Nationals 3B Rendon willing to discuss extension

Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season, but he is open to signing a contract extension before it comes to that point. Rendon, 28, spoke with reporters Wednesday about his willingness to stay in Washington if the deal is right.

"We talked about it over the last year or so, and if both parties can be happy, then we'll see," Rendon said in comments published by MASNSports.com. "If not, then we'll see what happens. We had more discussions (this winter), but I can't lay all the cards out on the table for y'all. I've got to leave y'all in suspicion." The drama has not even settled on this year's Nationals free agents, let alone Rendon and others who are scheduled to hit the open market next winter. Bryce Harper remains unsigned as he seeks a deal in excess of $300 million guaranteed, and he reportedly has not ruled out a return to Washington.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said he spoke with Harper last season about staying focused amid contract distractions. Many of those lessons could apply this season to Rendon. The Houston native hit a career-high .308 along with 24 home runs and 92 RBIs in 136 games last season. He has clubbed at least 20 homers in each of the past three seasons, and he has eclipsed .300 in back-to-back years.

"Obviously, Bryce and I had a lot of conversations about just to get him to focus on today and not worry about it," Martinez said to MASNSports.com. "(Rendon) is one of the best young hitters in the game. I'll continue to have that conversation if need be. "Anthony and Bryce are two different people. I think Anthony will handle things a little differently. We will see if it comes. I think he'll go out there and play the game. I watch him take BP. I watch him go through everything. And nothing has changed."

Rendon is represented by super-agent Scott Boras, but he said he would have input on his contract negotiations. "I like to be involved, for sure," Rendon said. "What everyone has the misconception of is, they think that we work for Scott. That's not the way it works. Like, I'm telling him how it's going. And you can ask him. We've gotten in some jibber-jabbers before, too. So, like, I'm paying him. Nah, that don't fly with me."

--Field Level Media