Over the past 12 hours or so a lot of news has changed. Max Scherzer has officially signed with the Washington Nationals and now there is speculation surrounding others in the Nats' starting rotation and one particular player in the infield.
Last night when it was said Scherzer was close to signing with the Nationals, it was speculated the team would be trading Jordan Zimmermann since they have been unable to sign him to an extension and he'll become a free agent after the 2015 season. It was also noted Stephen Strasburg would be next in line if they were unable to trade Zimmermann.
However, the gears have shifted a bit. It was reported on Monday morning that the Nationals plan to keep Zimmermann, as we noted earlier, and that they're open to trading Strasburg, according to John Perrotto of USA Today. Perrotto says both sides believe it is time to move on, despite settling on a one-year, $7.4 million deal to avoid arbitration this season. Strasburg is slated to become a free agent after the 2016 season, which is his final year of arbitration eligibility.
It's unknown why it was reported the Nats and Strasburg believe it's time to move on, especially since the right-hander is 43-30 with a 3.02 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 746 strikeouts in 109 career starts with the team. Manager Matt Williams also chose him to start Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants in the postseason. More will likely come out of this report as the day progresses.
If they were to trade Strasburg and work out an extension with Zimmermann, the Nationals rotation would consist of Scherzer, Zimmermann, Doug Fister, Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark.
Speaking of other speculated trades, it was clear Washington was looking to deal shortstop Ian Desmond, who is in a similar situation as Zimmermann. The 29-year-old Desmond is in the final year of his contract and will make $11 million in 2015 after declining an extension from the team last offseason. There were a couple reports stating the deal was for at least six years and between $80 million and $90 million. It's expected the shortstop will land a $150 million contract in free agency.
The Nationals were in trade talks with the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets about dealing Desmond, but nothing ever came to fruition. However, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that one team inquired about Desmond last week and was told the shortstop "will not be traded." Rosenthal also reported that rival executives said general manager Mike Rizzo made it known he would "consider a deal for Desmond" that they couldn't refuse.
What wouldn't be surprising is if the Nationals keep the team they have and go for it all in 2015. Scherzer is making $15 million annually over the next 14 years, so he doesn't affect the payroll too significantly. Although it would be considered a waste if they keep Zimmermann and Desmond for 2015 (if they don't sign them to extensions) and don't win the World Series, it's a good gamble to take.
After all, they have do have options behind Zimmermann (Roark and prospect Lucas Giolito) and Desmond (prospect Trea Turner) if they were to lose them and get no value in return.
