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MLB Rumors: 10 free agency signings that need to happen

By Steven McNeil

Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 18, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) doubles during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) doubles during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Justin Upton – Washington Nationals

If their pursuit of Jason Heyward didn’t tell you that they weren’t satisfied with their current outfield situation, I don’t know what does. I believe that the Nationals feel dissatisfied after last year’s debacle and are committed to building a better and more consistent team. The pursuit of Heyward also showed us that they have money to spend and are willing to do so.

The Nationals outfield as of today would consist of Jayson Werth in left field, Michael Taylor in center field, and Bryce Harper in right field. While Upton can’t play center and moving Bryce Harper to that position doesn’t make sense, the Nationals could find a team that is willing to take on Werth (White Sox?) who will be 37 on Opening Day and under team control for one more year after 2016.

If the Nationals are committed to being proactive about the future of their outfield then Upton needs to happen; he allows them to be flexible when considering resigning Bryce Harper in 2018. The Nationals need to do something to distance themselves from the Mets and to make up for the loss of Zimmermann.

Adding Upton’s .271/.352/.473 slash and 121 wRC+ to a lineup that includes the power of Harper, Taylor, Ryan Zimerman, Anthony Rendon is mighty tantalizing. Then you add on the signing of Daniel Murphy that I think needs to happen, and it looks even better.

Next: Chris Davis

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