Rounding up some rumors (with charity auction notes)

SAN DIEGO - We're aware of the free agent infield targets that the Nationals might be looking at this offseason. Asdrubal Cabrera is an option, and general manager Mike Rizzo said last night that he's kept in touch with veteran's agent thus far this winter. Jed Lowrie is another possibility, although a few teams are reportedly considering him as a potential fit at third base for their respective clubs. A source tells me, however, that the Nats aren't looking too heavily at the free agent options as of right now, and are more likely to find an infielder via trade. That, of course, can change quickly, as things often do during the offseason. But the Nats seem to feel they'll be able to find a better fit via trade than one of the few options left on the free agent market. You'll hear a number of potential trade fits depending on who you talk to, but one more possible option has surfaced. According to FOXsports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Royals have informed teams that veteran infielder Omar Infante is available. Infante signed a four-year, $30.25 million deal last year right around this time, so he still is owed a good bit of money. He's also coming off a disappointing 2014 season, in which he hit .252/.295/.337, this after posting a .318/.345/.450 slash line in 2013. The Royals would likely have to eat a good bit of Infante's remaining salary in order to make a deal, and it's unclear if the Nats would be interested in a guy who is going to be 33 in a couple of weeks and is still under contract for three more years. But he is a name to consider. Meanwhile, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan is reporting that the Rangers have been talking with the Nats about acquiring a starting pitcher. Sullivan says that the Nats have told the Rangers that they will discuss potential deals for Doug Fister, but are not inclined to move Jordan Zimmermann. The Rangers have a couple of young infield options that could interest the Nats, and my colleague Pete Kerzel noted that Rougned Odor could interest Washington. Update: I forgot to pass this along earlier, but as part of Major League Baseball's yearly charity auction, the Nationals have posted two items - a lunch with manager Matt Williams and his coaching staff in the Nats clubhouse and a grounds crew experience during a game. Proceeds will benefit LUNGevity, the largest national lung cancer-focused nonprofit. Major League Baseball has joined forces with LUNGevity this year in memory of Monica Barlow, the former Orioles PR director who passed away in February after a 4 1/2 year battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. Give these (and the other) auctions a look and consider placing a bid to help benefit a tremendous cause.