Nationals rumors: Washington shopping Michael Morse

After acquiring center fielder Denard Span from the Minnesota Twins, the Washington Nationals are "definitely shopping" first baseman/outfielder Michael Morse, reports Jayson Stark of ESPN:

In the wake of Denard Span deal, #Nationals are "definitely shopping Mike Morse a little bit," says AL exec. Could deal Morse & sign LaRoche

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 30, 2012

Stark adds that if the Nationals decide to trade Morse they could re-sign Adam LaRoche as their regular first baseman next season and beyond. Earlier this week it was reported that talks between LaRoche and the Nationals hadn’t progressed much this offseason.

In acquiring Span from the Twins the Nationals now have a true center fielder on their roster that will allow them to shift Bryce Harper to a corner outfield position. That would provide one less spot for Morse, who can also man first base.

There certainly figures to be a market for Morse if the Nationals do make him available, but it’s hard to say what it would be considering he’s coming off a relative down year. After breaking onto the scene by hitting .303/.360/.550 with 36 doubles and 31 home runs in 2011, the 30-year-old hit .291/.321/.470 with 17 doubles and 18 home runs last season.

Over eight seasons at the major league level Morse has hit .295/.347/.492 and he’s set to make $6.75 million in 2013.