Nationals rumors: Jesus Flores, Michael Morse, Tyler Moore

Following their most successful season as a franchise, the Washington Nationals will make several roster moves this offseason to remain competitors in NL East, reports Bill Ladson of MLB.com:

Can the Nationals go to the World Series next year? It depends on the tweaks they make this offseason...

[Jesus] Flores is not expected to be back with the Nats. They will try to trade him before they hit the arbitration table...

If [Adam] LaRoche signs with another team, [Michael] Morse is most likely the guy at first base. However, a baseball source left open the possibility that Morse could be traded...

Both [Tyler] Moore and Morse are not outfielders by trade and are better suited at first base. The source also said that opposing teams have expressed interest in Moore.

According to Ladson, a lot of the roster adjustments for the starting nine will hinge on whether or not GM Mike Rizzo can work out a deal with first baseman LaRoche, who had a career year in 2012. LaRoche has a $10 million option for the 2013 season but the club may look to sign him more long-term.

If LaRoche does not sign an extension, several scenarios could play out. Morse could still be traded, leaving the door open for Ryan Zimmerman to take over at first base and top prospect Anthony Rendon to get a shot at third. If injury issues continue to hamper Rendon, however, then the Nats could go with either Morse or Moore at first instead.