Nats face decisions on Stammen, Moore

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have eight players -- Craig Stammen, Drew Storen, Stephen Strasburg, Jose Lobaton, Wilson Ramos, Danny Espinosa, Tyler Moore and Anthony Rendon -- who are eligible for arbitration. Of the eight, Stammen and Moore are the only ones in danger of not being tendered a contract by Wednesday's 11:59 p.m. ET deadline. 

This past season, Stammen was the MVPM, which means Most Valuable Player Missing. He missed most of 2015 because of a forearm injury, while making over $2 million. The Nats had serious problems replacing his presence in the middle innings last season, but he is expected to be fully healthy for Spring Training.

The Nationals could try to sign Stammen before the tender deadline. They signed him to a two-year, $2.25 million contract before their scheduled arbitration hearing in 2013. He is eligible to become a free agent after the 2016 season.

Moore drove in 27 runs last season as a backup player while making $518,000. When he plays often, Moore can provide power. He is far less productive when he comes off the bench.

Moore is up for arbitration for the first time, but his 2016 playing time could be scarce with the Nationals. The right-handed hitter is not going to be the backup first baseman. For now, that job belongs to Clint Robinson. The team needs a backup outfielder who bats left-handed, so it seems tough to make room for Moore on the roster.