Report: Strasburg trying to convince Rendon to return to Nats

Stephen Strasburg wants to get the band back together.

The Washington Nationals right-hander is actively trying to convince free-agent third baseman Anthony Rendon to re-sign in D.C., a source told Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports.

Strasburg just agreed on a seven-year, $245-million contract with the Nationals on Monday, becoming the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history in the process.

A portion of the contract - a reported $80 million - will be deferred until after 2027. Similarly, it's expected any deal the Nationals offer Rendon will ultimately include deferred money. Rendon is apparently more willing to consider deferrals now than he once was, the source told Zuckerman.

It previously seemed unlikely Washington would be able to re-sign both All-Stars, with owner Mark Lerner saying the club couldn't afford it. Scott Boras, who represents the two superstars, is more optimistic about the possibility.

"I think Mark’s comments were before the Strasburg negotiations were complete," Boras said Tuesday. "And that contract structure that Stephen did allowed certainly an opening and a consideration that probably the Nationals were available to them in their decision-making. So I think it’s something that clearly opens doors for them. And when you look at their payroll structure, and the amount of money they have in the $60-$70 million range with their payroll, I think they can sign not only an Anthony Rendon but many players."

Still, the Nationals have plenty of competition in their pursuit of Rendon with the Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers all being linked to him at various points during the offseason.

Rendon, 29, has been a fixture in the Nationals' lineup since his debut in 2013. Over seven seasons, Rendon has hit .290 with 136 home runs, 245 doubles, 546 RBIs, and a .859 OPS.