Is Grace a matchup lefty or a long reliever?

Is Grace a matchup lefty or a long reliever?
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Matt Grace, who has become a stalwart in the bullpen. PLAYER REVIEW: MATT GRACE Age on opening day 2019: 30 How acquired: Eighth-round pick, 2010 draft MLB service time: 2 years, 65 days 2018 salary: $557,000 Contract status: Under team control in 2019, arbitration-eligible in 2020, free agent in 2023 2018 stats: 1-1, 2.87 ERA, 56 G, 0 SV, 59 2/3 IP, 55...
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Rosenthal deal gives Nats another late-inning power arm

Rosenthal deal gives Nats another late-inning power arm
The Nationals, like most clubs, typically take their time in free agency, wait out the market and strike when they have an opportunity to sign a player over the winter. Today, they showed they aren't afraid to dive right in, though, and swoop up an appealing free agent only days after he became eligible to negotiate with teams. In agreeing to terms with Trevor Rosenthal, the Nats made a rare Halloween transaction to add an experienced and accomplished power arm to the back end of their...
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Surprisingly successful Miller should be part of 2019 bullpen

Surprisingly successful Miller should be part of 2019 bullpen
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Justin Miller, a surprisingly successful addition to the bullpen. PLAYER REVIEW: JUSTIN MILLER Age on opening day 2019: 31 How acquired: Signed as minor league free agent, January 2018 MLB service time: 2 years, 129 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under team control in 2019, arbitration-eligible in 2020, free agent in 2023 2018 stats: 7-1,...
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Nats pick up Doolittle's option, Harper headlines new free agents

Nats pick up Doolittle's option, Harper headlines new free agents
Not that there was ever any doubt they would, but the Nationals today formally announced they have picked up Sean Doolittle's $6 million option, guaranteeing their All-Star closer will return in 2019. With the World Series now complete, baseball's offseason began this morning, with 145 major leaguers officially becoming free agents. That list includes eight Nationals players: Bryce Harper, Matt Wieters, Mark Reynolds, Greg Holland, Kelvin Herrera, Jeremy Hellickson, Tim Collins and Joaquin...
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How will Holland's D.C. turnaround affect his market?

How will Holland's D.C. turnaround affect his market?
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Greg Holland, a midseason pickup who rediscovered his old form. PLAYER REVIEW: GREG HOLLAND Age on opening day 2019: 33 How acquired: Signed as free agent, August 2018 MLB service time: 7 years, 22 days 2018 salary: $14 million (Nats were only responsible for $161,150) Contract status: Free agent 2018 stats (combined STL/WSH): 2-2, 4.66 ERA, 56 G, 3 SV,...
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Dominant when healthy, Doolittle is surest thing in Nats bullpen

Dominant when healthy, Doolittle is surest thing in Nats bullpen
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Sean Doolittle, who had the most dominant season of his career but missed two months with a foot injury. PLAYER REVIEW: SEAN DOOLITTLE Age on opening day 2019: 32 How acquired: Traded with Ryan Madson from Athletics for Blake Treinen, Jesus Luzardo and Sheldon Neuse, July 2017 MLB service time: 6 years, 122 days 2018 salary: $4.38 million Contract...
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Rodriguez earned a chance next spring, but in what role?

Rodriguez earned a chance next spring, but in what role?
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Jefry Rodriguez, who surprisingly made his major league debut this year and quickly made a name for himself. PLAYER REVIEW: JEFRY RODRIGUEZ Age on opening day 2019: 25 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, January 2012 MLB service time: 52 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under club control through 2021, arbitration-eligible in...
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Would the Nats take another flyer on Hellickson?

Would the Nats take another flyer on Hellickson?
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Jeremy Hellickson, who proved a surprisingly effective acquisition when he wasn't injured. PLAYER REVIEW: JEREMY HELLICKSON Age on opening day 2019: 31 How acquired: Signed as free agent, March 2018 MLB service time: 8 years, 45 days 2018 salary: $2 million (plus incentives) Contract status: Free agent 2018 stats: 5-3, 3.45 ERA, 19 GS, 0 CG, 91 1/3 IP,...
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Anthony Rendon again a Gold Glove finalist

Anthony Rendon again a Gold Glove finalist
For the third straight year, Anthony Rendon is a finalist for a Gold Glove Award. Now the Nationals third baseman can only hope he doesn't lose out to Nolan Arenado for the third straight year. Rendon was revealed today as one of the top three vote-getters among National League third basemen, joining the Rockies' Arenado and the Brewers' Travis Shaw. The winner will be revealed on Nov. 4. Voting among NL managers and coaches took place in late September. A sabermetic component provided by...
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Nats need Fedde to be part of staff, whether starter or reliever

