2012 MLB Free Agents: Nationals to Make “Strong Push” for Oswalt
By Editorial Staff
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Washington Nationals are prepared to make a major push for free agent right-hander Roy Oswalt this offseason. Rosenthal says the Nationals view Oswalt as a perfect veteran complement to their young rotation.
Already having agreed to bring Chien-Ming Wang back next season, the Nationals current staff includes Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, John Lannan and Wang. While Wang is 31 years old, the other three members of Washington’s rotation are 27 or younger.
While the Nationals might see Oswalt as a great addition to the top of their rotation, the feelings may not be mutual. According to Bob Garber, Oswalt’s agent, the 34-year-old’s main goal “is to get the ring”. Garber told Rosenthal that, though Oswalt has already “made a lot of money”, the starter “doesn’t have any jewelry right now”. At this point, Garber said Oswalt’s focus is all “about the ring”.
Oswalt’s family is also very important to him, and Garber noted that “it would be a bonus” for his client “to be close to home”. But location will not be a major priority, as “nothing is off limits, in terms of either coast or the Midwest” according to Garber.
Unfortunately for the Nationals, they don’t seem to be a match for either of Oswalt’s top desires. Though Washington is attempting to put together a competitive club in 2012, many think they are at least a few years away from becoming true World Series contenders.
Along with the Nationals, several other clubs have shown interest in Oswalt. The Yankees have contacted Garber, who also represents free agent starter C.J. Wilson. Texas has also been linked to Oswalt, and the Phillies have not shut the door on a possible return. Any off these teams would offer Oswalt a better chance at reaching and winning a World Series in 2012.
For more on the Nationals, be sure to check out District on Deck.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.