Though they certainly intend to add more players from outside the organization this winter, the Nationals could theoretically field an Opening Day lineup comprised solely of players already on the 40-man roster and compete. Except for one position. While there are enough players to fill out the outfield (James Wood, Dylan Crews, Jacob Young) and ha

Taylor Ward is about three weeks away from celebrating his 32nd birthday and four months from the start of his ninth major league season. He’s changing his address from Anaheim to Baltimore but keeping the responsibilities that come with age and experience. None of the Orioles’ hitters bring as much of it except for outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who’s

Taylor Ward’s phone rang around 8 p.m. Tuesday, he checked the name of the caller and saw that Angels general manager Perry Minasian was trying to contact him. Ward had always prepared himself for the possibility of a trade, and now, Minasian randomly was on the other end of the line. “Obviously,” he said today in a video call, “there’s been rumors

The Nationals’ decision to tender contracts to all of their arbitration-eligible players Friday was something of a surprise. Given the new regime now running baseball operations, it stood to reason there would be at least one or two non-tenders, signaling a desire to make at least some changes to the roster this group inherited. President of baseba

The Orioles’ pitching staff is incomplete, with additions sought for the rotation and bullpen. Mike Elias traded for an outfielder but might want another option in center. He also has indicated that he could target a big bat. Nothing much is said about the infield besides the decision to tender Ryan Mountcastle a contract. Ramón Urías was used in a

Throughout this offseason’s hiring process, we’ve been able to connect some dots to people who we wouldn’t have otherwise believed to be connected. Despite operating in varying roles in the same division for a long time, the Nationals’ new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni (who spent the last 10 years with the Red Sox) and new manager Bl

The 17-minute video call with president of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias confirmed that he isn’t necessarily done with the outfield. He’s got the numbers but also a willingness to work them. Seven outfielders are stashed on the 40-man roster, including Reed Trimble, who was added to protect him in the Rule 5 draft. He’s expected to

With more than two decades of their own history to call back upon now, more and more players from Nationals history are beginning to show up on the Hall of Fame ballot. This year’s ballot, as a matter of fact, includes three ex-Nats players for the first time: Gio Gonzalez, Howie Kendrick and Daniel Murphy. OK, so none of those three is likely to g

Because it’s never too early to wonder about lineup construction, even before Thanksgiving, there’s an instant curiosity over the most ideal spot to bat Taylor Ward. Ward has hit everywhere during his eight-year career, and before the Orioles acquired him from the Angels this week for starter Grayson Rodriguez in a shocking one-for-one deal. The br

The decision to non-tender pitcher Albert Suárez didn’t necessarily close the door on his return next year. The decision to tender first baseman Ryan Mountcastle showed that the Orioles are open to making room for him on the roster. President of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias explained today’s moves in a video call, as well as the m