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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Brilliant as a rookie, what can Soto do for an encore next year?

Brilliant as a rookie, what can Soto do for an encore next year?
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Juan Soto, who made his major league debut far sooner than anyone expected and then performed well beyond anyone's expectations. PLAYER REVIEW: JUAN SOTO Age on opening day 2019: 20 How acquired: Signed as an international free agent, June 2015 MLB service time: 143 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under club control, likely...
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Did Kieboom show enough to merit No. 2 catching job in 2019?

Did Kieboom show enough to merit No. 2 catching job in 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 Spencer Kieboom, who was supposed to be in D.C. short-term but wound up sticking around most of the season. PLAYER REVIEW: SPENCER KIEBOOM Age on opening day 2019: 28 How acquired: Fifth-round pick, 2012 draft MLB service time: 149 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under team control, arbitration-eligible in 2021, free agent in 2024 2018...
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Veteran Reynolds proved valuable in-season addition

Veteran Reynolds proved valuable in-season addition
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Mark Reynolds, who joined the club in May out of necessity and wound up contributing the rest of the season. PLAYER REVIEW: MARK REYNOLDS Age on opening day 2019: 35 How acquired: Signed as minor league free agent, April 2018 MLB service time: 11 years, 120 days 2018 salary: $1 million Contract status: Free agent 2018 stats: 86 G, 235 PA, 206 AB, 26 R,...
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Is Wieters' time in D.C. over, or is there any chance of a return?

Is Wieters' time in D.C. over, or is there any chance of a return?
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 Wieters, who finished strong after a slow start followed by a significant injury. PLAYER REVIEW: MATT WIETERS Age on opening day 2019: 32 How acquired: Signed as free agent, February 2017 MLB service time: 9 years, 129 days 2018 salary: $10.5 million Contract status: Free agent 2018 stats: 76 G, 271 PA, 235 AB, 24 R, 56 H, 8 2B, 0 3B, 8 HR, 30 RBI,...
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After extended look, Difo still hasn't earned everyday job

After extended look, Difo still hasn't earned everyday job
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Wilmer Difo, who received extensive playing time this season and tried to make the case for himself as a long-term starting second baseman. PLAYER REVIEW: WILMER DIFO Age on opening day 2019: 26 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, June 2010 MLB service time: 2 years, 110 days 2018 salary: $557,900 Contract status: Under club control in...
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Nats acquire reliever Barraclough from Marlins for slot money

Nats acquire reliever Barraclough from Marlins for slot money
The Nationals got a jump on the Hot Stove League today and sought to begin making over their bullpen, acquiring Kyle Barraclough from the Marlins in exchange for international bonus slot money, a rare October trade that brings an experienced late-inning reliever to Washington. Barraclough, 28, has spent the last four seasons in Miami's bullpen, and though he struggled when given an opportunity to close this year, he had been a successful setup man prior to that. The hard-throwing right-hander...
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