Washington Nationals superstar third baseman Anthony Rendon is officially a free agent, and all signs point to him signing a massive contract this winter.
However, there is reason to believe that a return to Washington could be in the cards.
As Jon Heyman of MLB Network suggests, Rendon has previously made a pair of overtures to the Nationals with respect to a contract extension:
Rendon actually made 2 counteroffers to stay to the Nats over the last couple years, so it’s fair to assume he loves DC and the Nats. But it’s also fair to assume price has gone up now that he’s a free agent coming off Brooks like postseason.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 3, 2019
The two sides were thought to be discussing terms on a potential extension this past winter after it became evident that the Nationals would not bring back Bryce Harper. However, Rendon set a self-imposed deadline before Spring Training, and a deal was not completed.
Now, things are more complicated for the Nationals. Rendon has been one of the more overlooked talents in baseball for the last five years, but he shined on the national spotlight during October while also putting up an MVP-caliber year during the regular season.
Rendon led the MLB in RBIs (126) and ranked seventh in wRC+ (154). He slashed .319/.412/.598 with 34 homers, and he was consistently one of the most fearsome hitters in the game.
He is no slouch at the hot corner, either. Rendon has posted a positive UZR value in every year since 2014, and he also notched two Defensive Runs Saved last season.
Rendon was sensational during the postseason. He surpassed the 1.000 OPS in the first two series before hitting a pair of homers and driving in eight runs during the World Series.
The Nationals may face a tough choice given that right-handed ace Stephen Strasburg is also a free agent, but both players have previously shown interest in remaining in D.C.
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