Plans at second base

In two months, the Nationals will head to Viera, Fla., for spring training, and not much is decided about the middle of their infield. Ian Desmond's departure through free agency, the recent trade of Yunel Escobar and Anthony Rendon's upcoming move back to third base have left holes at second base and shortstop.

Danny Espinosa is presumed to be the Nationals' opening day shortstop, but that's not a lock. Trea Turner will battle Espinosa in spring training, and if he loses out, the rookie stands as the starting second baseman on the roster now. Fellow rookie Wilmer Difo will also compete, but is expected to receive more seasoning in the minors.

The Nationals made a big run at free agent Ben Zobrist to play second before the versatile veteran picked the Cubs and their four-year deal. They briefly jumped in trade talks with Pittsburgh about second baseman Neil Walker until the Pirates opted to shift him to the Mets. And most recently, they couldn't finalize a deal with the Reds for Brandon Phillips after the veteran second baseman required too much compensation. As a 10-and-5 player with trade protection, Phillips was reportedly asking for an extension and more money beyond the two years and $27 million remaining on his current contract with Cincinnati.

So it's clear general manager Mike Rizzo isn't comfortable with the Nationals' current personnel up the middle, particularly at second base. What are his remaining options?

Free agent Daniel Murphy is coming off a blistering postseason where the 30-year-old smacked seven homers in 11 games. He owns a .288/.331/.424 batting line with an average glove over his seven-year career in the majors. But Murphy is reportedly seeking a four-year deal in excess of $55 million and that price tag might be too rich for the Nats. In addition to second base, Murphy is experienced at both corner infield positions.

Howie Kendrick is another veteran free agent second baseman. The 32-year-old slashed .295/.336/.409 with nine homers and 54 RBIs in 117 games for the Dodgers last year.

Rizzo could also seek trade options again. ESPN's Jim Bowden thinks a deal with the Rangers for former top prospect Jurickson Profar is a possibility. My colleague, Pete Kerzel, first investigated this option earlier this month during the Winter Meetings.

The 22-year-old Profar hasn't appeared in the majors since 2013 after dealing with a torn muscle in his right shoulder. He hit .234/.308/.336 with six homers that season. He batted .267 with two home runs in 91 Arizona Fall League appearances this year.