Washington Nationals ‘still’ in talks with Laynce Nix – MLB Update
The Washington Nationals have to deal with eight free agents before the exclusive negotiation deadline of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, November 3. However, with just one day to go and no substantial movement by the management, it seems quite likely that all players
will have to test waters in the free market before the Nationals make any considerable offer.
Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo and his team got into talks with out-fielder Laynce Nix at the end of the season, but nothing concrete has been reached between both parties thus far. These views were expressed by Nix’s agent Don Mitchell, who asserted
that he has already received calls from four clubs showing interest in the player.
Nix outperformed his team-mates in the first half of the season, lashing 16 home-runs in only 351 at-bats. His slugging percentage of .451 and a batting average of .250 ranked him among the top performers of the ballclub, but subsequent injuries kept him
away for the most part of the second half.
Commenting on the nature of his injury, Nix asserted that it was nothing serious and that only rest was enough to heal the ailment. The out-fielder added that he loved the guys on the club and was really excited about striking a deal with the ballclub again.
However, nothing is final yet and it remains to be seen how things unfold in the near future.
Joining Nix are Jonny Gomes and Rick Ankiel, both of whom have enjoyed a similar status as Laynce. The trio has helped the Nationals in defining the culture of the ballclub, but it seems highly unlikely that Rizzo will bring all of them back to the ballclub.
However, having said this, there is a possibility that one or two of these players might earn a considerate deal with the franchise.
Nix signed a minor league deal with the Nationals in the offseason last year, but given his performance, a major league deal as a fourth out-fielder is on the cards. His journey with the Nationals might be over and this became evident when Cleveland Indians
declined to pick Grady Sizemore’s option for 2012.
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