Report: Nats unlikely to be major player for Bryant, LeMahieu originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
This offseason, two of the biggest names linked to the Washington Nationals have been Kris Bryant and DJ LeMahieu. However, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, neither will be in D.C. when the 2021 season begins.
"According to a source, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is scheduled to speak with team ownership on Tuesday. The discussion is expected to provide Rizzo with greater clarity on the club’s payroll for 2021, but the Nats remain unlikely to be a major player for a big-ticket item such as Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant or free-agent infielder DJ LeMahieu, sources say," Rosenthal wrote in his latest column.
Bryant is still in a contract with the Chicago Cubs, but as they continue to evaluate their future, the star third baseman has been connected to a Washington team with a hole at his position. LeMahieu is one of the top free agents on the market and would provide the Nationals with a much-needed consistent bat in the lineup.
Despite both players having the potential to improve the team, Rosenthal noted that the Nationals may not have the resources to make the moves possible. Both players will require high prices, with LeMahieu commanding a large contract in free agency and Bryant being owed around $20 million for what could become a one-year rental.
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For the Nationals, a team that could use upgrades all over the field, going all-in on those players would have other areas remaining vulnerable. Additionally, Washington should be holding on to top prospects that could be required in a trade.
"The team probably cannot afford to commit to a Bryant or LeMahieu while trying to fill so many other holes, making less expensive options more viable," Rosenthal wrote.
As Rosenthal stated, the plan for the Nationals this offseason could revolve around bringing in multiple, middle-tier free agents that are more cost-efficient. He reported the same idea on MLB Network, as it would allow the team to have a better opportunity to attack problems across the roster.
