Possible outfield targets for the Nationals in free agency

The Nationals decided against extending a qualifying offer to Denard Span on Friday afternoon, allowing the center fielder to hit the open market. While Span still could re-sign with the Nats, it's likely the ballclub plans to move on with Michael A. Taylor in center. The 24-year-old was impressive filling in for Span in his first full season in the majors.

But the Nationals could look for depth in the outfield via free agency this offseason. Injuries to Jayson Werth and Span last year forced the Nats to play Danny Espinosa and Clint Robinson with little experience in the outfield. The 36-year-old Werth was only able to appear in 88 games in 2015.

Here are some free agent outfielders that could be good fits for the Nationals:

Dexter Fowler: The switch-hitting center fielder slashed .250/.346/.411 with 17 homers, 46 RBIs, 102 runs scored and 20 stolen bases for the Cubs last season. He provides speed and on-base skills as a leadoff hitter and could be a much needed left-handed bat in the Nats lineup. The 30-year-old made $9.5 million in his one season in Chicago last year.

Gerardo Parra: The versatile left-handed swinging outfielder slashed .291/.328/.452 with 14 homers, 51 RBIs and 14 stolen bases for the Brewers and Orioles. He was reportedly targeted by the Nats at the trade deadline last July before ending up in Baltimore. The 28-year-old made $6.2 million last year.

Nori Aoki: He has played mostly as a right fielder in his career, but has experience in left and center as well. Aoki batted .287/.353/.380 with more walks (30) than strikeouts (25) in 2015, but a broken leg and a concussion limited him to only 93 games with the Giants last season.

Of course, there are flashier outfielders like Justin Upton, Yoenis Cespedes and Jason Heyward on the market, but the Nationals are unlikely to chase them with Werth still tied up for two more years.