MLB RUMORS: Washington Nationals Make Offer To Mike Leake; Interested In Trade For Pittsburgh Pirates Neil Walker

UPDATE: Or not...

-----

UPDATE: But there's good news on Leake.

-----

UPDATE: The Mets have acquired Walker.

-----

UPDATE: The Mets have a deal "in the works" for Walker, which may force the Nats to ramp up their efforts if their interest is genuine.

-----

The Washington Nationals lost a number of free agents, or are at least expected to, and they're looking to fill those voids in multiple ways. The latest rumors find their focus is on starting pitcher Mike Leake and Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker.

Washington appeared late in the running for Leake, who was previously garnering interest from the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and others. However, the Nationals have reportedly made an offer to the right-hander, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, and it's believed to be the first offer Leake has received.

The Nationals are said to be "pushing" to get the deal done, as FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported earlier today.

With Dusty Baker now managing the Nats, there's a clear connection since Baker and Leake spent years together in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Leake was traded to the Giants at the non-waiver deadline and it was believed they were going to retain him, but San Francisco signed Jeff Samardzija to a $90 million deal and perhaps took them out of the market for Leake, who could land a $75 million deal.

The Nationals are a good fit considering they just lost Jordan Zimmermann to the Detroit Tigers and fellow free agent Doug Fister is expected to sign elsewhere.

Similarly, their interest in Walker, which was also reported by Heyman, stems from the fact they lost out on Ben Zobrist when the veteran signed with the Chicago Cubs last night. The Nats reportedly offered Zobrist more money, but the 34-year-old was said to have chosen Chicago for other reasons.

Walker, 30, is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility and is projected to earn $10.7 million in 2016, according to MLBTradeRumors.com. The Pirates already have Jung-ho Kang, Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison - all of whom are capable of playing multiple infield positions - so they don't really need to retain Walker at such a high price.

Additionally, the Pirates are always conscious of their payroll (Walker would be a big hit in 2016) and probably feel they can get good value for the veteran, who hit .269/.328/.427 with 69 runs scored, 16 home runs and 71 RBI last season to follow up his career-best 2014 campaign.

However, Bill Ladson of MLB.com says there's nothing serious in terms of discussions between the two teams.

Pittsburgh is reportedly looking for starting pitching in any deal for Walker and Washington perhaps has some pieces to offer if the talks were to progress (if there are any ongoing). Young pitchers such as Reynaldo Lopez, A.J. Cole and Erick Fedde could interest Pittsburgh, but they might be looking for MLB-ready talent.

The Nationals will also have competition on this front, as it's been reported the New York Mets are discussing a potential Walker-for-Jon Niese swap and the Los Angeles Angels have joined the discussions and could possibly include Hector Santiago or C.J. Wilson (assuming they pay for most of his 2016 salary).

The talks involving Walker are just beginning, so expect them to progress throughout the day and the rest of the Winter Meetings.

Tags

Mlb rumors, Washington nationals, Offer, Mike leake, Trade, Pittsburgh Pirates