Closer, bench decisions imminent for Nats
WASHINGTON -- The Nationals boast a strong team that is likely to defend its National League East title, but with less than a month to go before Spring Training, they are interested in making more moves.Washington has already had a busy offseason, acquiring Adam Eaton as its new center fielder
WASHINGTON -- The Nationals boast a strong team that is likely to defend its National League East title, but with less than a month to go before Spring Training, they are interested in making more moves.
Washington has already had a busy offseason, acquiring
The Nationals' search for an experienced closer has stalled, but the candidates remain the same. Those much-discussed names -- Chicago's
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Washington also continues to be linked to free-agent catcher Matt Wieters -- including in two separate reports this week by FoxSports.com and ESPN.com -- despite the fact that it acquired Norris earlier this offseason and says it is comfortable with him at starting catcher.
As other sluggers have accepted less money on shorter-term deals, perhaps Wieters will do the same and the Nationals could explore entering his market. Much of the current speculation, however, seems to stem from their strong relationship with Scott Boras, who represents Wieters and more than a third of the players on the Nats' roster.
The Nationals will almost certainly fill out their bench before heading to Spring Training.
Still, the Nats find themselves with flexibility as they aim to make improvements during the waning weeks of the offseason.
Jamal Collier covers the Nationals for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jamalcollier.