Are the Nats chasing another big-name starting pitcher? (minors deal for Heisey)

The Nationals can't swing another blockbuster deal for a top starting pitcher this offseason. Or can they?

Coming off 2014, where their rotation led the National League, the Nats showed an ultra-aggressive approach by signing Max Scherzer to record $210 million contract for a right-hander.

That move bumped 15-game winner Tanner Roark out of the starting five. But with right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister likely heading elsewhere in free agency, Roark is seemingly set to resume his spot in the rotation alongside Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Joe Ross and Scherzer in 2016.

And the Nats have top pitching prospect Lucas Giolito waiting in the wings.

But is that starting rotation set in the stone?

"I'm happy sliding Tanner and Joe in the rotation," general manager Mike Rizzo said. "With that said, you never have enough good starting pitching."

What does that mean? Zack Greinke? David Price? Johnny Cueto?

Probably not, because the costs and the lengthy contracts for those top-tier free agents will be too much. But then again, the Nats took a monumental risk on Scherzer. With Strasburg set to hit free agency after this season, and with Zimmermann and Fister moving on, this could be the time for the Nationals to add a top-flight arm.

"We're certainly not afraid to sign free agents," Rizzo said. "We're certainly not afraid to make big trades and small trades."

Just inside the National League East, crazy hot stove rumors swirl about the Marlins being willing to trade ace Jose Fernandez and the Braves being ready to part ways with 25-year-old right-hander Shelby Miller. Multiple reports have the Dodgers hot on Zimmermann and the Tigers considering a reunion with Fister.

More hardware for Harper: The honors continued rolling in for Bryce Harper on Friday night. The 23-year-old was recognized as the best major leaguer and the best everyday player in the MLB Esurance awards. Scherzer was honored with the best performance for his 17-strikeout no-hitter against the Mets.

Note: In addition to yesterday's signing of infielder Scott Sizemore, the Nationals today announced that they have also agreed to a minor league deal with veteran outfielder Chris Heisey, which includes an invitation to major league spring training. The 30-year-old Heisey is six-year major league veteran, having played with the Reds and Dodgers, and can play all three outfield spots, though he's logged most of his time in left field. He spent most of last season at Triple-A, playing for Dodgers and Blue Jays affiliates, and slashing .223/.350/.445 in 83 games. Heisey appeared in 33 games for the Dodgers, with a .182/.347/.327 line. In his major league career, he owns a .245/.301/.418 line over 576 games. His best season came in 2011 with the Reds, when he hit 18 homers and drove in 50 runs in 120 games.