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Nationals: 3 former players Washington should avoid signing

By James Simmons

Wilson Ramos #40 of the New York Mets celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the Washington Nationals during game 1 of a double header at Nationals Park on September 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Wilson Ramos #40 of the New York Mets celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the Washington Nationals during game 1 of a double header at Nationals Park on September 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Wilson Ramos is maybe the best catcher in team history, though the Washington Nationals should not re-sign him.
Wilson Ramos #40 of the New York Mets celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the Washington Nationals during game 1 of a double header at Nationals Park on September 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Among the former Washington Nationals players on the free agent market, there are three the team should stray away from signing this year.

There are not many players who don the Washington Nationals uniform who I wish would leave and not return. Regardless of production. I get attached to players even when they are with the team for a short time.

For example, I was happy in 2018 when Tommy Milone returned to the club for the first time since being traded away in 2011. He only made five starts with the Nationals his rookie year, but I know exactly where I was when he  debuted in the majors.

Edwin Jackson was another guy who had multiple years between tours of duty with the Nationals and I enjoyed having him back in town, even if his 5.07 ERA was an eyesore in 2017.

Whether my feelings are driven by nostalgia, loyalty, or ignorance, I know I am a better fan than I would make general manager of the Nationals. If it were up to me Danny Espinosa would be signed to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training until he was 40.

There are several ex-Nationals on the free agent market right now and as much as it pains me, there are a handful the Nationals can’t consider bringing back. Even for old times’ sake.

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