Rizzo updates Nats' offseason: "A million moving pieces that we're thinking about"

After introducing the Nationals' new medical structure at an afternoon press conference, general manager Mike Rizzo provided an update on where the team is at with the Winter Meetings approaching in three weeks.

"I think we're on schedule," Rizzo said. "We've had a busy offseason. We've done a lot. We've revamped our medical staff. We've revamped our manager's position. We've revamped our major league coaching staff. So we've done a lot. The general managers meetings is usually the place where we lay foundations for trades, free agent acquisitions and that type of thing. So I think we're certainly on schedule and we feel good about what's coming in the future."

Rizzo has decisions to make regarding strengthening his bullpen and potentially adding another starting pitcher and outfielder.

"We're certainly not afraid to sign free agents," he said. "We're certainly not afraid to make big trades and small trades. We're at the beginning of the process right now. There's a million moving pieces that we're thinking about and calling on and that type of thing."

Last winter, Rizzo swung a massive deal, acquiring a pair of highly regarded prospects in right-hander Joe Ross and infielder Trea Turner from the Padres. Then, the Nationals stunned the baseball world by adding Max Scherzer to their rotation with a record contract.

"We never limit ourselves with anything," Rizzo said. "We're open-minded. If there's something that improves the baseball team and we can fit it into our budget payroll-wise, we're open and aggressive to doing it."

There's already been significant player movement coming off the GM meetings with high-profile trades involving shortstop Andrelton Simmons and elite closer Craig Kimbrel. But Rizzo indicated the early hot stove action isn't surprising.

"There's been a little more activity phone call-wise and that type of thing," he said. "But I would kind of describe it as normal GM to Winter Meetings kind of banter."