:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50980089/590508922.0.jpg)
The Nationals recently opened talks about a contract extension with catcher Wilson Ramos, according to a report from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. Talks did not progress to a point where a deal is considered likely.
Washington offered Ramos “a bit more” than a 3-year, $30 million deal, according to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post. Ramos is slated to become a free agent after the season, and appears to be a likely candidate to test the open market.
Ramos, 29, has been excellent this season, posting a .303/.352/.491 line with 21 home runs and 79 RBI in 128 games for the Nationals. He is expected to draw strong interest from multiple clubs (including the Braves) as one of the top free-agent catching options along with Matt Wieters and Jason Castro.
Ramos will be entering his age-30 season next year, meaning he may look for a 4- or 5-year deal instead of accepting Washington’s 3-year offer. Three years ago, catcher Brian McCann received a 5-year, $85 million deal from the Yankees entering his age-30 season despite performing much worse than Ramos in his contract year.