Nationals GM: 'We're aggressively trying to sign Anthony Rendon'

The Washington Nationals don't appear ready to let another star walk after losing Bryce Harper in free agency last offseason.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo reasserted Wednesday that the team is focused on keeping Anthony Rendon, who is scheduled to become a free agent at the conclusion of this season.

"We're aggressively trying to sign Anthony Rendon," Rizzo said on 106.7 The Fan. "We'd love to have him here as a National long term."

Rendon, 28, is off to a blazing start, hitting .333/.428./.691 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs in 34 games this season. In January, he was reportedly looking for a new contract in line with the seven-year, $163.5-million deal Jose Altuve signed with the Houston Astros before the 2018 campaign.

Rizzo also took the time to remind fans exactly what the organization is focused on despite a disappointing start.

"We're here to win the National League East," Rizzo said. "We think it's a winnable division with the team that we have."

Washington (19-29) sits nine games out of first place in the NL East entering Wednesday's action. The team already fired pitching coach Derek Lilliquist at the beginning of May.