitrator is expected to take "months" to rule on the case.

Without a ruling in his arbitration case, it seems unlikely the Cubs will find a solid market for Bryant. Teams are going to want to know whether they're getting him for a one-season rental or two years at his arbitration rate. The Cubs' lack of progress in attempting a contract extension, along with the fact he is represented by Scott Boras, makes it likely he'll depart Chicago sooner than later.

Bryant hit .282/.382/.521 with 31 home runs and 77 runs batted in last season, a bounce-back from his injury-plagued 2018. While he's not been an MVP-caliber player like Rendon the last couple of seasons, he would be an easy plug-and-play option for the Nationals in the event Rendon's market grows too strong. He was also a six-win player in each of his first three MLB seasons and has the potential to return to that form in 2020.

The idea that the Cubs would trade Bryant rather than look to retain him seems odd, but the relationship between the two sides seems contentious. A smart team with a big bankroll could swoop in now and potentially get him at a discount.

The defending champions brought back one of their marquee free agents Monday but reportedly aren't confident they will re-sign the other.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported the Washington Nationals "don't seem confident" they will re-sign third baseman Anthony Rendon. The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers are "seen as the favorites" for the slugger at this point.

Washington's perspective comes after Jeff Passan of ESPN reported it re-signed pitcher Stephen Strasburg to a seven-year, $245 million deal.

Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise the Nationals are feeling lukewarm about their chances to bring back Rendon after re-signing Strasburg since managing principal owner Mark Lerner said, "We can really only afford to have one of those two guys" during an interview with Donald Dell (h/t Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington).

"They're huge numbers," he added. "We already have a really large payroll to begin with."

However, it should be noted Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said there is interest in bringing Rendon back, per TR Sullivan of MLB.com.

Agent Scott Boras did not buy Lerner's payroll concerns and told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, "The Nationals are experiencing a revenue festival in 2020. ... The franchise value has increased by nearly $2 billion since their purchase. The Nationals made an extra $30 million winning the World Series. Attendance will increase by more than four to five hundred thousand. TV rating and advertising rates all skyrocketed."

In September, Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post reported the Nationals offered Rendon a seven-year contract extension worth between $210 million and $215 million. The fact he didn't accept it could lend insight into the type of money he is looking for as a free agent.

Rendon figures to sign a massive contract with a team considering he is just 29 years old and coming off his first All-Star season in which he slashed .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs. He led the league with 44 doubles and 126 RBI.

It was his fourth straight year with 20 or more home runs and second straight year leading the league in doubles.

What's more, Rendon was brilliant in the playoffs for the World Series champions and slashed .328/.413/.590 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 17 games.

After beginning 2019 as a guy who would be a fool to opt out of his contract, Stephen Strasburg is now a World Series hero and the richest pitcher in baseball history.

As Jon Heyman of MLB Network was first to report, Strasburg agreed to a new contract with the Washington Nationals during the first day of the winter meetings on Monday. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the terms are positively massive:

Stephen Strasburg’s deal with the Washington Nationals is for seven years and $245 million, a source tells ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2019

Before Monday, the record payout to a pitcher was the seven-year, $217 million contract David Price signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2015. Strasburg's deal tops that by $28 million.

His $35 million average annual value is also a new record for a pitcher, topping the $34.4 million AAV of the six-year, $206.5 million contract Zack Greinke signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015.

And according to Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal, there's no funny business going on with the actual value of Strasburg's record-setting contract:

Was told the deferrals in Stephen Strasburg record $245 million contract are with interest, meaning the net present value of the deal isn't impacted.

— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) December 9, 2019

In short: Yes, Strasburg's decision to opt out of the final four years and $100 million remaining on his previous contract has paid off.

How Strasburg set himself up for this moment must not be ignored. Whereas he went into this past season as a generally good yet injury-prone and inconsistent starter, he came out of it as one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Somewhat quietly, the 31-year-old put up a 3.32 ERA and set career bests with 18 wins, 209 innings and 251 strikeouts in the regular season. Strasburg was then at the tip of the spear in the postseason as the Nationals defied the odds and won their first-ever World Series championship. He posted a 1.98 ERA over 36.1 innings, culminating in an MVP-winning performance in the Fall Classic.

