While free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche is in talks with
“multiple opposing clubs,” the slugger is still maintaining that his preference
is re-signing with the Washington Nationals, according to Adam Kilgore of The
Washington Post.
“We’re talking to a few other teams,” LaRoche said Friday evening in a voicemail. “Got to keep things open in case Washington doesn’t work out. I’m still hopeful that it will, but as you know it takes two sides cooperating to make that happen. I’m doing everything I can.”
The Nationals have had a two-year offer on the table for
LaRoche throughout the offseason, but the veteran is seeking a three-year commitment.
Washington feels no urgency in the situation as they have several factors in
their favor:
LaRoche wants to re-sign with the Nationals.
The Nationals will receive a draft pick as compensation if
LaRoche signs elsewhere.
Washington has a replacement for LaRoche on their roster in
the form of Mike Morse.
For those reasons it appears that LaRoche will have to find
his three-year commitment elsewhere if he wants to sign one at all this winter.
The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are among the other teams that have
been tied to the free agent.
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