LAS VEGAS -- Even after signing the market's top free-agent pitcher in left-hander Patrick Corbin, improving their rotation depth is still a priority for the Nationals this offseason. And yet, they have had discussions about potentially trading away one of their starters.
General manager Mike Rizzo confirmed Tuesday that a few teams have expressed interest in trading for right-hander Tanner Roark, believing the Nats might have a surplus in the rotation after they signed Corbin. While the opposite is true about their rotation, the team does appear open to trading Roark, a source told MLB.com. Rizzo added no trade was imminent and it is unclear how far beyond initial discussions those talks have proceeded, but the Nationals have at least explored the possibility of parting with Roark.
So why would a team searching for rotation depth entertain the idea of trading away one of its starters?
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Roark, 32, is currently slotted in as the team's fourth starter entering his final year of arbitration, and he is due for a substantial raise from the $6.475 million he earned in 2018. While that is affordable in 2019, perhaps a free-agent starter at the back of the rotation could come cheaper. For example, Detroit just signed right-hander Tyson Ross to a one-year deal reportedly worth $5.75 million. The Nats could use Roark to fill one need elsewhere, while signing another free-agent starter.
"I think we would certainly want to reinforce our rotation," Rizzo said Tuesday afternoon at the Winter Meetings. "We're always talking about depth, and to eliminate a pitcher like Roark, we would certainly like to strengthen that strength, if we were to make a deal for him."
Roark has proven himself a durable starter the past three seasons, providing 30 starts and 180 innings per year and has been flexible enough to work from the bullpen when necessary. But his results on the mound have also been up and down, including last season when he posted a 4.34 ERA in 30 starts. In three of the past four seasons, he has posted an ERA higher than 4.30, making his stellar 2016 seem like a bit of an outlier.
Aside from the trio of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Corbin, the Nats do not have any sure things in their rotation behind Roark. Joe Ross is coming off Tommy John surgery and Erick Fedde has been injured and inconsistent in his young career. The Nats also signed right-hander Henderson Alvarez to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training for a chance to compete for a rotation spot, so they cannot afford to lose Roark without replacing him. 
The Nationals do feel a connection with Roark, however, considering he has been primarily a starter since 2010 and a part of the Major League roster since '13. They love his competitiveness and rave about the fire he adds to a pitching staff. Still, it is possible the Nats could find an upgrade in the rotation at a cheaper price, which is why they are exploring the market for Roark.
Worth noting
• Outfielder Michael A. Taylor began playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic this month to help focus on some adjustments to his swing developed with hitting coach Kevin Long.