Clearly, the Nationals are hoping that there's plenty more where that came from. And perhaps there will be if Strasburg stays healthy and sticks with what worked for him in 2019.

On the latter front, he got around diminished fastball velocity by adjusting his pitch mix to include fewer four-seam fastballs and more sinkers and curveballs. That proved successful in keeping his strikeout habit alive, and Statcast's xwOBA metric further underscored his excellence relative to his peers:

• 1. Gerrit Cole, HOU: .238
• 2. Justin Verlander, HOU: .249
• 3. Jacob deGrom, NYM: .253
• 4. Max Scherzer, WAS: .254
• 5. Stephen Strasburg, WAS: .266

The most positive spin on Strasburg's health, meanwhile, is that he hasn't dealt with any serious injuries since he had Tommy John surgery in 2010. The injuries he's suffered in recent seasons have more so been of the minor and nagging varieties.

Nevertheless, Strasburg's health issues can only be downplayed so much.

Even one Tommy John surgery is one too many, and 2019 was the first time in five years that he was able to top 30 starts and 200 innings. A guy with this kind of track record suddenly becoming a paragon of durability all the way through his age-37 season is...well, unlikely.

There's also the extreme likelihood that Strasburg's velocity loss will go from minor to severe in the coming years. His margin for error will get smaller as a result, perhaps to a point where no pitch mix alterations can save him.

So will Strasburg ultimately be worth $245 million? Never say never, but it's awfully hard to side definitively with "yes" with this particular question.

Then again, the Nationals may not care what Strasburg is worth in the long run if he helps them win another World Series or two in the short run. Because he's rejoining a starting rotation that's still co-anchored by Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin, that could actually happen.

Further in their defense, the Nats seemingly didn't have much choice but to come around to a history-making payday for Strasburg.

At the start of the offseason, he was projected to earn $150 million by FanGraphs and $180 million by MLB Trade Rumors. But those same sites also pegged fellow right-hander Zack Wheeler for $68 million and $100 million, respectively, and he easily beat both marks by signing with the Philadelphia Phillies for $118 million over five years.

Wheeler missed two whole seasons after undergoing Tommy John in 2015, and he's been a merely league-average pitcher when he has been healthy.

That he nonetheless signed for $118 million says a lot about how desperate for pitching teams are in an era of disappearing starter innings and extreme home run proliferation. And as far as Strasburg's agent, Scott Boras, must have been concerned, Wheeler's better-than-expected payday was an obvious excuse to push the proverbial envelope.

One of Boras' other clients will soon be thanking him for pushing it as far as he did. Because if Strasburg is worth $245 million on this market, then Gerrit Cole is obviously worth a great deal more. 

As Passan wondered aloud, the 29-year-old righty's guaranteed money could begin with a three:

Stephen Strasburg’s deal with the Nationals is absolutely massive. It sets a new record for average annual value at $35 million a year. While there are deferrals, per source, the $245 million number could have a profound effect on the Gerrit Cole market. Is it $300M or bust now?

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2019

Maybe Cole won't actually pull down $300 million, but it's only fair that he should dethrone Strasburg as the most expensive pitcher ever. He is two years younger than Strasburg, and he's fresh off winning 20 games with a 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts. He was also just as good (if not better) in October.

Because all of this is happening on the heels of a string of penny-pinching offseasons, it's certainly jarring that free-agent prices are suddenly soaring again. But despite all the obligatory hand-wringing, it does feel like a return to a natural order of things.

After all, what else is free agency for if not for teams to spend what they must to buy what they need?

                 

Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, FanGraphs and Baseball Savant.

Stephen Strasburg is returning to the Washington Nationals after reportedly agreeing to a new contract worth $245 million over seven years, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.  

Strasburg's contract includes deferred money as well as incentives, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:

Stephen Strasburg's 7-year, $245 million #Nats contract:
Present-day value: $228,945,109.
2020-2026: $35 million w/ $11,428,571.43 deferred annually, 1% interest.
Incentives:$500k Cy Young;$500k MVP;$250K WS MVP;$150K LCS MVP;$100K All-Star;$100K Gold Glove; $100K Silver Slugger.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 10, 2019

Jon Heyman of MLB Network first reported the two sides came to an agreement Monday, while Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Strasburg's deal has the highest average annual value for a pitcher in league history but noted Gerrit Cole is "likely to get even more" than Strasburg's $35 million per season.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com also added the contract as a full no-trade clause.

