The Nationals made a run at free agent southpaw Cliff Lee before he signed with the Phillies. They also tried for right-hander Zack Greinke before the Royals dealt him to the Brewers.
The free agent market is mostly a scrap heap by now, but one top free agent pitcher remains and the Nationals are doing their best to bring him in.
According to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson, Washington remains “in the mix” for Carl Pavano, who is expected to decide on a team within the next week or two.
Pavano, 34, posted a 3.75 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 32 starts this past season for the Twins. He struck out 117 batters and walked only 33, amassing a six-year high 221 innings.
The Cubs, Brewers and Rangers have also expressed varying levels of interest and Minnesota may look into re-signing him if his price drops low enough. At the moment, the right-hander is thought to be seeking a three-year contract worth between $10-$11 million annually.