Nats need Fedde to be part of staff, whether starter or reliever
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Erick Fedde, who is still trying to find his footing in the big leagues. PLAYER REVIEW: ERICK FEDDE Age on opening day 2019: 26 How acquired: First-round pick, 2014 draft MLB service time: 150 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under team control through 2020, likely arbitration-eligible in 2021, free agent in 2025 2018 stats: 2-4, 5.54 ERA, 11...
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Healthy again, Ross will be asked to step up next season

Healthy again, Ross will be asked to step up next season
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Joe Ross, who returned in September healthy more than a year removed from Tommy John surgery. PLAYER REVIEW: JOE ROSS Age on opening day 2019: 25 How acquired: Traded with Trea Turner from Padres for Steven Souza Jr. and Travis Ott (who were sent to Rays in three-team deal), December 2014 MLB service time: 3 years, 67 days 2018 salary: $567,900 Contract...
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Roark heads into contract year in need of a rebound

Roark heads into contract year in need of a rebound
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Tanner Roark, who labored through a ragged season. PLAYER REVIEW: TANNER ROARK Age on opening day 2019: 32 How acquired: Traded from Rangers with Ryan Tatusko for Cristian Guzman, July 2010 MLB service time: 5 years, 55 days 2018 salary: $6.475 million Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2019, free agent in 2020 2018 stats: 9-15, 4.34 ERA, 31 G, 30...
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Another injury-filled year leaves uncertainty around Strasburg

Another injury-filled year leaves uncertainty around Strasburg
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Stephen Strasburg, whose season was disrupted by neck and shoulder injuries. PLAYER REVIEW: STEPHEN STRASBURG Age on opening day 2019: 30 How acquired: First-round pick, 2009 draft MLB service time: 8 years, 118 days 2018 salary: $15 million Contract status: Signed for $35 million in 2019 ($30 million deferred), $25 million in 2020 ($10 million...
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After "best season" of career, Scherzer will still try to improve

After "best season" of career, Scherzer will still try to improve
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Max Scherzer, who even after back-to-back Cy Young Awards found ways to get better. PLAYER REVIEW: MAX SCHERZER Age on opening day 2019: 34 How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2015 MLB service time: 10 years, 79 days 2018 salary: $15 million Contract status: Signed for $35 million annually from 2019-2021, with salaries deferred into $15 million...
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His stock having tumbled, Severino faces uncertain future

His stock having tumbled, Severino faces uncertain future
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Pedro Severino, whose opportunity to be the club's No. 1 catcher didn't go as well as hoped. PLAYER REVIEW: PEDRO SEVERINO Age on opening day 2019: 25 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, December 2010 MLB service time: 1 year, 90 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under team control through 2020, arbitration-eligible in 2021,...
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What can Nats expect from Kendrick after Achilles rupture?

What can Nats expect from Kendrick after Achilles rupture?
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Howie Kendrick, who was poised to be a key veteran presence on the team before rupturing his Achilles tendon. PLAYER REVIEW: HOWIE KENDRICK Age on opening day 2019: 35 How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2018 MLB service time: 12 years, 91 days 2018 salary: $3 million Contract status: Signed for $4 million in 2019, free agent in 2020 2018 stats:...
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Robles poised to realize potential, if Nats have a spot for him

Robles poised to realize potential, if Nats have a spot for him
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Victor Robles, the top prospect whose return to the majors was delayed until September due to an elbow injury. PLAYER REVIEW: VICTOR ROBLES Age on opening day 2019: 21 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, July 2013 MLB service time: 51 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under team control through 2021, arbitration-eligible in 2022,...
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Stuck on bench this season, what's Taylor's future with Nats?

Stuck on bench this season, what's Taylor's future with Nats?
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Michael A. Taylor, who wasn't able to capitalize during his latest opportunity to play every day and wound up buried on the bench by season's end. PLAYER REVIEW: MICHAEL A. TAYLOR Age on opening day 2019: 28 How acquired: Sixth-round pick, 2009 draft MLB service time: 4 years, 10 days 2018 salary: $2.525 million Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in...
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Harper's eventful 2018 set the stage for eventful 2019

Harper's eventful 2018 set the stage for eventful 2019
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Bryce Harper, whose eventful season on the field is now going to be followed by an eventful offseason at home. PLAYER REVIEW: BRYCE HARPER Age on opening day 2019: 26 How acquired: First-round pick, 2010 draft MLB service time: 6 years, 159 days 2018 salary: $21.625 million Contract status: Free agent 2018 stats: 159 G, 695 PA, 550 AB, 103 R, 137 H, 34...
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Eaton should be healthier in 2019, but Nats still face decision

Eaton should be healthier in 2019, but Nats still face decision
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Adam Eaton, who was briefly sidetracked in his return from a major leg injury but wound up healthy and productive by season's end. PLAYER REVIEW: ADAM EATON Age on opening day 2019: 30 How acquired: Traded from White Sox for Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo López and Dane Dunning, December 2016 MLB service time: 6 years, 30 days 2018 salary: $6...
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