Strasburg became a free agent after opting out of the final four years and $100 million remaining on his deal with the Washington Nationals.

Turning down guaranteed money is always risky, even more so when MLB teams are spending more conservatively in free agency. But Strasburg—as the second-best starting pitcher available behind Gerrit Cole—could feel pretty confident his next payday would eclipse the outstanding money on his Nationals contract.

Front offices are still willing to shell out for the top-tier starters. Washington signed Patrick Corbin for six years and $140 million last offseason. A year before that, the Chicago Cubs gave Yu Darvish a six-year, $126 million deal.

Strasburg enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2019. He led the National League in wins (18) and ranked seventh among all pitchers in WAR (5.7). He averaged 10.8 strikeouts and 2.4 walks per nine innings while posting a 3.25 FIP.

The 31-year-old was even better in the postseason, finishing 5-0 and allowing eight earned runs over 36.1 innings as the Nationals won their first World Series title. He was the World Series MVP as well.

Along with his postseason performance, Strasburg eclipsed 200 regular-season innings pitched for only the second time.

"He's turned himself into a guy that he wants to be a workhorse and an innings-eater," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post's Barry Svrluga in March.

Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman added that Strasburg had become frustrated with the perception he wasn't durable enough to remain healthy over a full season: "I think, over time, that really digs at him when people say that. As it should, because none of us are not competitive."

Strasburg also told Svrluga how he was focusing less on velocity and more on his command.

True to his word, Strasburg's four-seam fastball averaged a career-low 94.3 mph, according to Brooks Baseball. He also threw his curveball (31.0 percent) and changeup (21.0 percent) more than he ever had.

Strasburg's changeup is simply unfair. 😱 pic.twitter.com/eJAuDGGYHU

— MLB (@MLB) October 15, 2019

Strasburg's changeup is simply unfair. 😱 pic.twitter.com/eJAuDGGYHU

— MLB (@MLB) October 15, 2019

Strasburg underwent Tommy John surgery as a rookie in 2010. Since 2012—his first full year back—he has averaged 28 starts per season. That's not ideal for a pitcher at the top of the rotation, and Strasburg isn't getting any younger.

However, the right-hander may have found the pitching formula—namely relying less on his fastball—that will help him stay on the mound for 30-plus starts going forward.

The Nationals know Strasburg better than anybody, too, and they clearly feel confident in his long-term health.

With this deal out of the way, the reigning world champions can focus their efforts on re-signing Anthony Rendon to ensure the nucleus of their roster stays intact.

Stats courtesy of FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.

The Washington Nationals and utilityman Howie Kendrick agreed to a one-year, $6.25 million contract Friday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Kendrick played a huge role in the first World Series title in Nats history last season, as he was named the National League Championship Series MVP after hitting .333 with four RBI and then hit .280 with one home run and three RBI in the World Series.

The 36-year-old has spent parts of the past three seasons in D.C. after previous stints as a member of the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

During the 2019 regular season, Kendrick saw his most action (121 games) and most at-bats (334) since 2016. The Florida native was highly productive when in the lineup as well, hitting a career-best .344 with 17 homers and 62 RBI primarily at the No. 5 spot in the order.

Kendrick was also a highly versatile player for Washington, appearing in games at first base, second base, third base and designated hitter. Kendrick has some experience in the outfield as well.

Re-signing the 2011 All-Star is a significant move for the Nats since there is some uncertainty with regard to their roster for next season.

Among hitters, third baseman Anthony Rendon, second basemen Brian Dozier and Asdrubal Cabrera, and first basemen Ryan Zimmerman and Matt Adams are all free agents. Starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg is a free agent as well.

Washington has a solid base to its lineup with outfielders Juan Soto, Victor Robles and Adam Eaton as well as shortstop Trea Turner, but Kendrick is currently the only established corner infielder under contract with the team.

Kendrick, who came up as a second baseman, figures to be a full-time starter at either first base or third base in 2020 depending on who the Nationals are able to sign. He spent 63 of his 121 games last season as a corner infielder.

