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Nationals GM: Extending Rendon is offseason priority

Eric Espada / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo wants to keep Anthony Rendon in the nation's capital for years to come.

Speaking to reporters at the Nationals Winterfest event on Saturday, Rizzo revealed that extending the third baseman - who's now one year away from free agency - is a current priority for the team, according to The Athletic's Brittany Ghiroli.

"I think we should (prioritize Rendon). And I think we have. And I think we will continue to do so," Rizzo said, per Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post. "He's a guy that we drafted, signed and developed and he's one of our own. He's a terrific player that nobody talks about."

Rendon was drafted sixth overall by Washington in 2011, and has since blossomed into an important part of the team's attack. This past season the 28-year-old led the National League with 44 doubles while slashing .308/.374/.535 with 24 home runs and 92 RBIs.

MLB Trade Rumors projects that Rendon will earn $17.6 million in 2019.

The Nationals are expected to be busy this offseason, and they could be ready to spend a lot of money. In addition to the possibility of paying Rendon some big bucks via an extension, they're in the mix for free-agent left-hander Patrick Corbin, who Rizzo acknowledged met with the team this week.

Retaining superstar Bryce Harper - who's expected to receive one of the largest deals in history this winter - is also at the top of Washington's wish list, although Rizzo told Ghiroli that his situation is "independent" of the Nats' other offseason business, including discussions with Rendon.

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