After reportedly signing infielder Daniel Murphy to a three-year, $37.5 million contract, the Washington Nationals apparently aren't done. Recent rumors find the team is looking to sign an outfielder.
The Nats already missed out on Jason Heyward after multiple reports found the team offered him a $200 million deal before he signed with the Chicago Cubs. Although it was believed that was the extent of their search for a new center fielder, FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reported earlier today that Washington is "working to add an outfielder" and they have a "preference for someone who can play center field."
While there isn't a clue who the Nationals could be after at this point, one may assume that they're looking for an upgrade over rookie Michael Taylor considering they offered Heyward big money to play center field. Also, it'd make little sense to sign a platoon option to split time with Taylor because the youngster appears to be MLB ready and such a move would probably hinder his development.
Could Yoenis Cespedes or Gerardo Parra be top options for the Nats? Denard Span probably won't return to Washington since his agent, Scott Boras, is seeking a multi-year deal, and Dexter Fowler may not be an immediate preference because GM Mike Rizzo probably doesn't want to surrender another first-round draft pick after Fowler turned down the Cubs' qualifying offer (Washington gained one when Zimmermann left for Detroit, but lost one when they signed Murphy).
The outfield market has been slow to develop even after Heyward's signing, which explains why Cespedes, Parra, Alex Gordon, Justin Upton and others remain unsigned. The market for center fielders is particularly thin, so it's safe the say the Nats are looking for an upgrade over Taylor, who may no longer be in the team's long-term plans. When the Nats were in the running for Heyward, rumors suggested Taylor would become "expendable" in the event Heyward signed with Washington.
Among the top outfield options, both Cespedes and Parra have the most experience in center and would improve the team's offense. Let's see if they'd fit with the Nationals.
Parra
The Nats were linked to Parra earlier this year because Rizzo was the scouting director for the Diamondbacks when the team signed him back in 2004, but the rumors never really gained traction. Parra certainly fits their budget as he's projected to land a deal in the $40 million range, but would the Nats really pay that money for a player that didn't have more home runs, RBIs or stolen bases than Taylor last season?
Parra did have a lot more runs scored (83 to Taylor's 49) and a much better stat line (.291/.328/.452 vs. Taylor's .229/.282/.358), but there's an argument to be had that Parra is not an impact signing. He's a solid offensive player and versatile on defense, but $10-12 million per season may not be worth it for what the Nats have in-house.
While Taylor struggled in certain aspects on offense, the 24-year-old was rated the most exciting player, the best batting prospect, the fastest baserunner and the best defensive outfielder in the Eastern League in 2014, according to Baseball America.
If the Nationals are going to move on from Taylor and seek a notable upgrade in center field, their best option might be ...
Cespedes
When the veteran was tearing it up during the second half of the season with the Mets, it seemed as if every MLB team would be after him once the 2015 league year ended. However, a number of clubs that were expected to be in the running for him - Mets, Angels, Giants and Tigers - apparently aren't willing to spend what Cespedes is looking for and may have moved on from the idea.
Last week it was reported the Mets ruled out a reunion with the slugger; Angels owner Arte Moreno said the team is not in play for big bats as the payroll is approaching the luxury tax threshold; reports found the Giants aren't willing to add another $150 million contract to the books; and Tigers GM Al Avila dismissed the idea of going after Cespedes and/or Gordon during the Winter Meetings.
"The market has been slow and limited on Cespedes, who is seeking a contract of at least six years in the $150 million range. It doesn't appear most teams are willing to go to that extent on him, but it only takes one," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Could the Nationals be the one? They could do their best Cubs impression and take two stars from their division rival. After all, the Nats, according to Baseball-Reference, have only $100 million committed to the 2016 payroll. That number is expected to increase (potentially to $137 million) with Murphy's salary (when made official) and other salaries to be determined through arbitration, but the team is looking to move reliever Drew Storen, who is projected $8.8 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility, as well as Jonathan Papelbon (owed $11 million). Papelbon is likely untradeable, but Storen may have suitors. Such a deal would free up a good amount of space for the 2016 payroll.
Aside from that, the Nationals have plenty of financial flexibility beyond 2016.
Additionally, Cespedes prefers to play center field (even though he's played most of his career in left field) and the team will have the opportunity to shift him over to left after 2017 when Jayson Werth becomes a free agent.
Then again, it's possible Cespedes' price drops below that $150 million mark as the offseason progresses. If that happens and the Nationals are truly intent on upgrading in center field, Cespedes could be their best option due to his ability to hit for power and the fact that they'll be taking more away from the defending NL champion Mets.
*The Nationals also reportedly discussed outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon with the Colorado Rockies earlier this offseason, so if they don't like the available free agents, they can always further explore the trade market.
