5 big-name players who rejected the Nationals this offseason
Yoenis Cespedes is returning to the New York Mets on a reported three-year, $75-million deal, and in the process joins a list of players who rejected an offer from the Washington Nationals this offseason.
Perhaps these players aren't interested in getting into a dugout skirmish with Jonathan Papelbon, or trying to outshine NL MVP Bryce Harper. Whatever their reasoning, here are five big names who decided against playing in Washington during the 2016 season.
Darren O'Day
The side-winding O'Day was "really close" to making Washington his new home, but instead opted to return to the Baltimore Orioles on a four-year, $31-million deal in October. Despite O'Day's wife Elizabeth Prann reporting for FOX News in D.C., the right-hander was more interested in building on the bonds he's created with his teammates in Baltimore, and helping them return to the top of the AL East.
Jason Heyward
The sweepstakes for Heyward featured a number of teams, including the Nationals, but the prized outfielder decided to make the Chicago Cubs his new home with an eight-year, $184-million deal. Washington did make a valiant effort for his services, offering $200 million, but it wasn't enough to lure the 26-year-old to America's capital. Heyward said it was Chicago's young core that convinced him to spurn more lucrative deals.
Ben Zobrist
Washington's first choice at second was the versatile Zobrist, who was a major factor in helping the Kansas City Royals win their first World Series since 1985. The Nationals instead gave their money to former Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy to fill their second base void, after Zobrist bolted for the Windy City on a four-year, $56-million deal, reuniting him with manager Joe Maddon.
Brandon Phillips
After losing Zobrist to the Cubs, and before signing Murphy to a multi-year deal, new skipper Dusty Baker may have influenced the Nationals to pursue Cincinnati Reds second baseman Phillips, whom he once managed. After a deal was agreed upon, Phillips invoked his 10-and-5 rights to veto a trade to Washington and remain with the rebuilding Reds for the foreseeable future.
Yoenis Cespedes
A reported five-year deal worth at least $100 million wasn't enough to pull Cespedes away from the rival Mets. Cespedes wound up taking less years and total money to stay in New York, rather than roam the outfield for the Nationals. A bold move by the Cuban, but he adores playing in the Big Apple, and he could earn $27.5 million for one season of work if he invokes his opt-out clause.