Washington
Washington Nationals Will Have To Open Up Checkbook To Land This Free Agent
The Washington Nationals are a team that many people are expecting to be aggressive in free agency this offseason.
Despite winning only 71 games during the 2024 season, this is a team that is on the rise. A talented young core is being built and the time to spend some money and upgrade around them is now.
There are a few holes that could use filling this winter, with the corner infield being arguably the most pressing. It will be interesting to see how they look to address those needs, as several free agents and trade targets could emerge.
If they look to sign someone, Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros is the no-brainer top option. With Matt Chapman signing an extension with the San Francisco Giants during the season and Eugenio Suarez’s option being picked up, it is slim pickings in free agency.
That is partly why the contract projections for the two-time World Series champion are so high. As shared by Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, the talented third baseman is expected to sign a six-year, $187 million deal.
That $31.2 million AAV would place him No. 5 amongst players at his position. Right ahead of Chapman but behind Anthony Rendon, Nolan Arenado, Manny Machado and Rafael Devers.
“Bregman seems to be a primary target of the Astros and Washington Nationals (a very widely rumored landing spot for him) — two teams that tend to be aggressive and not worry about models when chasing their targets. Will Bregman get more with a narrower market than shortstop Willy Adames will while having three or four times as many teams engaged? Bregman has posted three straight 4-to-5 WAR seasons with a wide base of skills, though he hasn’t topped 26 homers since 2019 and plays a corner position,” McDaniel wrote.
The Astros aren’t going to let him go without a fight, as his departure would create a massive void for the team to fill. That could mean having to pay him a little extra to convince him to leave Houston behind.
Despite the drop in power, even what was considered a somewhat underwhelming season for Bregman this past year would have placed him in the argument as being the most productive Nationals hitter.
His 30 doubles, 26 home runs and 75 RBI would have all been first on the team. His slash line of .260/.315/.453 would have been near the top among qualified hitters as well.
There is a lot to like about Bregman’s fit in Washington. He would bring championship experience to a team lacking in that area, as free agent starting pitcher Patrick Corbin was the last player remaining from their 2019 World Series team.
That kind of clubhouse leadership is important to have. Not to mention, he addresses arguably the biggest need the team has coming into the offseason.
Washington
OKC Thunder vs. Washington Wizards [12/23]: Updated Injury Report, Betting odds
The Oklahoma City Thunder (22-5) and Washington Wizards (4-22) will face off in the Paycom Center for a mini one game home stand. The Thunder will then head East for a two game road trip to take on the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets before its elongated home stand to close out December and tip-off January.
The OKC Thunder are poised to extend its seven game winning streak playing an inferior opponent, but they have to start the game fast with the energy needed to run the Wizards off the floor.
Ahead of this game, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Washington Wizards have each added names to its injury report and the betting odds have been updated.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Washington Wizards
The Oklahoma City Thunder opened up as 18 point favorites over the Washington Wizards according to FanDuel, but that has been bet down to 17.5 as of this afternoon. The Thunder have been good at covering the spread this season, though this is a massive line. However, with two days off after this game, the Thunder might not rest its rotation too much regardless of score.
Want to join the discussion? Like Thunder on SI on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
Washington
Commanders-Eagles Stats & Snaps
“Washington-Philadelphia Monday Stats Pack” is presented by BDO by the Numbers. People who know, know BDO.
A list of stats and notes from the Washington Commanders’ 36-33 win against Philadelphia, presented by BDO by the Numbers, as compiled by Washington Commanders Public Relations.
Washington
Denzel Washington Receives Minister’s License, Gets Baptized
Denzel Washington can now add ministry to his long resume.
On Saturday, the Gladiator II star was baptized, receiving a certificate of baptism, as well as a minister’s license, meaning that he can later get ordained. The event took place at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ located in New York City’s Harlem, per Today. First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York livestreamed the service on Facebook.
“In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I’m here,” the prolific actor said. Washington also thanked his wife, Pauletta Washington.
The two-time Academy Award winner has been open about his faith before, telling Esquire last month that while talk of religion in Hollywood is rare, he is unflinching in his resolve to share his beliefs and experience.
“I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it—you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” he wrote in an essay relayed by the magazine.
He continued at the time, “It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe. There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard. It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”
Upcoming on Washington’s docket is Spike Lee’s Apple Original Films/A24 project Highest 2 Lowest, alongside A$AP Rocky & Ice Spice, as well as Black Panther 3, his involvement in which he accidentally let slip.
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