Per Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington, Nationals owner Mark Lerner said Thursday that the team cannot afford to re-sign both Rendon and Strasburg. If Rendon leaves in free agency, then Kendrick will have even bigger role in the lineup next season.

Repeating as World Series champions could be a tall task for the Nats if they lose one or two of their biggest stars in free agency, but Kendrick is a stabilizing force with a chance to win a batting title and put up some huge numbers with the likes of Soto, Robles, Eaton and Turner protecting him in the lineup.

Agent Scott Boras is not buying into the claim that the Washington Nationals cannot afford to re-sign both Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon after winning the 2019 World Series.

Boras wrote in a text to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic on Friday:

"The Nationals are experiencing a revenue festival in 2020. World Series momentum has blossomed, millions in DC.

"The franchise value has increased by nearly $2 billion since their purchase. The Nationals made an extra $30 million winning the World Series. Attendance will increase by more than four to five hundred thousand. TV ratings and advertising rates all skyrocketed.

"Everyone in DC knows special cherry trees create revenue bloom."

Boras' comments come in response to Nationals owner Mark Lerner letting it be known that the franchise was in a tough spot in free agency.

"We really can only afford to have one of those two guys," Lerner told NBC Sports Washington's Donald Dell on Thursday. "They're huge numbers. We already have a really large payroll to begin with."

Boras and Washington have completed a handful of mega-contracts in recent years. The Nationals signed Max Scherzer to a seven-year, $210 million deal in 2015 and Patrick Corbin to a six-year, $140 million contract last year.

Boras also represents Bryce Harper, who reportedly rejected a $300 million extension offer from Washington in September 2018. Harper later signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in February.

Now, Boras and the Nationals will likely be having plenty of discussions as free agency progresses.

Strasburg is coming off one of his finest seasons to date. He established new career highs in both innings (209) and strikeouts (251) while leading the National League with 18 wins.

Strasburg played a crucial role in the Nationals winning their first-ever World Series title, going 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in six postseason appearances, including five starts. He went 2-0 while allowing four earned runs in 14.1 innings against the Houston Astros in the World Series.

The 31-year-old right-hander opted out of the final four years and $100 million of his contract after being named World Series MVP.

Rendon, meanwhile, finished third in NL MVP voting as he hit .319/.412/.598 in 146 games this year. He set new career highs in home runs (34), RBI (MLB-leading 126) and OPS (1.010). That performance led to his first career All-Star selection and second Silver Slugger.

The 29-year-old hit .328 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 17 postseason games, recording two dingers and eight RBI during the Fall Classic.

Rendon reportedly rejected a seven-year extension in the range of $210 million to $215 million in September.

The defending champions apparently won't be getting the band back together. 

"We can really only afford to have one of those two guys," Washington Nationals managing principal owner Mark Lerner said of free agents Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon in an interview with Donald Dell (h/t Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington.

"They're huge numbers," he continued. "We already have a really large payroll to begin with."

As Dybas pointed out, there could be an element of negotiating in play since it would take away some of the team's leverage to simply come out and say it was going to pay whatever necessary to keep the two stars.

"We’re pursuing them, we’re pursuing other free agents in case they decided to go elsewhere," he added. "Again, it’s not up to us. We can give them a great offer—which we’ve done to both of those players. They’re great people. We’d be delighted if they stay. But it’s not up to us, it’s up to them. That’s why they call it free agency."

That puts the onus on the players, but the suggestion the Nationals can't afford both implies they could get bigger deals elsewhere.

Dybas also noted Washington has moved toward getting under the competitive balance tax in 2019 by renegotiating with Yan Gomes and reworking Ryan Zimmerman's deal. Signing both Strasburg and Rendon to monster deals would undercut those efforts.

Whichever team signs them will land two of the best players on the market.

Strasburg is a three-time All-Star who finished the regular season with a 3.32 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 251 strikeouts in 209 innings. He was brilliant in the playoffs with a 1.98 ERA and 0.94 WHIP to go along with his World Series MVP.

The right-hander has been one of the faces of the Nationals franchise since his Major League debut in 2010, but that could change this offseason.

As for Rendon, he is a two-time Silver Slugger, just 29 years old and coming off his first career All-Star season when he slashed .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs and 126 RBI.