Nationals rumors: Washington may pursue Gerardo Parra in free agency

The Nationals have had previous interest in Orioles outfielder Gerardo Parra and may pursue him in free agency this winter, according to a report from James Wagner of the Washington Post. Parra is expected to draw significant interest from many teams looking for outfield help after a strong season in 2015.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Matt Williams have familiarity with Parra due to their time in Arizona, when Rizzo was the Diamondbacks scouting director and Williams was on the coaching staff. According to Wagner, the Nationals have previously pursued Parra twice -- in 2013 before acquiring Denard Span and at this year's trade deadline when the Brewers made him available.

Parra, 28, has struggled since being traded to Baltimore at the end of July, hitting just .222 with five home runs in 45 games after posting a .328 average with nine home runs in 100 games. He will hit free agency for the first time this winter and may command a four-year deal after a strong year.

Baltimore is expected to make a push to re-sign Parra, but may have to let him go in order to seriously pursue pending free agents Matt Wieters and Chris Davis. If the Nationals pursue Parra, he would be a likely replacement for Span alongside Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper in the team's outfield.