FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal brings the scoop …
Sources: #Nationals have discussed Desmond with #Mariners on multiple occasions. Nats like Miller. Talks have yet to gain traction.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2014
Ian Desmond can become a free agent after 2015 and the Nationals might be feeling like they’re not going to be able to afford him. The 29-year-old shortstop has tallied 20-plus homers and 20-plus steals in each of the last three seasons. He turned down a six-year, $80-$90 million contract extension last winter.
Brad Miller had a dreadful 2014 in Seattle, batting .221/.288/.365 in 123 games, and eventually losing his starting shortstop job to Chris Taylor. But Miller was a monster in the minors and comes with five years of contractual control. He’s only 25 years old.