Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo at the GM Meetings; Nats rumors, & Juan Soto at the bus stop and on Desus & Mero…

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news before the latest rumors start coming in…

Mike Rizzo talked about Ryan Zimmerman (he’d love to have Zim back), Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg (love to have them both back too), and more at the GM Meetings last night, so there are actually some new quotes to parse for hints as to what the Nationals’ front office is going to do this winter as they try to build a team that can compete for the World Series again in 2020. It’s officially time to move on from 2019. Go read your links:

NATS BEAT:

Mike Rizzo expects Stephen Strasburg, Anthony Rendon discussions to pick up this week – (WaPost)
“Rizzo expects to meet with agent Scott Boras before heading back east Thursday. Boras represents Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon…”

Rizzo: Nats have ‘head start’ with Rendon, Stras – (MLB.com)
“Losing one or perhaps both of them would be a huge setback for the Nats. They would like to find a way to keep both of their star talents.”

With the Nationals facing questions, the Capitals provide one set of answers – (WaPost)
“So the simple answer, if the Lerner family — which owns the Nats — wants to pay for, say, both Rendon and Strasburg to the tune of close to a half-billion dollars, then it can pay for both Rendon and Strasburg.”

Juan Soto surprises Bethesda middle school students at bus stop – (NBC Sports Washington)
“While most champs decide to vacation or take some time off after the season comes to an end, the Nats’ star decided to surprise some Montgomery County students at a bus stop…”

Martinez finishes fifth in NL Manager of the Year voting – (MASN)
“But all ballots for National League Manager of the Year were submitted before the start of the postseason, and on the final day of September, Martinez’s work hadn’t yet been fully appreciated.”

A Book on the Nationals’ 2019 Season Is in the Works – (Washingtonian)
“Written by Washington Post beat reporter Jesse Dougherty, who covered the entire season, the book was just acquired by Simon & Schuster, according to Publisher’s Marketplace.”

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

These 147 top prospects are Rule 5 eligible – (MLB.com)
Washington Nationals (7): 13) Sterling Sharp, RHP; 15) Ben Braymer, LHP; 21) Steven Fuentes, RHP; 22) Malvin Pena, RHP; 25) Gilbert Lara, SS/3B; 27) Telmito Agustin, OF; 28) Jhonatan German, RHP

Along with offense, Cincinnati Reds want to add pitching in offseason – (Cincinnati.com)
“[The Reds] looked at free agent second baseman Howie Kendrick, who had a .395 on-base percentage in 370 at-bats with the Washington Nationals this season, but a league source said it’s unlikely he signs with the Reds and the Tampa Bay Rays are the frontrunners to add him.”

MLB NEWS: